DIY: Installing a Cooler Slide on a Boat
Many center-console boats today have a place for portable coolers. To avoid stumbling, the ice chest is kept hidden away. Unfortunately, this restricts your ability to access cold drinks. To open the lid, you will often have to lift the heavy cooler on a nonskid deck. It can be difficult to get the cooler back under for storage.
A lot of new center consoles have bases that slide assembly to make it easier to pull out the cooler and put it back for storage. The assembly is protected by spring-loaded locking pins that prevent it from sliding around in rough seas.
Don't worry if your boat didn't come with a slider. It is possible to retrofit your center console using an aftermarket sliding base made by companies like Birdsall Marine, Boat Outfitters, and Engel Coolers.
Most sliders are made from King Starboard high density polyethylene marine lumber, which is highly resistant to corrosion and UV rays. These sliding bases can be adjusted to suit the cooler size and available space under the seat or leaning post. These are the steps to install one of Boat Outfitters' universal cooler slides. They have small wheels that make it easy and smooth.
Skill Level 2 out of 5
End Time: Approximately. 2 hours
Tools and supplies
- Boat Outfitters Universal Cooler slide
- Tape measure
- Drill-bit and power drill set
- Phillips screwdriver
- 3M 5200 is a marine sealant
- Marking pencil
- Use rags to remove sealant
- Protective shop glasses
Measure the Space
You will need to tape the dimensions of the space below your seat module or leaning post. Keep in mind that the cooler slides will add 3 1/2 inches to this footprint and 1 inch to the base. If you are planning to add a cooler seating pad, be sure to include it in your footprint. If you don't have enough space for the slide cooler, find a smaller ice chest to fit your boat's cold storage needs.
Select Slider Size
You can choose from three universal slides by Boat Outfitters depending on your cooler's size and space. For coolers up to 54 quarts, the small Boat Outfitters model can accommodate coolers 17 to 27 inches in width and 11 1/2 to 13 1/2 inches in depth. The medium slide is suitable for coolers 18 to 41 inches across and 14 1/2 to 17 5/8 inches deep. Coolers up to 125 quarts will fit into the large slide.
Fit Slider to Cooler
Turn the cooler upside-down and place the slide assembly upside-down on the cooler's bottom. Slide the retainer against the cooler's bottom, then slide the slides upside down onto the cooler. To secure the retainer position, tighten the retainer fasteners. There are multiple sets of spanners available to fit different coolers. Choose the one that best fits your cooler. To secure the spanners' positions, use the eight 8/32 by 3/4 inch stainless-steel set screws.
Tip The spanners make it easy to install the slides and ensure that they are installed squarely and parallel to one another. To eliminate binding, the spanners force the slides to move in unison.
Attach to the Deck
The assembled slider should be placed in the retracted position below the seat module or leaning post. Next, remove the cooler from the slide and mark the six mounting holes on the deck. Use a 9/64 inch drill bit to drill the holes. Each hole should be sealed with marine sealant. The supplied No. 10 1-inch stainless-steel self-tapping screws.
Test Functionality
Secure the cooler in the slider by attaching the slider bungee hooks or any other attachment point to the handles. Pull the cooler out of the slider by pulling on the spring-loaded stainless steel locking pin. Next, reverse the process by pulling up on the locking lever and pushing it back. Check to see if there are any bindings.
Tip Test the slider function using a cooler filled with ice and drinks. Although it might take a little more effort, the wheel-equipped slides will still work smoothly even with the cooler full.
Boat Outfitters cooler slides are made to carry the weight of crew members sitting in extended positions on the cooler. For greater comfort, consider adding a cushion to your cooler. Yeti offers white vinyl seat cushions starting at $125.99 (yeti.com), to complement its large selection of Tundra coolers. To snap the cushion in place, the cushion kits come with studs that fit into the cooler's lid. All hardware is made of stainless steel. When the cooler is being retracted, ensure there is sufficient clearance below the seat module or leaning post to allow for the addition of a cushion measuring 2-3 inches in height.
Visit Our:
Inventory | Parts | Services | Contact Us