Hunter 26 refrigeration

[Rodney/Texas]

Has anyone attempted to install refrigeration on the 26 where the ice chest normally goes? The ice chest is insufficient on longer trips. I run 2 group 29 deep cycle batteries, so 12v might be a possibility.I have friends who have installed an Igloo Survivor tha runs off propane/110v/12v. The setup works well, but requires the removal of the hinged portion of the counter top.I would appreciate any responses or ideas.Rodney/Texas

 

[Dean Eiland]

Go get'em Igloo

Rodney,I have the Igloo also and would not trade for any other system. I can run the frig. all weekend on one small can of propane (about $1.00). My only complant is the size. I sit mine on the seat next to the ice chest and take the lid off the ice chest and use it for a non refrig food storage.Happy sailingDean

 

[Harvey Small]

Dry Ice

Try a little dry ice -- It'll keep meat frozen for days. You might consider two ice chests. Put dry ice in one with the meat supply and some "Blue Ice" packs. Use more blue ice in the main ice chest. After a day or so, swap blue ice packs so the used ones recharge. Check the yellow pages for your local dry ice supplier. They'll let you know how much to buy. This will also avoid any problems with propane belowdecks.

 

[Dave Condon]

12 volt cooler

I once saw a 12 volt cooler in lieu of the 48 quart cooler that would fit nicely underneath the lid but it was an off brand that the customer had gottten from a truck stop. The one that West Marine sells is a little tall requiring you to remove the lid.Happy sailing

 

[Peter Graham]

H26 Refrigeration

Rodney- I installed the Adler Barbour 'Cold Plate' refrigeration unit into my boat 4 years ago. I swear by it. I insulated (4 inches high density foam and silver sided thin air bubble material glued) the underside of the fiberglass ice cooler well. The top was cut into two haves, one hinged and the other permanently fastened down.The top is insulated as well as the end that must be made. It took at least 50 or 60 hours to do a job that is indistinguishable from refrigeration found on larger Hunters. You really must know what you are doing, skilled at fiberglassing etc. It has always been my feeling that a cold beer is more important than another sail. I have been thinking of putting a little do it yourself article with pics. on this website. Check out my boat specs. in the owners directory. Good luck from Pete, skipper of "tradewinds'