Advice on adding ice box

[deeman7777]

First off - I really appreciate everyones help so far - this is truly a great site with knowledgable people!I purchased a 77 H25 and I am rennovating it. Lookig at many other H25's from the 70's I can't figure out how or where the ice box was. On most boats of my vintage the bottom edge of the companionway is about 8" above the counter top which houses the sink. On mine the sink is level with the bottom edge. As one user suggested maybe the previous owner went crazy with a saw and "modified" things.I plan to rebuild all of the cabinets and I'm open to suggestions.One option is to add a nice platform step half way down the height of the counter top. Under the platform step would be a cooler (coleman type I guess) that could be removed for loading, etc. I would also make a removable panel to cover the area beneath the cockpit.This boat will be used for primarily day trips with the somewhat rare weekend getaways. Thanks!!!

 

[deeman7777]

proposed drawing

proposed plan - any suggestions?Should I try to pursue a permanent icebox?Thanks!Mike

 

[Randall]

I stayed with portable icechests

My wife uses the factory icebox for storage-- canned goods, pots & pans, etc. We use a large five-day icechest for weekend trips, and a smaller roll-around type for day trips. For even longer trips we use both, with stuff for day one (maybe two, depending on the season) in the smaller one. Then we fill the big ice chest with pre-chilled or frozen foods & drink, pack it all with ice, tape the chest shut & cover it with an insulating blanket. The factory icebox on my '83 H25 has its problems. First, it is too poorly insulated to keep things cold more than a day here in south Texas. Second, the top also serves as the first step down into the boat. My wife HATES the fact that everyone constantly tromps over her icebox/food prep area! Third, it was designed to drain into the bilge. The H25 bilge area is too small to begin with, so you don't need extra water there. Also, the moisture contributes to mold & mildew problems. The previous owner plugged the drain hole, so that the chest had to be bailed & dried out manually. I applaud his choice.Stay with portables, and position it/them to help trim your vessel properly- another tricky undertaking on H25s. Randall