Alternate Refrigeration

[Rodney Bownds]

I am looking for an alternative to the ice chest on my 1994 Hunter 26'. Mine came from the factory with a lift top couter top and a place to put an ice chest underneath. I have currently have a an igloo 48 qt. chest. I would like to put a propane or 12V DC system refrigerator in the space the ice chest normally goes. I have seen a couple of installtions that required the removal of the counter top due to height restrictions. I would like to leave the countertop if possible. I am wondering if anyone has put a propane, 12V DC or even a larger ice chest in a Hunter 26'?

 

[Jim Bohart]

Truck stop

Check out a good truck stop they carry refridgerated coolers that just plug into a cigarrette lighter outlet. or try west MarineJB

 

[the energy crisis.]

electricity

have a word with your local generating board to find out re the possibility of a permanent from shore supply or find a generator large enough to produce enough electricity for your fridge.check on what i am trying to explain.size of battery, etc.,etc.the energy crisis - could be.

 

[Steve]

Beware

Done that been there... the electro-thermo coolers are great where 12 volt flows endlessly.. (like in the car on long trips), however it doesn't take long to kill a deep cycle at 4amps of constant draw. The Electro-thermal units draw 100% with out any cooling cycles, thus it is either on or manually off. (it needs to be on due to the cool down time).. If at the dock with power, great! it works.... but at sea or at a mooring your in for a surprise. You will be re-charging often with a lot of amp-hour replacement needed to stay ahead.. Good luck.. (try canabolizing an old 1.35 amp(115V) dorm fridge and running a converter.. It won't last in salt air for ever, but could be cheaper for the short run.. compared to conventional big-boat marine refrideration)