How does the freezer work?

[DebbyandBruno]

Hi there

We are new to the boating world and have a silly question. I haven't been able to remember to ask the marina owner when I see then. We have a 385 and it has an Isotherm fridge and there is an "ice box" in the counter top beside the frisge to be used as a freezer.

What is the theory behind how these operate?. I understand they will not freeze anything from fresh but will keep frozen products solid.....for a time somehow.

Sorry my knowledge is limited to the landlubber side of these devices so please excuse my silly question as it is the only thing on the boat I do not understand

Thanks for helping me and I look forward to all the ionformative posts I have been finding here

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I haven't seen this model yet but it should be pretty easy to figure out if the freezer has a cold plate in it. If not, the thermostat in the freezer must simply control a fan from the refrigerator to blow cool air in. Alternatively, if you find two compressors, that is a good indication you actually have a freezer.

 

[DebbyandBruno]

Y
Thanks I will keep probing as the Owner's manual is very vague

 

[Calif. Ted]

Not familiar with the icebox on a 385 but on my 320 besides the icebox is a separate "hole" in the counter that has all the appearances of being an icebox but in reality becomes a pot and pan compartment. I believe the marketing dept. might have tried selling the idea that you could put your beer in it with ice. There is no drain or refrigeration in it.
The freezer compartment in the icebox is the area inside the coldplate(?) much like an ancient refrigerator. It will make ice if you have those vertical ice cube trays and plenty of time, it will not keep your ice cream hard.
I like keepng 20 lbs of ice in the bottom, helps maintain a steady low temp and lasts a long time.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Y
Thanks I will keep probing as the Owner's manual is very vague

That's a good idea, for starters. But perhaps a physical inspection of what is there would give you a better answer, 'cuz maybe someone added it that's not in the manual.

Take Don's very good advice (he's very, very good, has always provided helpful hints and suggestions) and poke around on your boat. Do you have., for instance, separate switches for fridge and freezer on your electrical panel? If you have two evaporators (inside the boxes), one may be a cold plate that is engine driven, rather than 12V.

Enjoy your learning experience, and please let us know what you find.

Good luck.

Nice boat, BTW.

 

[DebbyandBruno]

No separate swirthces so I may have a glorified beer cooler. No drain holes and the manual isn't telling me anything

Thanks so much for helping a newbie. Once I can figure out (or not) the rest of the electronics, I will be back