Looking for proper refrigeration

[Victor A. Cristiano]

I am looking to refrigerate my Hunter 34 Legend. I will be attending the Atlantic City N.J. boat show this week and would like to know what to look for. If anyone has any information for me regarding this matter I would greatly appreciate it. I was told the things to look for were the insulotion of the box to be regrigerated, how the boat is used, and the amount you would like to spend. To answer these questions; I cruise with the boat but have no problem running the engine to charge the batteries, would like to keep the cost as low as possible, and would like information regarding the insulation.Once again any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. Sincerely, Victor

 

[John K Kudera]

H34 Refrig.

I installed referigeration on our H34 6 years ago, ran the tubes out the back of the box, alongside the batteries, to the lazerette, fastened the unit beyond the steering post on the port side.At that location you are at the end of the tube length, and the added weight is on the port side.We have the adler barber horizonal mount unit, we added an extra shelf, for when there are only two of us for the weekend, and in that small space, the unit will freeze your beer! Good Luck!

 

[Clyde Lichtenwalner]

Adler Barber

Like John I have an Adler Barber unit, though I installed it new in 1983. My compressor is on the starboard side of the lazarette and we got the vertical evaporator. This has not been a trouble free unit. The compressor is original, but the electronic package and condensor cooling fan were replaced at one time or another in the past 17 seasons. The latest AB units are smaller, more energy efficient, and probably more reliable than mine. The replacement electronics package has been operating in mine for the past seven or eight years without fault. The unit runs 50% of the time and draws 5 amps when running (60 to 80 amp-hrs per day depending on how ofter you are in and out of the box). I have done nothing to enhance the stock insulation in the box because the AB unit runs no more than specified. I suppose it could always be better. If this one flags, I will buy a new AB without hesitation, but is seems to be going strong.Think about batteries and charging systems. Any 12v frig is a power hog and two group 27s and a 30 amp alternator for charging will simply not do the job. Batteries and charging systems will probably cost as much as the refrigerator.

 

[Greg Ketley]

Power Hog!

The AB unit is fine, but if you are running the stock charging system you will need to run your engine for several hours a day while away from shore power. I upgraded my H-34 to a high output alternator that gives me 100 amps at less than 1000 rpm and as much as 150 amps at cruising speed. I run the engine 1/2 hour in the am and again in the pm, this keeps me in hot water and cold beer. It is worth the effort unless you want run your engine all day!Good luckGregS/V Seabew