Summer is just about upon us! And with summer, we can expect some serious heat. Nothing tastes so good after a hot day's sailing than a cool one. But keeping the drinks cool long enough can often be a challenge. How do you keep food and drink cool on your boat? Perhaps the most common means is throwing a couple of bags of ice cubes into a cooler or the ice box on your boat. But block ice, or even dry ice, may last longer, if you can find it. Some lucky souls have a refer aboard. If so, how does that work out for you in terms of the need to keep the engine or generator running to keep the refer cool? Is it worth it? Finally, what tricks of the trade have you learned? Freezing your drinks first before you put them in with your ice? What can you share with us? Tell how you keep things cool aboard your boat, then take the Quick Quiz on the home page. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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Summer is just about upon us! And with summer, we can expect some serious heat. Nothing tastes so good after a hot day's sailing than a cool one. But keeping the drinks cool long enough can often be a challenge. How do you keep food and drink cool on your boat? Perhaps the most common means is throwing a couple of bags of ice cubes into a cooler or the ice box on your boat. But block ice, or even dry ice, may last longer, if you can find it. Some lucky souls have a refer aboard. If so, how does that work out for you in terms of the need to keep the engine or generator running to keep the refer cool? Is it worth it? Finally, what tricks of the trade have you learned? Freezing your drinks first before you put them in with your ice? What can you share with us? Tell how you keep things cool aboard your boat, then take the Quick Quiz on the home page. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
Attachments
On my boat
we use bags of cubes which are usually all forzen together -- a good thing. I use block ice when I can find it. I also make ice at home in all the various containers discussed below. We freeze whatever food we can based on when we expect to eat it. Then we pack it in the boat's ice box very carefully -- also based on when we expect to need it. Opening the box and routing around in it for a long time just shortens the life span of the ice. If you give some thought to what you need before opening the box, it saves ice, too. I really like the idea of using a survival blanket on top of everything to reduce the cooling area -- thanks to whoever below thought of that!
we use bags of cubes which are usually all forzen together -- a good thing. I use block ice when I can find it. I also make ice at home in all the various containers discussed below. We freeze whatever food we can based on when we expect to eat it. Then we pack it in the boat's ice box very carefully -- also based on when we expect to need it. Opening the box and routing around in it for a long time just shortens the life span of the ice. If you give some thought to what you need before opening the box, it saves ice, too. I really like the idea of using a survival blanket on top of everything to reduce the cooling area -- thanks to whoever below thought of that!
On my boat
we use bags of cubes which are usually all forzen together -- a good thing. I use block ice when I can find it. I also make ice at home in all the various containers discussed below. We freeze whatever food we can based on when we expect to eat it. Then we pack it in the boat's ice box very carefully -- also based on when we expect to need it. Opening the box and routing around in it for a long time just shortens the life span of the ice. If you give some thought to what you need before opening the box, it saves ice, too. I really like the idea of using a survival blanket on top of everything to reduce the cooling area -- thanks to whoever below thought of that!
we use bags of cubes which are usually all forzen together -- a good thing. I use block ice when I can find it. I also make ice at home in all the various containers discussed below. We freeze whatever food we can based on when we expect to eat it. Then we pack it in the boat's ice box very carefully -- also based on when we expect to need it. Opening the box and routing around in it for a long time just shortens the life span of the ice. If you give some thought to what you need before opening the box, it saves ice, too. I really like the idea of using a survival blanket on top of everything to reduce the cooling area -- thanks to whoever below thought of that!
Ice maker
That EdgeStar Countertop Portable Ice Maker IP200TI is on eBay for $169 and $35 shipping from Compact Appiance.
That EdgeStar Countertop Portable Ice Maker IP200TI is on eBay for $169 and $35 shipping from Compact Appiance.
Ice maker
That EdgeStar Countertop Portable Ice Maker IP200TI is on eBay for $169 and $35 shipping from Compact Appiance.
That EdgeStar Countertop Portable Ice Maker IP200TI is on eBay for $169 and $35 shipping from Compact Appiance.
Refrigerator tips;
1) Pre-cool your refrigerator to its maximum setting using shorepower at least 12 hours before you disconnect. 2) Freeze your foods. 3) Fill the refrigerator as a full one will operate more efficiently than a half full one. 4) Reduce thermostat when underway to reduce cycling. 5) Try to open the lid as least as possible. 6) An RV refrigerator fan will work on two "D" batteries and maintain air circulation for greater efficiency. 7) Recharge the home battery bank at night whether with shorepower or the use of the generator. 8) We usually place drinks in a 48 quart cooler filled with ice. Lasts two days. 9) Replenish ice daily at a marina or utilize the dink to go ashore and buy ice. We spent Memorial weekend on the move between home and two different anchorages; temperatures were in the 90's and the ice was gone by noon of the 2nd day. A trip to shore proved fruitless as all the vendors were sold out of ice. I moved some beer to the refrigerator to take the space of the food that had been consumed and had my last two cold ones after tying the boat at our home dock.
