I would like to install a marine refrigerator in my 1991 Hunter 35.5 in place of existing ice box. Wondering if any other owners have done this? What frig did they use, experience of installing etc. I know the the other option is to convert the ice box but would prefer to install new self contained unit. Thanks
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Hmmm...
virtually EVERY one I ever checked out when I was looking to buy, as well as others advertised, or talked about on this site all had Adler/Barbour units in the so called "icebox" when new! Installed under port setee, around the corner and forward of water heater. You are talking a LOT of cutting and fitting to cut out old icebox, not to mention weakening that whole assembly between stove and sink. It will be interesting to see if anyone has done so. Like mine the way it is...
virtually EVERY one I ever checked out when I was looking to buy, as well as others advertised, or talked about on this site all had Adler/Barbour units in the so called "icebox" when new! Installed under port setee, around the corner and forward of water heater. You are talking a LOT of cutting and fitting to cut out old icebox, not to mention weakening that whole assembly between stove and sink. It will be interesting to see if anyone has done so. Like mine the way it is...
Nova Kool icebox conversion
I put the Nova Kool 12V icebox conversion in my Hunter 35.5 2 years ago and would highly recommend it. The compressor went under the settee behind the galley sink. The installation was very simple and straight forward (4-5 hours) and I have been very happy with the unit. The draw is only 3 amps when it is running and I estimate it uses about 40 - 50 amps max (daily) on a warm day in the Pacific Northwest. It seems to me a lot of work to install a self contained unit since you would have to completely modify the galley and it would be tough to make it look like it was not an "afterthought". I would consider the asthetics and resale value of your boat before you attempted such a modification. The other issue is front loading vs top loading. Front loading is more convenient but a top loading fridge is more efficient since you don't lose the cold air every time you open it.
I put the Nova Kool 12V icebox conversion in my Hunter 35.5 2 years ago and would highly recommend it. The compressor went under the settee behind the galley sink. The installation was very simple and straight forward (4-5 hours) and I have been very happy with the unit. The draw is only 3 amps when it is running and I estimate it uses about 40 - 50 amps max (daily) on a warm day in the Pacific Northwest. It seems to me a lot of work to install a self contained unit since you would have to completely modify the galley and it would be tough to make it look like it was not an "afterthought". I would consider the asthetics and resale value of your boat before you attempted such a modification. The other issue is front loading vs top loading. Front loading is more convenient but a top loading fridge is more efficient since you don't lose the cold air every time you open it.
Nice and Cold
I guess there are many ways to keep the beer cold, and the hamburgers frozen. I installed an E-Z Kold air cooled cold plate in my ice box and mounted the compressor under the sink. I also added a grill to the door under the sink and another grill on the side in the area that we normally stored books. The addition of the air vents will insure that the compressor has a flow of cooling air. I then partitioned the left side of the box off where the cold plate is located into a freezer area using pieces of foam insulation that can be obtained in any home improvement store. Another addition that I added was to line the sides and bottom of the box with a survival blanket that you can pickup in the local sporting good outlet. One of the main reasons that I went with E-Z Kold was that they could custom designed the cold plate and the compressor unit to fit into the areas that I chosen. In all I would say that it was a fairly easy installation with the exception of running the DC supply from the main breaker panel. I should caution you on where you tap into your DC supply since line drop will have a serious effect on the compressors operation. After calculating the line drop I scraped the main panel and found another source. In two years of operation I and very pleased with the unit and can even keep ice cream frozen. As with any cold plate operation it will take some time to initially get the plate frozen. Good luck and it sure is nice to have a cool drink with ice after a day on the bay.
I guess there are many ways to keep the beer cold, and the hamburgers frozen. I installed an E-Z Kold air cooled cold plate in my ice box and mounted the compressor under the sink. I also added a grill to the door under the sink and another grill on the side in the area that we normally stored books. The addition of the air vents will insure that the compressor has a flow of cooling air. I then partitioned the left side of the box off where the cold plate is located into a freezer area using pieces of foam insulation that can be obtained in any home improvement store. Another addition that I added was to line the sides and bottom of the box with a survival blanket that you can pickup in the local sporting good outlet. One of the main reasons that I went with E-Z Kold was that they could custom designed the cold plate and the compressor unit to fit into the areas that I chosen. In all I would say that it was a fairly easy installation with the exception of running the DC supply from the main breaker panel. I should caution you on where you tap into your DC supply since line drop will have a serious effect on the compressors operation. After calculating the line drop I scraped the main panel and found another source. In two years of operation I and very pleased with the unit and can even keep ice cream frozen. As with any cold plate operation it will take some time to initially get the plate frozen. Good luck and it sure is nice to have a cool drink with ice after a day on the bay.
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