Greetings We are currently refitting our boat to live aboard in the CAribbean. we are completely rebuilding the galley, including relocating the reefer, necessitating total rebuild. The boat has fairly recent (~4 years with VERY little use) Adler Barbour Cold Machine Large Vertical evaporator & compressor. We will be reusing it. We are on a budget, otherwise we'd build the whole thing out of that extremely expensive vacuum insulation that is so thin. The space available is 20" wide by 35" deep by 51" long at the top, tapering along the hull on one side to 41" at the sole. We are considering using extruded polystyrene around a box made of Starboard or pultruded fiberglass (anyone have a god source?) but we are concerned about how much space we will lose if we use the recommended 4" on the reefer side and 6" on the freezer side. Does anyone have any advice good insulation panels for saving space that don't cost $5000??? We are on a tight budget. Also, lid construction advice?? Also, what is the best way to costruct the freezer and fridge to allow cold air spillover? Simply holes in the bottom of the partition? Some fan system? Any advice appreciated!
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On a budget
I would suggest using polyurethane foam to insulate the box, put 3" on the refrigerator side and 4" on the freezer side. The inside liner can be made out of PVC sheet and welded together at the joints. You can purchase this (PVC) from your local plumbing supply company it they are into building water tanks. The trick is to take them a drawing showing the exact sizes of the two boxes you want constructed and ask them to build you the "tanks". Once you have the liners you rough up the outside surface with a sander and then contact cement the foam panels to the PVC liner. Once you have them all attached you paint the entire unit with epoxy, several coats. This will seal out any moisture. The lids should be top opening to keep the cold inside. The spill over is best done with a fan controlled by a thermostat, you will get better temperature distribution. This is the best budget box I know how to build. If you take your time and are careful you will end up with a refrigerator and freezer that will last the life of the boat and provide you with energy efficient refrigeration. No need to spend the $$$ on vacuum panels. Phil
I would suggest using polyurethane foam to insulate the box, put 3" on the refrigerator side and 4" on the freezer side. The inside liner can be made out of PVC sheet and welded together at the joints. You can purchase this (PVC) from your local plumbing supply company it they are into building water tanks. The trick is to take them a drawing showing the exact sizes of the two boxes you want constructed and ask them to build you the "tanks". Once you have the liners you rough up the outside surface with a sander and then contact cement the foam panels to the PVC liner. Once you have them all attached you paint the entire unit with epoxy, several coats. This will seal out any moisture. The lids should be top opening to keep the cold inside. The spill over is best done with a fan controlled by a thermostat, you will get better temperature distribution. This is the best budget box I know how to build. If you take your time and are careful you will end up with a refrigerator and freezer that will last the life of the boat and provide you with energy efficient refrigeration. No need to spend the $$$ on vacuum panels. Phil
Add some foil
A layer of ordinary aluminum foil will a little R value with almost no cost. First wrap the box then add the foam and seal the joints. Then wrap the whole thing in another layer of foil. Keep the shiny side out. Hardware stores sell a heay duty reinforced foil or you can spend just a little more on the "space blanket" foil that includes a plastic film. s/v Anodyne
A layer of ordinary aluminum foil will a little R value with almost no cost. First wrap the box then add the foam and seal the joints. Then wrap the whole thing in another layer of foil. Keep the shiny side out. Hardware stores sell a heay duty reinforced foil or you can spend just a little more on the "space blanket" foil that includes a plastic film. s/v Anodyne
Fridge Box Construction
Stacey & Neil You may want to consider going to a library and reading Don Casey's "This Old Boat." There is a very lengthy discussion and description of exactly the issues you are facing. Good luck on your cruise.
Stacey & Neil You may want to consider going to a library and reading Don Casey's "This Old Boat." There is a very lengthy discussion and description of exactly the issues you are facing. Good luck on your cruise.
Pardey
Larry Pardey recommends layers of one inch foam with aluminum foil between each. I think he goes to a total of six inches and claims one hundred pounds of ice lasts two weeks in the tropics. Ron
Larry Pardey recommends layers of one inch foam with aluminum foil between each. I think he goes to a total of six inches and claims one hundred pounds of ice lasts two weeks in the tropics. Ron
The Box Book
Mike Adler wrote The Box Book several years ago, but his advice is just as valid today as then. Email a mailing address to me and I'll send you a copy. gbuttrey@waecoadlerbarbour.com
Mike Adler wrote The Box Book several years ago, but his advice is just as valid today as then. Email a mailing address to me and I'll send you a copy. gbuttrey@waecoadlerbarbour.com
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