1) Pre-cool your refrigerator to its maximum setting using shorepower at least 12 hours before you disconnect. 2) Freeze your foods. 3) Fill the refrigerator as a full one will operate more efficiently than a half full one. 4) Reduce thermostat when underway to reduce cycling. 5) Try to open the lid as least as possible. 6) An RV refrigerator fan will work on two "D" batteries and maintain air circulation for greater efficiency. 7) Recharge the home battery bank at night whether with shorepower or the use of the generator. 8) We usually place drinks in a 48 quart cooler filled with ice. Lasts two days. 9) Replenish ice daily at a marina or utilize the dink to go ashore and buy ice. We spent Memorial weekend on the move between home and two different anchorages; temperatures were in the 90's and the ice was gone by noon of the 2nd day. A trip to shore proved fruitless as all the vendors were sold out of ice. I moved some beer to the refrigerator to take the space of the food that had been consumed and had my last two cold ones after tying the boat at our home dock.
Refrigerator tips;
1) Pre-cool your refrigerator to its maximum setting using shorepower at least 12 hours before you disconnect. 2) Freeze your foods. 3) Fill the refrigerator as a full one will operate more efficiently than a half full one. 4) Reduce thermostat when underway to reduce cycling. 5) Try to open the lid as least as possible. 6) An RV refrigerator fan will work on two "D" batteries and maintain air circulation for greater efficiency. 7) Recharge the home battery bank at night whether with shorepower or the use of the generator. 8) We usually place drinks in a 48 quart cooler filled with ice. Lasts two days. 9) Replenish ice daily at a marina or utilize the dink to go ashore and buy ice. We spent Memorial weekend on the move between home and two different anchorages; temperatures were in the 90's and the ice was gone by noon of the 2nd day. A trip to shore proved fruitless as all the vendors were sold out of ice. I moved some beer to the refrigerator to take the space of the food that had been consumed and had my last two cold ones after tying the boat at our home dock.
1) Pre-cool your refrigerator to its maximum setting using shorepower at least 12 hours before you disconnect. 2) Freeze your foods. 3) Fill the refrigerator as a full one will operate more efficiently than a half full one. 4) Reduce thermostat when underway to reduce cycling. 5) Try to open the lid as least as possible. 6) An RV refrigerator fan will work on two "D" batteries and maintain air circulation for greater efficiency. 7) Recharge the home battery bank at night whether with shorepower or the use of the generator. 8) We usually place drinks in a 48 quart cooler filled with ice. Lasts two days. 9) Replenish ice daily at a marina or utilize the dink to go ashore and buy ice. We spent Memorial weekend on the move between home and two different anchorages; temperatures were in the 90's and the ice was gone by noon of the 2nd day. A trip to shore proved fruitless as all the vendors were sold out of ice. I moved some beer to the refrigerator to take the space of the food that had been consumed and had my last two cold ones after tying the boat at our home dock.
This is a tough thread for me to post to.
Back 1989 there were few refrigeration choices available. We were outfitting for the tropics. I decided to go with custom stuff. I converted a compartment to a freezer. The ice box was already converted by a Adler Barbour but I installed a cold plate anyway. Now that made two systems driven by the engine. Let's see, what else could I build off of the same stuff. Ah-Ha! Air Conditioning! It sounded good back then. Now you can buy such a system off the shelf. But not back then. I lost count of the cash and time invested in 1991 at over $11,500. The count is only increasing. But we kept our buddie boats supplied with ice. We were also the envy of the fleet one night off of Nicaragua. It was so hot that no one could breathe. My wife had to wear a sweat suit to keep warm in her bunk while off watch. OK, those two examples were worth twice the cost invested. And now I've got a refrigeration company just for maintaining my system. Cost? Don't ask.
Back 1989 there were few refrigeration choices available. We were outfitting for the tropics. I decided to go with custom stuff. I converted a compartment to a freezer. The ice box was already converted by a Adler Barbour but I installed a cold plate anyway. Now that made two systems driven by the engine. Let's see, what else could I build off of the same stuff. Ah-Ha! Air Conditioning! It sounded good back then. Now you can buy such a system off the shelf. But not back then. I lost count of the cash and time invested in 1991 at over $11,500. The count is only increasing. But we kept our buddie boats supplied with ice. We were also the envy of the fleet one night off of Nicaragua. It was so hot that no one could breathe. My wife had to wear a sweat suit to keep warm in her bunk while off watch. OK, those two examples were worth twice the cost invested. And now I've got a refrigeration company just for maintaining my system. Cost? Don't ask.
