Any alternatives to H41 fridge? Nova Kool R3809 12v

Mar 16, 2021
93
hunter 41 DS tacoma
Nova Kool is kinda pissing me off. Kept icing over. I kept chipping instead of defrosting because I was on the hook and didn't want to waste power. Back dockside, I pulled the refer out and realized the bottom of the door had rusted out (can't see it until you remove it b/c so close to the sole).

So I order a new door. It arrives, I install it and fire it up. Never gets cold. Now I realize I must've punched a hole in the evap plate while chipping ice. Nova Kool says they can sell me a new plate but my compressor will likely crap out soon.

So I ask, how about selling me a unit without the door, since you just sold me door? Nope. Now I've requested they let me send them back the fking door and I'll buy a whole new unit. It isn't the $. It's the jackassery.

So...while I await my next exciting gaslighting exchange with Nova UnKool, has anybody found an alternative to fit in that same hole?

Thanks
 
Aug 26, 2007
279
Hunter 41DS Ventura, California
Nachismo,
I replaced mine a couple of years ago. I am not at my boat and won't be for a few weeks so can't give specifics but I believe I used a NovaKool 4500 AC/ DC model. The dimensions were very close to the original but I did have to enlarge the opening a slight amount (1/4"?} . There isn't a lot of room to work so not a fun install but it was the closest size I could find. There was not enough clearance to use the provided bezel so had to modify it a bit. There wasn't room to fit trim on the left side but it's back in the corner so doesn't show. NovaKool makes a chined model to fit the shape of the hull but I didn't need it. Mine sticks out a little further than the original but looks factory installed

It's a good unit and as I remember, a little larger inside than the original-freezer is definitely bigger. It has a regular wall plug for AC and my 41DS has a conveniently located AC outlet inside the opening (for the microwave) so no AC wiring required.

As we all know, they don't design boats to be easily repaired- get a large quantity of beer to aid in the installation! Good luck

I will be going to my boat in two or three weeks so if you need more info and can wait I can send some pics and specific info.
Cheers