Forums39
Topics39,141
Posts317,264
Members26,624
|
Most Online2,995 Sep 3rd, 2024
|
|
10 registered members (Manpot, WWII, Lionsail, ARC, LINNY, TRIM, 4 invisible),
1,416
guests, and 307
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Coolers
#117285
01/15/2017 10:32 AM
01/15/2017 10:32 AM
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 114 Englewood, Florida
DaveF
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 114
Englewood, Florida
|
I am reading over "old posts" and advice getting my thoughts together for our summer charter. I have used the Polar Bear cooler to bring down some basic items and it works well. Why fix it if it is not broken?
That said I have some questions.
Anyone use dry ice for the travel? Wouldn't this take less space, more efficient? Any issues or thoughts of using dry ice?
What about Yeti or other type of longer lasting coolers to bring down some prepared dinners and other personnel favorite foods?
My thought is; Now I can also use the "Yeti" type of cooler on the charter boat for our essentials...beer for one! The reason I was thinking this is the coolers supplied with the charter barely last a day.
Any thoughts on these conundrums?
Dave
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: DaveF]
#117287
01/15/2017 11:25 AM
01/15/2017 11:25 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 945 Georgia & South Carolina
Deepcut
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 945
Georgia & South Carolina
|
We took a polar bear cooler (which is very light empty) on 2 trips this past year. 1st time was packed with frozen meat(NO dry ice) and loaded at 0600 on morning of departure from Atlanta and still frozen when we reached the boat at 1800.
On 2nd trip, since we were staying at hotel prior to departure, I put smallest block of dry ice (partial block which weighed 2 pounds) in top of cooler as we left house and 24 hrs later, everything frozen solid! No peaking!!
A hard cooler will weigh more, especially the "Yeti type". If filled with meat, it will easily exceed the standard luggage limits, adding $$$ to costs.
The soft Polar Bear, is used on excursions to shore if getting Ice or frozen goods, taking cold drinks on shore excursions, and when empty, my clothing carry on duffle goes in Polar Bear Cooler for the return trip.
And our SEA TIGER ( TMM fleet) has an Engel cooler... I doubt any of the charter companies are going to advertise the "owner upgrades" like this.
Wes Turton s/v SEA TIGER (Proud sponsor TTOL: See our Banner Ad)
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: Fletch]
#117289
01/15/2017 02:01 PM
01/15/2017 02:01 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214 Toledo, OH, USA
Orange_Burst
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
|
The night before we leave we pack the frozen meat/meals in a igloo 5 day cooler, we add dry ice to it and let it sit overnight. We remove the dry ice before we leave for the airport. Stays completely frozen for 3 days. Most charter companies will buy the cooler, at the end of your charter for $40. Then we don't have to take it home. http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/Igloo-Ma...CFViBswodZYUN7Q
Colleen
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: Orange_Burst]
#117290
01/15/2017 02:44 PM
01/15/2017 02:44 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 508 long island, new york
macaroni
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 508
long island, new york
|
Orange_Burst said:The night before we leave we pack the frozen meat/meals in a igloo 5 day cooler, we add dry ice to it and let it sit overnight. We remove the dry ice before we leave for the airport. Stays completely frozen for 3 days Most charter companies will buy the cooler, at the end of your charter for $40. Then we don't have to take it home. http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/Igloo-Ma...CFViBswodZYUN7Q Do you check the cooler as is or what? What is the largest you can take as carry on? If I were to take frozen sauce, is it considered a liquid? Thanks...
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: warren460]
#117293
01/15/2017 04:15 PM
01/15/2017 04:15 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 114 Englewood, Florida
DaveF
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 114
Englewood, Florida
|
Basically everything said pretty much confirms....if it's not broke don't fix it...stay with the Polar Bear. It has worked for me several times. I read about it here several years ago, I was just seeing if anything better has come up.
I checked on the CO2 at Delta and seems a bit of a hassle. Like everyone else said by freezing everything good and hard before we leave it is still good that night upon arrival. We use some "Gell Blue Ice" to help with the journey.
So I think stay the plan...1 Polar Bear for the frozen food...then one small case for some dried goods. Mainly this is food that is particular to the peculiar tastes to a few of the crew. If you catch my drift.