This is a tough thread for me to post to.
Back 1989 there were few refrigeration choices available. We were outfitting for the tropics. I decided to go with custom stuff. I converted a compartment to a freezer. The ice box was already converted by a Adler Barbour but I installed a cold plate anyway. Now that made two systems driven by the engine. Let's see, what else could I build off of the same stuff. Ah-Ha! Air Conditioning! It sounded good back then. Now you can buy such a system off the shelf. But not back then. I lost count of the cash and time invested in 1991 at over $11,500. The count is only increasing. But we kept our buddie boats supplied with ice. We were also the envy of the fleet one night off of Nicaragua. It was so hot that no one could breathe. My wife had to wear a sweat suit to keep warm in her bunk while off watch. OK, those two examples were worth twice the cost invested. And now I've got a refrigeration company just for maintaining my system. Cost? Don't ask.
Back 1989 there were few refrigeration choices available. We were outfitting for the tropics. I decided to go with custom stuff. I converted a compartment to a freezer. The ice box was already converted by a Adler Barbour but I installed a cold plate anyway. Now that made two systems driven by the engine. Let's see, what else could I build off of the same stuff. Ah-Ha! Air Conditioning! It sounded good back then. Now you can buy such a system off the shelf. But not back then. I lost count of the cash and time invested in 1991 at over $11,500. The count is only increasing. But we kept our buddie boats supplied with ice. We were also the envy of the fleet one night off of Nicaragua. It was so hot that no one could breathe. My wife had to wear a sweat suit to keep warm in her bunk while off watch. OK, those two examples were worth twice the cost invested. And now I've got a refrigeration company just for maintaining my system. Cost? Don't ask.
On our 28.5
Because we live in Florida, where it gets damn hot over the years, we've tried everything possible to keep our food and drinks cold. Started with extra insulation around the ice box. Spray and sheet foam from Home Depot. Next, a refrigerator conversion kit, started with a Norcold unit, but over the years upgraded it to a better unit. Then, a third larger, dedicated battery and a battery combiner for automatic charging. Plus a larger alternator and a three step voltage regulator. Also, on long trips I freeze 4 cans of pineapple juice and use them as cold plates on the box. They have the added delight that as they thaw... they are good mixxed with rum.
Because we live in Florida, where it gets damn hot over the years, we've tried everything possible to keep our food and drinks cold. Started with extra insulation around the ice box. Spray and sheet foam from Home Depot. Next, a refrigerator conversion kit, started with a Norcold unit, but over the years upgraded it to a better unit. Then, a third larger, dedicated battery and a battery combiner for automatic charging. Plus a larger alternator and a three step voltage regulator. Also, on long trips I freeze 4 cans of pineapple juice and use them as cold plates on the box. They have the added delight that as they thaw... they are good mixxed with rum.
Hybrid Approach
We take a hybrid approach on our C-30: 1. I converted to 120v dockside refrigeration using the innards of a dorm refrigerator similar to what was done by the Hunter owner who posted on this site a number of years ago (see related link). This gives us refrigeration while at the dock. I also keep a layer of "blue ice" packages on the bottom, which keeps our refrigerated drinks cold for short daysails. I can also run this off of an inverter, but really haven't done this except to experiment. 2. We load up with 1-2 blocks of ice depending on how hot it is and how long we're going to be out. 3. We add a bag of cubes for drinks. We also insulated the top (which is the weak link) of our icebox with pink building foam, including the bottom of the lid. I haven't added insulation to the balance of the box but will probably do so at some time in the future. Note: If you decide to go the above refrigeration route, try to find a dorm refrigerator with external coils. Most of the newer ones have the coils imbedded under the metal skin which makes for a tougher disassembly and install.
We take a hybrid approach on our C-30: 1. I converted to 120v dockside refrigeration using the innards of a dorm refrigerator similar to what was done by the Hunter owner who posted on this site a number of years ago (see related link). This gives us refrigeration while at the dock. I also keep a layer of "blue ice" packages on the bottom, which keeps our refrigerated drinks cold for short daysails. I can also run this off of an inverter, but really haven't done this except to experiment. 2. We load up with 1-2 blocks of ice depending on how hot it is and how long we're going to be out. 3. We add a bag of cubes for drinks. We also insulated the top (which is the weak link) of our icebox with pink building foam, including the bottom of the lid. I haven't added insulation to the balance of the box but will probably do so at some time in the future. Note: If you decide to go the above refrigeration route, try to find a dorm refrigerator with external coils. Most of the newer ones have the coils imbedded under the metal skin which makes for a tougher disassembly and install.
