converting to a refridgerator from a ice box

[rickyg]

I have a Vision 32 with a ice box island in the middle of the floor. To convert this over to refridgeration it would cost about $2,000. Is there any way to do this cheaper in cost? Because this is a boat they for some reason think they can charge you more. Has anyone done this for less money?

 

[Benny17441]

You can use the innards of a 120V dorm refrigerator. You can run it on shorepower or underway at 12V with an inverter. A 1500 Watt inverter with a fuse, interruptur switch and wiring can be found for $200; the refrigerator sells fo around $100. If you can justify the use of the inverter for other purposes you can see how inexpensive such an installation can be. Taking inverter innefficiency into consideration this unit should draw around 4.5 Amps per hour. A comparable 12V built in will use around 3 Amp/ Hour. You do the math.

 

[Rick D]

Think Carefully

One problem with the Vision is that the compressor location has to be quite away from the evaporator owning to the island location. Since units cost $1400-1600, $2K as a package isn't a bad deal.

Always consider resale. If it's isn't done right, it will cost you later. Better to get a portable unit to use as needed rather than try to do this instal on the cheap IMHO.

 

[snows]

I have a Vision 32 with a ice box island in the middle of the floor. To convert this over to refridgeration it would cost about $2,000. Is there any way to do this cheaper in cost? Because this is a boat they for some reason think they can charge you more. Has anyone done this for less money?

I'm currently installing an Isotherm SP in my Vision 32. The cost of the unit was about $1100, including the thru-hull. In my opinion, this is a perfect setup for this boat. The tubing from the sink drain thru-hull just reaches the under-floor compartment between the sink and island, and the compressor just fits in that compartment. The evaporator tubing will then easily reach the same compartment. You could also mount the compressor under the sink and everything would reach just fine.

 

[Steve Dion]

Snows:

We have a Isotherm SP on our HV'36. Our problem was getting the tubing from the ice box over to the galley area. There was a solid stringer between the two spots. I had to take it to the yard where they had some special tools that allowed them to bore a hole to feed the lines/wires.

We mounted the compressor under the port side settee. The one down side of the SP units is that you need to pull the boat to install the thru hull.

Once that is done they are great units. Very little noise or heat inside the boat. No need to ventilate the compressor. Very low power consumption.

 

[Captphil24]

You can use the innards of a 120V dorm refrigerator. You can run it on shorepower or underway at 12V with an inverter. A 1500 Watt inverter with a fuse, interruptur switch and wiring can be found for $200; the refrigerator sells fo around $100. If you can justify the use of the inverter for other purposes you can see how inexpensive such an installation can be. Taking inverter innefficiency into consideration this unit should draw around 4.5 Amps per hour. A comparable 12V built in will use around 3 Amp/ Hour. You do the math.

For a 1500 watt inverter at 12 volts, Your current will be over 10 amps. This will eat put a big load on your house battery. I'm sure you have a two battery set up and would never put this load on the battery that has to start the engine.