I'm looking to convert my 1983 C-36 ice box to a refer with a Cold Machine but am concerned about the insulation requirements. Their literature says don't use anything less than 4" which would take up much of the capacity of the box. There seems to be little or no insulation around the outside of the box since it goes through 20 lbs. of ice in about 30 hrs. in moderate weather. Has anyone pulled the counter off a vintage C-36 and seen what is around the ice box? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
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ICE BOX INSULATION
The refrigeration system (any)works by removing the heat from the icebox. By insulating the icebox, you are helping to prevent as much heat as possible from getting into the box. This will keep the compressor from running too often, keeping the total daily current draw at a minimum. It may be possible to use one of the many "spray" types of foam on the market. Drill access holes through the box walls and inject the foam through these holes. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Be careful of adjoining cabinetry as these foams have a high rate of expansion and clean up is difficult.
The refrigeration system (any)works by removing the heat from the icebox. By insulating the icebox, you are helping to prevent as much heat as possible from getting into the box. This will keep the compressor from running too often, keeping the total daily current draw at a minimum. It may be possible to use one of the many "spray" types of foam on the market. Drill access holes through the box walls and inject the foam through these holes. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Be careful of adjoining cabinetry as these foams have a high rate of expansion and clean up is difficult.
C-36 Ice Box Conversion Reply
Having owned a Catalina 36 (1984) until selling it last season, I can tell you that the insulation is very poor. Behind the ice box is perhaps an average of 1.5 inches,between the stove and the box is even less and the front and aft sides may have about 3-4 inches. We had a cold machine when the boat was new but eventually tore it out due to total inefficiency. Your best bet would be to reduce the size of the box since it is very large anyway by placing insulation inside the existing compartment and covering it with fiberglass or use some of the new but expensive super panels.
Having owned a Catalina 36 (1984) until selling it last season, I can tell you that the insulation is very poor. Behind the ice box is perhaps an average of 1.5 inches,between the stove and the box is even less and the front and aft sides may have about 3-4 inches. We had a cold machine when the boat was new but eventually tore it out due to total inefficiency. Your best bet would be to reduce the size of the box since it is very large anyway by placing insulation inside the existing compartment and covering it with fiberglass or use some of the new but expensive super panels.
Foam Expansion
I'd like to chime in with what Bill Thomas said with regard to the cautionary note about expanding foam. First off, one should use only "closed cell" foam. Secondly, take it very very very easy when it comes to applying. The stuff will keep expanding until it is cured which can take up to a couple days!!! Recommend it is put on in thin lifts so it has access to air which greatly increases the curing rate. It can also build up a lot of pressure between the box and cabinetry and something has t give. Recommend taking it very slow and easy.
I'd like to chime in with what Bill Thomas said with regard to the cautionary note about expanding foam. First off, one should use only "closed cell" foam. Secondly, take it very very very easy when it comes to applying. The stuff will keep expanding until it is cured which can take up to a couple days!!! Recommend it is put on in thin lifts so it has access to air which greatly increases the curing rate. It can also build up a lot of pressure between the box and cabinetry and something has t give. Recommend taking it very slow and easy.
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