I’m considering purchasing a FrigidRigid for my next skiff as a cooler/jumpseat w/cushion in front of the console. I know they are American made, look classy, and handcrafted to last.. but are they truly worth it? Would a yeti be the better option? Spending over $1k for an ice chest just feels weird but what do I know….. if anyone here has one in there skiff or boat plz chime in
TIA
I bought mine in 2001 or 2002, still have it today. Will have it til’ I am gone. They are great coolers, hold ice better than anything out there, are easily repairable, can paint/gelcoat to match the next boat, etc…
I have an EvaCool fiberglass cooler that was a gift. It did hard service through 15 years of guiding and is still solid as a rock another 18 years later. The FrigidRigid are comparable in design and durability.
I’m glad you asked this question. I’m starting a new build and just decided to go ice chest instead of console with cooler/jump seat. I plan to order a Fridgid Ridgid as I can match the Awlgrip color I’m using elsewhere else. I would like to know how current owners are attaching them to the cockpit.
One of my Chittum LM2 customers has one on his 2024 skiff and If I recall correctly he used Sea Suckers to stick it to the front of the center console. Color matched gelcoat looks slick. I think he’s on here, I’m ping him tomorrow.
Coincidentally There’s a used hpxv on marketplace I’m looking at with an EvaKool ice box on it. That’s actually what got me interested in FrigidRigid since it appears evakool is no longer sold in the US unless I’m wrong? All the research I found is that they’re made in Australia.
Yes, made in Oz. I’m not sure who sold them here since mine was a gift.
Any possibility of getting a picture? I’ve thought about doing that with my Yeti.
They have rubber feet and really don’t move around, especially with a bag of ice and some beverage in them.
thanks @Smackdaddy53
My offshore boat came with a frigid rigid from the factory. Never impressed me and super heavy. I used it as a tackle station for a while, after I got a real tackle station pulled it out. It’s been sitting in storage since.
I have multiple Engle’s and they’re great. I’ll be using a 25 as the seat in front of the console. I also have a 250 Igloo as coffin box, it holds ice forever.
I’ve never found mine to be any heavier than any of the roto molded units. I wouldn’t call it light, rather comparable size for size.
@Smackdaddy53 thanks for the photos…this is one option I am pursuing. Do you know the width of this cooler (21" or 24")? It will save me tracking down the measurement of Chittum’s standard console. Thanks!!
21"
Yup they are good coolers. Don’t drop them tho. Arguably lighter than yeti coolers as well.
I use to have on my dolphin but it was stolen. The nice thing is you can have them made so they can be flush to a back stop and still open correctly.
Hands down better than any other plastic cooler.
Several boat manufacturers sell them as standard equipment on their boats like seavee,
Had one made to match my Bonefisher and be the seat in front of the console. It was much better than the cooler integrated into the console. Held ice for days in the hot sun. Frigid Rigid worked with Hewes to get the dimensions and color right.
I had a cushion on top, and nonskid on the lid to use as a casting platform.
The boat was a POS. Still got the cooler.
You can buy a lot of ice for $1000, just saying…lol
Not when you’re 30-40 miles in the middle of the glades or on a week or two long hunting trip though. I throw a gallon jug of spring water frozen in mine along with 20lbs of “bagged” ice and it will have ice still a week later.
