posted 04-26-2002 09:06 PM ET (US)            

If the cooler is typical of the coolers used o Whalers in 1978 then it is the Igloo 86 qt cooler. This particular model has evolved into what is now the Igloo 94 qt cooler. The new Whalers mostly now use the Igloo 72 qt cooler however.

The extra capacity of the 94 qt cooler comes mostly from the new domed lid. The base is slightly larger as well and probably will not fit into your cooler cleats without modification.

If your cooler cleats are the Montauk style then they can simply be moved forward away from the front of the console to allow a bit more room for a new cooler. The width of the cooler will not matter because the Montauk style cooler cleats do not hold the ends of the cooler like the Outrage style cleats. (these two terms are my own. I'm not sure what the official names are)

If yours are the Outrage style, then you may have to route out some wood and refinish them in order to accommodate the new cooler.

One thing I do not like about the newer domed lids on the Igloo coolers is that it makes it harder to open the cooler lid because it bumps into the console.

Some here simply put the hinges forward which eliminates the problem, but another solution that I had recommended before is using the lid off the old 86 qt cooler on a new 94 qt cooler.

Though the cooler are completely different moldings, the old lid will fit the new cooler. Someone from the FORUM successfully did this. A new cooler cushion will almost completely cover the lid so if it is discolored from age it really won't matter much.