WEST MARINE

70-QUART PREMIUM MARINE COOLER

$299.99; westmarine.com

CAPACITY: 70 quarts

DIMENSIONS: 33.5-by-19-by-18.25 in.

WEIGHT: 34 lb.

This is the only hard-sided cooler in this test and the largest we have tested for BoatingLAB or Boating. Nonskid and nonmarring feet keep it from sliding on the deck. It’s tough enough to stand or sit on, and large enough to be used as a fly-casting platform for added visibility.

SUPERPOWERS: We loved the latches. A rubber ball and molded socket latch have a scissor hinge to leverage the latch in place and securely close the cooler for optimum cooling with minimal finger strength. The hardware is all stainless steel, and the drain plug is tethered to the cooler to avoid losing it.

SUPER COLD: We had 24 of 40 pounds of ice remain after two days.

CARRYING METHOD: At 37 pounds empty, it’s not the heaviest cooler we’ve handled, but it’s a doozy when loaded. You’ll need a stout person on each end, using the rope and dowel handles for transport. A refrigerator gasket seals in the cold. The top is nonskid for secure footing. All hardware is bright, 316 stainless steel.

KRYPTONITE: Superman couldn’t move it once it’s loaded with ice and drinks—he’ll need a fork lift.

SPECIAL ACCESSORIES: Two bottle openers are built into the cooler. We’d add a custom snap-on seat cushion for convenience. A fish ruler is embossed on the lid.

WE MARVEL: It looks great on deck and absolutely stays in place in all but the roughest deck motion. It has 316 stainless hardware, an embossed tape measure on the lid, a tethered drain plug and lockable lid, and includes two bottle openers, two tie-down slots and a refrigerator-quality gasket.