Fish box insulation (306 canyon)

[Rhumbline306]

Hi, I recently purchased a 2016 306 canyon and I’m curious how well the fish boxes hold ice.

Im New England based and my fishing trips are 12+ hours.

I’m hoping to use the stern box and maybe one of the boxes in the bow.

Are they well insulated? Or should I add insulation to my spring projects.

Many thanks!

 

[Fishtales]

Spray insulation on sides and bottom. Maybe 1.5" thick. Access to add more may be problematic and most likely the top is where the greatest loss is. I would test first and see how it performs. Likely best to have a RTIC, YETTI or other large cooler.

 

[DennisG01]

I have no personal experience with this, but thinking a little differently... what would the downside be to fitting some foamboard insulation panels on the inside of the box and the lid? Seems like that would be quite easy/inexpensive to do and also be quite effective?

 

[JJF]

I have a 2018 306.

For the bow fish boxes, I don't put loose ice in them. I have a BJs soft cooler that I put beverages in and add ice to it. This reduces the amount of ice required, keeps the drinks clean and keeps the cans from scuffing the fiberglass

Transom fish box: the "issue" with this box is its size. It requires a lot of ice to fill it. I generally put about 20 lbs in and it's fine for a half day. If you are doing a long day. I would recommend supplanting the cube with blocks. This season, I am going to get a cheap & large soft cooler bag for the transom fish box.

 

[JJF]

I have no personal experience with this, but thinking a little differently... what would the downside be to fitting some foamboard insulation panels on the inside of the box and the lid? Seems like that would be quite easy/inexpensive to do and also be quite effective?

I like this idea, other than it may absorb fish odor.

 

[Hookup1]

Not sure about access on your boat. I had a large removable fish box on my Egg Harbor sport fish. I took foam board and attached it to the outside of the box with spray foam. It gives you a nice flat, even surface and you can fill and tape the edges with HVAC foil tape. Also consider doing something for the lid.

 

[drbatts]

The rear fish box on your 306 is probably similar to the fish box on my 305. Its fairly well insulated and will hold a TON of ice. If you pack it full of ice it will be for fine 12+ hours offshore. I also throw some large frozen water bottles in to help keep it cold.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

On my 2011 all fishboxes are insulated and i consider the insulations as sufficient.
I don't use the transom fish box as i have my fishing gear in it, but the stbd bow fishbox for at least six 2 gallon water bottles. I usually add like 4 lbs of ice and it cools down the bottles and they stay cool at least 12 hours and i don't see a necessity to isolate the bow boxes more, in case just add some more ice.
As said, you may do a test if there is any difference in cooling on the transom fish box as i never used her as cooler.

Chris

 

[EJS1231]

I have 2005 Marlin, guessing the stern fish boxes are the same. I make 3 large blocks in deep freezer and then throw a couple 20lb bags on top when we go to the Bahamas in the summer. Even with that heat, there will still be ice in the box at the end of day 2.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

What i may should do again is freeze at home a six pack of 3 gallon water bottles and use them as ice.
Did that for many years and it worked great, for cooling down other drinks, fish and food and if i get stranded at sea i have more water to drink. What works also are the ice packs but without doubt to buy 10 lbs for 5$ of ice when i stop in the supermarket to buy food for the trip is simply the easiest way.
Chris

 

[eppem]

2013 Marlin owner chiming in - aft fish boxes are well insulated and keep ice for days.

 

[capeguy]

I run a 306 out of Mass South Shore. Trips usually around 8 hours give or take. Usually have 3-4 20lb bags in the aft box. When we return, they are barely melted. This includes summer days with sun beating down. I keep the bags intact until we have fish to ice, which probably preserves.

 

[Fishtales]

I have no personal experience with this, but thinking a little differently... what would the downside be to fitting some foamboard insulation panels on the inside of the box and the lid? Seems like that would be quite easy/inexpensive to do and also be quite effective?

Sure, you can do it but it will help slightly and will probably look like .... and not stand the test of time. The seal is and how many times you are in and out of it are the biggest factors. The spray insulation is relatively thin as well. I'd also use block ice vs crushed ice. I use water in plastic gallon milk jugs - cheap and you can rotate them out if needed.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

I'd also use block ice vs crushed ice.

Yep, i use usualy sized ice cubes and they hold longer than crushed ice as i can get crushed ice only in the fish shop.
Same experience here and in Costa Rica, ice cubes hold longer than crushed/shaved ice and i consider crushed ice as a overkill for a 12 hour fishing trip but makes sense for covering fish for many days as in professional fishing boats.
All fishes i brought back where at least cold as in my 37°F cold fridge at home.
I used for many years as Fishtales water bottles and they works well too and are also cheap to buy and freeze again.

Chris

 

[Rhumbline306]

Thank you for sharing all the first hand experiences with Grady's ability to hold ice, and for all the suggestions how to improve the insulation.

I think I will tray my luck using fish boxes as-is with mix of block and cubed ice.

Now i just need to find / catch fish to dirty up the ice.

Cheers!