Dave
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: macaroni]
#117296
01/15/2017 06:25 PM
01/15/2017 06:25 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214 Toledo, OH, USA
Orange_Burst
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
|
macaroni said:Orange_Burst said:The night before we leave we pack the frozen meat/meals in a igloo 5 day cooler, we add dry ice to it and let it sit overnight. We remove the dry ice before we leave for the airport. Stays completely frozen for 3 days Most charter companies will buy the cooler, at the end of your charter for $40. Then we don't have to take it home. http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/Igloo-Ma...CFViBswodZYUN7Q Do you check the cooler as is or what? What is the largest you can take as carry on? If I were to take frozen sauce, is it considered a liquid? Thanks... We check it as baggage. Since we get rid of the dry ice before we head to the airport, no paperwork required This year we will be on land for 3 days prior to getting the boat. It will still be frozen solid.
Colleen
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: Fletch]
#117298
01/16/2017 12:30 PM
01/16/2017 12:30 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,618 Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,618
Woodstock, GA
|
I've taken a gallon container of frozen Bolognaise sauce each of the past four years with never an issue. Also take as a carryon.
Last edited by RickinAtlanta; 01/16/2017 12:31 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: RickinAtlanta]
#117299
01/16/2017 01:29 PM
01/16/2017 01:29 PM
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 859
Cleobeach
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 859
|
What size? depends on your needs. We have several, one in each size and two of the 48 can size.
By far, we use the 48 can size ones the most. We have checked the 48 can size many times and it has served us we. Watch the weight, we have bumped up against the 50 pound limit.
We have taken the 24 can along for beach use but I just haven't warmed to it. Further, I almost never use it at home for two reasons.
First, the coolers weight so little, I simply rather have the extra capacity so always grab the larger one.
Second, when we use the coolers for beach/travelling/overflow storage at our cabin, I am generally storing things like wine, meals in containers, sandwiches, etc. that I don't want smashed/jammed in the cooler. the 48 can gives me more room for ice/packs and placement of my stuff without crushing anything.
We are a family of 3 and tend to pack for an entire beach day and somewhat elaborate lunches at that. If we were a single bottle of water, single sandwich per person lunch type of family, maybe the 24 can would be ok.
As much as I love the Polar Bear products, I sort of hate the backpack version. I used it for one trip and it has sat in my basement ever since. The tall, skinny design just doesn't work for me, it requires a tetris-style packing that I don't like.
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: CottageGirl]
#117300
01/16/2017 07:35 PM
01/16/2017 07:35 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 114 Englewood, Florida
DaveF
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 114
Englewood, Florida
|
OK here comes the foolish part of all this. How do you vacuum pack the food? Is this one of those TV specials that I see so often? Do I pay $19.99 and get some extras when I buy this from the TV Special?
Help me out!!! Where, how and who on Vacuum packing. I see it all the time on TV and just have not taken that leap!!!
Now when I took a big trip overseas with a lot of luggage I packed a lot of clothes in vacuum bags and used a vacuum cleaner to reduce the volume it worked pretty good....but do not know about how and what to do with food.
Thanks for details...
Dave
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: Cleobeach]
#117305
01/16/2017 11:25 PM
01/16/2017 11:25 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,618 Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,618
Woodstock, GA
|
Cleobeach said: Concerning the vac packing....
I would put in an order at our butcher (we are fortunate to have an old-timey butcher in my town) and he would vac pack according to my instructions and deep freeze it for me.
I recently broke down and bought a food saver vac pack machine and I love it.
All that being said, you don't need to have the stuff vac packed. The benefits are leak protection and ease of preparation. I find it easy and quick to thaw meats in the packs in warm water but hat might not be an issue in the tropics.
Well packaged/well wrapped items will do just fine as long as it is frozen solid. If you don't vacuum pack and freeze you run a very high risk of food poisoning and/or having to find a way to keep the food cold during your likely day long trip. In case you aren't aware, food must be kept at 41 degrees or cooler to be safely cooked/consumed. To answer previous questions, just pay $100 and buy a vacuum sealer with bags not just for trips but to buy product in quantity and vacuum seal and freeze. Food lasts considerably longer and at a much higher quality than just feeezing and wrapping with foil.