Insulation is the answer...
I have insulated the built in Ice Chest of my Catalina 25"WHA-THE-HEL!! with the Blue sheets of insulation and spray foam from Lowes Hardware and now it keeps ice for 2 days depending on how often you open it. You have to take off all the cabinet facing to get to it and it can be about a 4 hour job todo it correctly but I found it well worth the effort here in Az. with 108 degree temps.
I have insulated the built in Ice Chest of my Catalina 25"WHA-THE-HEL!! with the Blue sheets of insulation and spray foam from Lowes Hardware and now it keeps ice for 2 days depending on how often you open it. You have to take off all the cabinet facing to get to it and it can be about a 4 hour job todo it correctly but I found it well worth the effort here in Az. with 108 degree temps.
We Never Turn The Refer Off!
We NEVER turn the refrig/freezer off unless to defrost it.....probably 3 times per season is all. We have, however, added solar panels to our 320, so that we won't have to worry about the 'frig. Last year (for the first time) we cruised for 3 months in and around Lk Michigan and Huron, and had zero problems.
We NEVER turn the refrig/freezer off unless to defrost it.....probably 3 times per season is all. We have, however, added solar panels to our 320, so that we won't have to worry about the 'frig. Last year (for the first time) we cruised for 3 months in and around Lk Michigan and Huron, and had zero problems.
H31 Refer
I recently installed a 110/12volt Icebox conversion. This is the greatest thing ever! I went out last weekend about 10am refer switched automatically to 12volt. Battery 1 was the only battery on. Refer tempt as we left the dock was 43 degrees. After sailing all day, radio blasting, Vhf radio, anchor light on and cabin lights at night. next morning I tried to start the engine battery 1 still on. Engine cranked right up! Icebox temperature 43 degrees still. The only reason I started the engine was to to warm up the hot water heater for a shower. The refer only draws 3.4 amps an hour. Now I admit these things are not cheap but the are well worth the price to me! With a boat named Margaritaville The drinks have to be served up cold!
I recently installed a 110/12volt Icebox conversion. This is the greatest thing ever! I went out last weekend about 10am refer switched automatically to 12volt. Battery 1 was the only battery on. Refer tempt as we left the dock was 43 degrees. After sailing all day, radio blasting, Vhf radio, anchor light on and cabin lights at night. next morning I tried to start the engine battery 1 still on. Engine cranked right up! Icebox temperature 43 degrees still. The only reason I started the engine was to to warm up the hot water heater for a shower. The refer only draws 3.4 amps an hour. Now I admit these things are not cheap but the are well worth the price to me! With a boat named Margaritaville The drinks have to be served up cold!
Reefer
Everyone's comments have been a possibility. My Adler-Barbour (now waeco) system was installed at some time before I bought my 31' O'day. At least 4 years before. Around 1 1/2 years ago it took the proverbial dump. I found another locally for $900 AND SNAPPED IT UP. On both old and new systems I have run the frig and lights, anchor, radio, vhf,,,, etc. for 2 full days and still had oomph to crank up Universal 14. The ice cube containers that come with the unit will make 24 large cubes for drinks in about1 1/2-2 hours, which is all my crew can handle. However the beer the box can handle is more than I can. Along with the food in there also. But.....I may look into one of those icemakers clownpilot mentioned. By the way, the house bank is one (1) group 27 lead acid. If you are around my way look for schools out. Cheers, J
Everyone's comments have been a possibility. My Adler-Barbour (now waeco) system was installed at some time before I bought my 31' O'day. At least 4 years before. Around 1 1/2 years ago it took the proverbial dump. I found another locally for $900 AND SNAPPED IT UP. On both old and new systems I have run the frig and lights, anchor, radio, vhf,,,, etc. for 2 full days and still had oomph to crank up Universal 14. The ice cube containers that come with the unit will make 24 large cubes for drinks in about1 1/2-2 hours, which is all my crew can handle. However the beer the box can handle is more than I can. Along with the food in there also. But.....I may look into one of those icemakers clownpilot mentioned. By the way, the house bank is one (1) group 27 lead acid. If you are around my way look for schools out. Cheers, J
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending June 11, 2006: I keep food and drink cool aboard my boat by: 33% Using dry ice 32% Using bags of ice cubes 22% Putting things in the refer 12% Using block ice 2,113 owners responding
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending June 11, 2006: I keep food and drink cool aboard my boat by: 33% Using dry ice 32% Using bags of ice cubes 22% Putting things in the refer 12% Using block ice 2,113 owners responding
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