'83-87' H31 - Ice Box Insulation & Use

kloudie1 · Jun 25, 2012

Plug the drain if you are using the AdlerBarbor.. Lots of folks plug it when using ice and either pump it out with a hand pump or inspect the melt water very carefully before pulling the cork and letting it into the bilge.. be REALLY careful that ya don't get milk or meat juices or almost any food stuff down that drain..

Steve Dion · Jun 25, 2012

Jerry:

I would try getting some insulation from HomeDepot/Lowes etc. They sell some of different designes. It is cheap and easy to apply. just need to clean the surface (preferably the lid) and stick on the stuff.

We never plugged the drain.

We also made another shelf to have extra storage below the shelf as well as above. If you drill holes in the shelves the air can get into the lower compartment.

Bill Murray · Jun 25, 2012

plug the drain????

when the box is cold, go in the bilge or the sump and see how much cold air is exiting down the hose. You might be surprised. Mine feels like a hose of cold air is running out! I plug the drain. Or you could try making a trap like in your sink at home. The trapped water may "plug" the line as far as cold air is concerned.

Dubo · Jun 27, 2012

I corked the drain and use a sponge to draw the water if there is any. I prefer to keep the bilge dry and know where water is than not. To take some of the load off the fridge and have a colder box I placed 2" insulation on the ledge and only use the top half. This allows for easy reach of food and drink...though it was fun watching the wife crawl into the cave.
Also, I replaced the older insulation in the lid with foam board and have noticed it is not cold like it use to be.

gr8_2_av8 · Jun 27, 2012

I have a foot pump with a hose that pumps into the galley sink. It is nice when you want to really clean the fridge out with a hose. The water can just be sent right out through the galley sink.

Tally Ho · Jun 27, 2012

gr8_2_av8 said:
I have a foot pump with a hose that pumps into the galley sink. It is nice when you want to really clean the fridge out with a hose. The water can just be sent right out through the galley sink.

Do you have any more info on how you plumbed in the pump to the sink drain? Sounds like a much better solution than draining into the bilge.

Greg

gr8_2_av8 · Jun 29, 2012

I will send a few pictures tomorrow.

onecoolair · Jul 16, 2012

jmce1587 said:
The H31 83-87 version has a small ice box to starboard with a lift off top. I recently installed an Adler Barbor refrigeration system and now am having the lid "sweat" a lot. Is there a good insulation for the lid? Also since this ice box area is small, what have past H31 owners done to maximize the space? remove the plexiglass shelf? stackable items? Should I put a stopper in the drain hole or allowed condensation to flow into bilge?

All responses greatly appreciated.

Jerry

See if there is any close cell foam in side lid. Found some expanding close celled foam at home depot the other day, it was in the garden department. Becareful not use to much because it expands and create a lot of force. Some time the valve on can will stick and the stuff will keep coming out. Be prepare to have a large cardboard box handy so foam can safely do its thing. If box is just the right size and not going to spill out of box you can close the lid and end up with a nice block of close celled foam which could be good for something else. Back to lid...Make a small hole just big enough for tube and another at oposite corners if you do it right as foam expands it should just make it to the escape holes and maybe start to slighltly push out but no more. Lay down news paper to catch any drips. Hint if any drops on to counter do not touch it or spread it around let it cure. Once cured it should pop off with putty knife and hopefully no staining. A little Asetone will ussaully help with clean up if things get out of hand.
If not already read...Read this posting which may help....
web page:
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=143470&referrerid=113463
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com...errerid=113463

'83-87' H31 - Ice Box Insulation & Use

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