I am interested in purchasing a 12/v refrigeration system for a 1989 catalina 34'. Holding plate or evaporator, whats best? I would like to convert the exisying Icebox into a refrigerator/freezer. Is there any advantage in either system for a single box system which I plan to use.I plan on being in a slip for most of the time but do eventually want to cruise down to Mexico. Also, what is the price difference between the two,and where can I find dealers with price listings on line. Thanks..Aaron
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Prices from inexpensive to very expensive.
Aaron: The price for these systems ranges from about $800-900 to about $2000-3000. You should figure out what you want to spend. I thought that these Catalinas came with a Norcold unit? The compressor was in the main cabin under the dinette settee. This is probably a good place for the compressor. One thing to think about. That location does NOT provide much ventilation for the compressor. It is a good idea to add a couple of vents in the cabinet. One at the top to exhaust the warm air and one at the bottom to suck in the fresh air. Another think to think about is adding a small computer fan at the top to exhaust the warm air when the compressor is running. This cuts down on the load on the system, even though it takes some power to run the fan. Refrigeration is going to be the single most power consuming item on the boat. Search the internet for Marine Refrigeration. There are about 5-6 major players in the market with A-B being the most common. What you will need to do is determine how much battery reserve you will need and how often you will want to recharge your batteries. You may consider adding 1 or 2 batteries just for this purpose. I am not sure about the insulation in the Catalina, I think that it is adequate. If you can add more insulation you will be better off regardless of how much it may have.
Aaron: The price for these systems ranges from about $800-900 to about $2000-3000. You should figure out what you want to spend. I thought that these Catalinas came with a Norcold unit? The compressor was in the main cabin under the dinette settee. This is probably a good place for the compressor. One thing to think about. That location does NOT provide much ventilation for the compressor. It is a good idea to add a couple of vents in the cabinet. One at the top to exhaust the warm air and one at the bottom to suck in the fresh air. Another think to think about is adding a small computer fan at the top to exhaust the warm air when the compressor is running. This cuts down on the load on the system, even though it takes some power to run the fan. Refrigeration is going to be the single most power consuming item on the boat. Search the internet for Marine Refrigeration. There are about 5-6 major players in the market with A-B being the most common. What you will need to do is determine how much battery reserve you will need and how often you will want to recharge your batteries. You may consider adding 1 or 2 batteries just for this purpose. I am not sure about the insulation in the Catalina, I think that it is adequate. If you can add more insulation you will be better off regardless of how much it may have.
G
Gary Buttrey
Which system is best?
Older boats tend to be under-insulated for good freezer performance as related to amp draw. If you want to divide your box into separate freezer/refer compartments, some thought should be given on increasing at least the freezer insulation (4"min). The Adler Barbour PowerPlate makes an excellent small freezer, which can "spillover" into the refrigerator. Adler Barbour also offers custom formed evaporators designed to line your freezer without taking up the valuable space standard bin evaporators do. Larger freezers (over 5 cubic feet) are best suited for holdover plates. You can price the PowerPlate on the web at Defender, West Marine, Boat US, Sailnet, PY Yachts and hundreds of other online dealers. If the custom formed evaporator appeals to you, call WAECO Adler Barbour @ 860-664-4911 and ask for Gary.
Older boats tend to be under-insulated for good freezer performance as related to amp draw. If you want to divide your box into separate freezer/refer compartments, some thought should be given on increasing at least the freezer insulation (4"min). The Adler Barbour PowerPlate makes an excellent small freezer, which can "spillover" into the refrigerator. Adler Barbour also offers custom formed evaporators designed to line your freezer without taking up the valuable space standard bin evaporators do. Larger freezers (over 5 cubic feet) are best suited for holdover plates. You can price the PowerPlate on the web at Defender, West Marine, Boat US, Sailnet, PY Yachts and hundreds of other online dealers. If the custom formed evaporator appeals to you, call WAECO Adler Barbour @ 860-664-4911 and ask for Gary.
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Bill Thomas
evaps, holding plates, and other options
Steve offers some excellent advice as does Gary. However, remember that there are many options available regarding conversion kits now. No longer do we have to pay outrageous prices for cumbersome holding plate systems, when a simple, easily and owner installed 12vdc dx system will serve todays boat owner quite well. If the box is a bit large or "insulation challenged", you may wish to oversize the system a bit. In most cases this is a more economical approach to rebuilding the icebox. Another option is one of the more efficient condenser configurations such as the "keel cooler". Instead of using noisy and inefficient fans or pumps to carry the heat away from the condenser, the heat is dumped outside into the water surrounding the hull. This type of condensor has proven to be far more efficient than air cooled and while it is water cooled in a sense, there is no pump involved, eliminating the extra 1 amp draw (typ). That is a savings of approx. 25%! with a 4-5 amp compressor. It is also a very inexpensive means of refrigerating your icebox. These systems typically run for less than 1000.00. Unfortunately, they are not sold through discount houses, cut rate catalogs or marine "clearing houses". You can only buy direct through the national distributor.
Steve offers some excellent advice as does Gary. However, remember that there are many options available regarding conversion kits now. No longer do we have to pay outrageous prices for cumbersome holding plate systems, when a simple, easily and owner installed 12vdc dx system will serve todays boat owner quite well. If the box is a bit large or "insulation challenged", you may wish to oversize the system a bit. In most cases this is a more economical approach to rebuilding the icebox. Another option is one of the more efficient condenser configurations such as the "keel cooler". Instead of using noisy and inefficient fans or pumps to carry the heat away from the condenser, the heat is dumped outside into the water surrounding the hull. This type of condensor has proven to be far more efficient than air cooled and while it is water cooled in a sense, there is no pump involved, eliminating the extra 1 amp draw (typ). That is a savings of approx. 25%! with a 4-5 amp compressor. It is also a very inexpensive means of refrigerating your icebox. These systems typically run for less than 1000.00. Unfortunately, they are not sold through discount houses, cut rate catalogs or marine "clearing houses". You can only buy direct through the national distributor.
D
Don s/v Tellico
Is that "the" Bill Thomas
who has been very helpful on this site before? If so, are you now at Frigoboat? (given the attached link.)
who has been very helpful on this site before? If so, are you now at Frigoboat? (given the attached link.)
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Bill Thomas
Hey, Don
Yes, It is the same. However, I am not working for them. I am working for the Distributor.
Yes, It is the same. However, I am not working for them. I am working for the Distributor.
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