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On a Montauk where it is well known that space is a premium - I decided to sacrifice an old cooler and make a divider. A bit of dremel time and a tube of caulk and I was done. Dry stuff to port. Cooler to starboard. Works well.

[img]http://www.whalercentral.com/images/ppimages/3617/cooler-div.jpg[/img]

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That is a great idea Matt. I sometimes take a small cooler for short trips especially when it's cold so I can use the main cooler for dry storage. This fixes that.

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I was just thinking of using my cooler as storage (probably life jackets) and simply putting a smaller cooler in there too for drinks on regular trips. Also having a dry bag or something to put life jackets in if I need the whole cooler (which should be less common).

This is a good idea though I may try something like this instead and carry a large second cooler in that situation, thanks!

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Another trick you can use to keep your sandwiches and fixins dry is to put a small plastic trash can in your ice chest. The ice and drinks will keep it uoright and the contents will be cold, but dry.
Mike

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I rarely ever use my cooler for its intended purpose and usually just take a small collapsible and stow it under the RPS. A few bottles of water and a couple of sandwiches for a day trip. I usually have life jackets and a couple of dry towels in the big cooler.

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I had been putting a small soft-sided cooler in there, but those things always leak. And every time I pulled out the cooler - it never quite went back in right after an avalanche of towels, coozies, sunscreen, spare lines, etc. When the occasion requires, I do carry a larger cooler in the stern, but as-is this has held a 12-pack of canned beverages, plus half a dozen waters and a pile of kids drink boxes. Mike - the trash can thing is good - too many soggy sandwiches, even when in a zip-lock.

Its sometimes the simple things that satisfy. Guys - post some more cheap-free ideas if ya got 'em.

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Innovative idea, love the "Double" use, my cooler is a "6-pack" cooler (2 -Italian Hero's, 4 soda's).

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I use 2 of those square-shaped buckets that bird food or cat litter comes in the RPS storage area to keep things organized and dry. Plus you always have buckets w/lids available.
I am going to try it for this also after a little height adjustment.

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I like the divided cooler but where do you put your fish?
1/2 a 72 quart cooler doesn't keep much of a fish.

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I don't keep any from where I normally fish. Now when I take it to the coast, I'll have another cooler ready for dinner.

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my PPage will show you