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The local BW "guru" is mostly mistaken about the 72 being the correct cooler seat size for the classic Whalers. Ever since day one when Whaler brought out the Montauk and 1973 and later Outrage boats, the Igloo 86qt cooler was the factory supplied option - never a 72 qt. Then, sometime around 1990, Igloo re-designed the 86 into the 94, although they are both the same size at the top cover. The 94 simply has a more vertical sided base, which gives it the extra capacity. As a matter of fact, on both, the top covers are interchangeable. I have an old 86 with a new 94 lid on it. Fits perfectly and looks great.

Regarding the 72 qt, after Brunswick took over the Company, and brought out the white Montauks, in order to save money on the boats, they used the smaller, and cheaper 72Qt cooler seat for a while. It never worked well or looked good, and is way too small for two people to use comfortably. They may even be still using it on the current 170's, a bad decision in my estimation.

The brand new Igloo 94 makes for a nice dry strorage/cooler seat . It now has SS hinges and latches, and 2 wire lid retainer straps.