C-34 Refigeration & Batteries

[Dave]

I would like to do two upgrades on my 1989/1990 Catalina 34. The first is to add Adler Barbour Refrigeration and the second is to upgrade my battery bank to support it.I've ordered the standard vertical Cold Machine and should receive it in the next week. I'm planning on mounting the compressor in the aft lazzerett and need advice on mounting the evaporator and running the refrigerant lines. Where should the evaporator and thermostat be mounted (top, bottom, etc?). Where should the refrigerant lines exit the box and how do I route them to the aft lazzerett? Regarding batteries, I would like to put four T105 6 volt batteries in the existing battery box for my house bank. Has any one done this? Did they fit and how did you secure them? I'm planning on adding a second battery for engine starting only and am looking for suggestions for a good location, etc.All suggestions and advice are welcomed and I thank you in advance.Dave EmeryC-34 988

 

[Bill Thomas]

A/B installation

The evaporator should be mounted as high in the box as possible. The thermostat can be mounted anywhere up to 30 inches away from the evaporator.

 

[Lindsay Norris]

battery power

the more amps you can put in the better. my experiance is these units draw 5amps and cycle on and off giving a run time of 12 hrs a day = 60 amps.I have 2 8D batteries just for the house and i feel that I could use more amps.good luck

 

[Roger Mummah]

Joe can Help - www.e-marine-inc.com

Hi Dave, My sailing friend Joe Turner has a Catalina 34 and he is an expert on it as well as batteries. I think Joe's refrigeration is an Adler Barbour too. You can go to his web site and leave an email for him. There is also a toll free number shown on the web site. Tell him Roger Mummah sent you so he isn't blind sided. I still talk to Joe because he once owned Hunter 31 hull #1. Also we keep Endless Summer (H31 #58) next door to Joe's house. The C34 is a beautiful boat. Good Luck. remummah@worldnet.att.net