CONTINUOUSWAVE

What cooler can be used on the cleats already in place on a 1981 Montauk 17

The OEM cooler was the 86-quart Igloo Marine cooler.

At some point in the 2000's, Igloo redesigned the lid making it taller and changed the size to 94-quart. It is the same width and depth as the original, just slightly taller.

Current pricing is about $140

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/igloo--94-qt-marine-elite-cooler--19991140?recordNum=1

Some models came with the Igloo 72qt.
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/igloo--72-qt-marine-elite-cooler--19991132?recordNum=1

OEM cushions for both are available from Anderson's.
http://www.amfg.us

The original Boston Whaler cooler clips for Igloo are still available (2 screw type) . For use with the OEM Boston Whaler cooler chock bungees.
If you want a better quality cooler, take a look at the YETI Tundra 45. it will fit on many of the Boston Whaler cooler chocks. Tie down system is easily modified using a flat nylon buckle strap through the Yeti and fastened to the bungee.

One advantage of going with the Yeti option may be the fact that tie downs are no longer required. The weight of the cooler and the rubber feet keep it firmly in place, particularly in front of the console. On my Outrage 22, a Yeti 110 fits nicely between the console and the front locker and stay safely in place without any attachment. Besides the simplicity, this saves stubbed toes on deck attachments.

Of course the down side is the cost. But I would guess that a Yeti would provide several times the life expectancy of the Igloo alternative. I suspect that other premium coolers would offer similare performance, but I do not have any experience with them.

Note the OEM cooler hook offered by Nauset Marine https://www.nausetmarine.com/boston-whaler-parts/coolers/1043181-cooler-hook/ for the bungie does not fit some of the latest Igloo Marine cooler models due a change in the handle assembly.

Threading a single rubber dipped clip into the cord will work as it can be clipped to a hole in the handle assembly.

This post will be amended with a photo showing the described approach.

Yeti coolers I have see have much thicker sides, bottoms and tops than do less exotic brands. That causes Yetis of the same size as Igloos, for example, to have less internal capacity. If one's cooler use is for day-long outings, the Igloo may be a better value. If overnight or multiple day outings are your norm a Yeti may be a better value as it will maintain ice for longer periods.

I replaced the Igloo cooler on my 2003 160 Dauntless with a Yeti 45 Tundra cooler that fit the space, chocks, and straps to secure the cooler. Although it's capacity is a bit smaller and the new cooler weighs a lot more and was quite expensive I've never regretted the switch. It keeps the ice for 3-4 days, has a lock option for both the cooler lid and securing it to the boat and lastly it serves as a very sturdy and comfortable seat (with the cushion added).

I will admit drilling holes for cushion snaps on a $325 cooler was a bit nerve wracking it worked out well. Measure twice, drill once and carefully.

Todd