In Search of "The Perfect Cooler" for Ice Box on a CD25

[Max Treece]

I used to have a cooler called a Sun Packer cooler that I used on my 1974 CD25. I have never been able to find a suitable replacement that would fit into the Ice Box under the step into the cabin. I have used a small Playmate by Igloo and a Lil Oscar made by Coleman but they don't hold much. I didn't drill a hole in the bottom of my ice box to drain to the bilge as I like to keep the bilge bone dry except on heavy weather days with some leakage comes in on the rail under sailing.

A few weeks ago, I spotted a cooler by Igloo called the Legend 12. I bought one and it just fits perfectly into the 10"x12" opening to the icebox. At first it appears that the lid will not open all the way to allow retrieving cooled items. Then I discovered that the lid is completely removable so full access is available if needed. My only disappointment is that 20 ounce bottles will not sit upright in the cooler. A few will lay down. It is advertised that 12 - 12 oz cans can be stored in the cooler.

Keeping ice and cans in a separate cooler frees up the shelf and other space for dry snacks and food in the same location outside of the cooler.

I think some of the later model CD25s may have larger openings for their Icebox but for those that have the small opening, take a look at the Igloo Legend 12.

By the way, the small Playmate cooler with the Peaked (not flat) top will hold up to 3-20 ounce bottles upright even though it is the smaller sized cooler.



metreece@duke-energy.com

[Ken Coit]

Sam's Club is selling Igloo 50 qt. coolers for $20. These are the coolers that hold ice for 5 days in 90 degree temps, the same ones that West Marine and Boat US sell for $45 plus shipping.

Our new cooler seems to have found a spot on the pilot berth in place of the navigator. Not a great choice, but it provides more counter space. I think refrigeration is not too far away.

Keep on sailing,

Ken Coit, ND7N
CD/14 #538
CD/36 #84 Parfait
Hailing Port: Raleigh, NC
Sailing from: Beaufort, NC





parfaitNOSPAM@nc.rr.com