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: RickinAtlanta]
#117306
01/17/2017 10:56 AM
01/17/2017 10:56 AM
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 859
Cleobeach
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 859
|
RickinAtlanta said:Cleobeach said: Concerning the vac packing....
I would put in an order at our butcher (we are fortunate to have an old-timey butcher in my town) and he would vac pack according to my instructions and deep freeze it for me.
I recently broke down and bought a food saver vac pack machine and I love it.
All that being said, you don't need to have the stuff vac packed. The benefits are leak protection and ease of preparation. I find it easy and quick to thaw meats in the packs in warm water but hat might not be an issue in the tropics.
Well packaged/well wrapped items will do just fine as long as it is frozen solid. If you don't vacuum pack and freeze you run a very high risk of food poisoning and/or having to find a way to keep the food cold during your likely day long trip. In case you aren't aware, food must be kept at 41 degrees or cooler to be safely cooked/consumed.
To answer previous questions, just pay $100 and buy a vacuum sealer with bags not just for trips but to buy product in quantity and vacuum seal and freeze. Food lasts considerably longer and at a much higher quality than just feeezing and wrapping with foil. Yes, I do understand the basics of freezing and food safety.
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: calsail]
#117308
01/17/2017 12:10 PM
01/17/2017 12:10 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392 Maryland
Kirk
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392
Maryland
|
Maybe a little different use, but has anybody experienced the Ice Mule coolers? I wonder how they'd work for the islands... http://www.icemulecooler.com/
Kirk in Maryland
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: sailbynight]
#117310
01/17/2017 01:04 PM
01/17/2017 01:04 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,618 Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,618
Woodstock, GA
|
sailbynight said: I think some people like to get into vacation mode early and that's why they bring food from home. Thriftiness is probably a driving force as well Oh, and time at home is more ample than time hustling around provisioning once on the island. That's exactly the reason, time spent on island.
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: warren460]
#117312
01/17/2017 01:53 PM
01/17/2017 01:53 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,122 Petoskey, MI
CottageGirl
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,122
Petoskey, MI
|
I have this vacuum sealer: https://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-Automat...+vacuum+sealersWhile I wouldn't buy one just for a trip to the BVI's, I do use mine often. We stock up on meats and portion them in 2 portion packets. Plus, I make lots of soup and freeze in vacuum seal bags. Like others have said, it's not necessary just makes it nice & neat (and eliminates freezer burn if you decide to get things ready a month or so in advance)
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: Will_L]
#117314
01/17/2017 06:17 PM
01/17/2017 06:17 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 260 Gallatin, Tennessee
Murdock
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 260
Gallatin, Tennessee
|
AO Coolers makes a 36 can cooler and that size is my personal favorite- we have 24, 36 & 48 sizes in both brands. The 36 size is also suitable for carry on.
We've frozen marinades before and not had an issue with TSA but we were probably just lucky.
Vacuum sealers are the best. (I also enjoy vaccum sealing suntan lotion and bugspray (u dont have to take all the air out of the bag) Insurance against leakage.)
Last edited by Murdock; 01/17/2017 06:19 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: Murdock]
#117315
01/18/2017 11:48 AM
01/18/2017 11:48 AM
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 859
Cleobeach
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 859
|
Murdock said: We've frozen marinades before and not had an issue with TSA but we were probably just lucky.
Vacuum sealers are the best. (I also enjoy vaccum sealing suntan lotion and bugspray (u dont have to take all the air out of the bag) Insurance against leakage.) I will use your sunscreen idea next month. I used to use ziplocs but I got cocky with the liquid management for a while and it came back to haunt me last trip to FL, what a mess!
|
|
|
Re: Coolers
[Re: stevelon]
#117319
01/18/2017 07:57 PM
01/18/2017 07:57 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 60 Rhode Island
rigirly
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 60
Rhode Island
|
We have a Dometic electric cooler on our boat in RI. Likely too heavy to ship but works well as a second fridge for us. Keeps the captain's beer cold. Some units can be split freezer/cooler, all freeze or all cool. Rigirly
|
|
|
|