C34 Refigeration

[Dave]

Hi Bill,I would like to install refigeration on my 1990 Catalina 34. The ice box appears to have some insulation, but the total thickness and areas not visable to the naked eye are not known. The lid is approximatly four inches thick, but does not fit snug. I currently am able to maintain a block of ice from 4 - 6 days. I've measured the box and come up with approximatly 5 cubic feet. I'm planning on going with the standard vertical cold machine. I saw in a recent post where you mention that the large unit might be better on a smaller poorly insulated box. Whould you recomend a large unit or my boat or would it cause more problems then good (ie: short cycling, freezing refigerated items, excessive battery comsumption, etc.)? Looking for any advice in preperation to the purchase.Thanks, Dave

 

[Bill Thomas]

c34 system

The box may be alittle small for the large system. You would be far happier by upgrading the box as much as possible. Especially the lid. A loose or poorly sealed lid is one of the largest energy hogs of the box. Warm moist air is attracted right through the openings and condenses in the form of frost on the evaporator. This effectively puts a 30-32 degeree insulator between the evaporator and the box. If it is not possible to improve the remaining insulation surfaces, the large evap would be the way to go. You will probably need to put a plexiglass barrier between the evaporator and the box to prevent freezing items. Make sure the large one will fit. It is 6"Dx15"Wx12"H.

 

[Craig Cody]

Box insulation

Dave, My Catalina 36 has a similarly constructed icebox. I have a standard cold machine and it is great. I took care of the top insulation by getting a sheet of neoprene from a local wetsuit manufacturer, and I just lay it over the doors, a bit annoying to have to lift it out of the way, but it sure solved the warm air intrusion. On the plus side, it makes a great non-skid surface to put things on underway.