Coolers on board

My cooler rides on the port hull just in front of the trampoline, against the frame. I use a good old fashioned, plastic cooler that holds about 18 canned beverages and some snacks (not big, but medium sized). I think its a coleman.

I hate tramp clutter as there are typically dry-bags already in the space (cold climate, better have all the neoprene with even if it looks mellow). Even though it can be a drag and cause spray, I prefer it to ride on the port or starboard hull-right in front of the tramp frame (literally up against the tramp frame).

First, I got two pieces of high density foam, 3x3x16 (the width of the pontoon). I scribed the shape of hull's top curve into the bottom of the foam bricks. I then cut a trench out of each that is scribed from the bottom of the cooler about 3 inches in from either end of the cooler's base. These two foam bricks have a recessed small "bungy" that spans each and clips under the edge of the hull before the cooler gets set. The cooler always wanted to skate around and was marring up the topdeck. Worst case was to have it wrestled free and dragging on the leeward side of things while your out in trap. Plus I was worried about the down force of the square cooler upon the curve of the hull top, thus the foam bricks which trap the cooler and provide a firm, contoured pad that displaces the load. I modified the cooler with a 3/16s U style bracket (run vertically) all covered and sealed up with 3M 5200. The bracket barely protrudes either inside (where the nuts are) or outside the cooler. It's attached about halfway up the narrow side of the cooler. A small cord runs from the U bracket to the front pylon. With the trapping ability of the foam bricks combined with the keeper cord (simple trucker's hitch) that runs 8 inches back to the pylon, it lives quite happily. I can get into it without risking loosing it. I just flip the handle over and remove the lid. In a big blow or waves, an additional bungy over the whole operation adds additional retention.

Albeit, there are always down sides to the cooler living on the pontoon: spray, drag when heeled, wet canned beverages and/or snacks, but if it's really blowin, I'm already soaked. I'm not points racing against anyone other than friendly a-b stuff against other Hobie friends. I save time where they wrestle buried sheet line from under their on-tramp coolers. I think it works great! It's even good for a seat while I face forward and paddle her home.

I bought the soft cooler that Hobie sold back in 1980 and still have it and used it until I bought a Getaway 4 years ago. It now serves duty on the front of my bicycle hanging from the bars. It hooked onto the tramp behind the mast and was accessable as well as able to hold cool ones most of the day. Easily detached and carried to refill. Hobie should sell them again

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Brooks

i had one to and my zippers went bad so i had to throw it out. Thats what im looking for or wish hobie would sell them again as well

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Hayden 1988 national H16