Noise level from the SCQT-4407 icebox conversion

[zds]

I've searched the forums and the web but can't find any recent discussions about the Norcold SCQT-4407.

I'm thinking about installing this unit's compressor in the Salon area of my Hunter 34 (near the stove).

Can anyone give me any idea of the kind of noise it makes? We love quiet nighs at anchor and I don't want to install any hardware that might risk them.

The alternative is to install the compressor in the starboard cockpit locker ("the pit"), but I'd like to avoid putting any more equipment in that space.

So, that said, does anyone know the length of the copper tubing to the evaporator? I'm also wondering just how far away I could put the compressor.

Thanks!

 

[Hermit Scott]

zds- is the condenser cooled by sea water like a marine air conditioning system?

 

[zds]

Nope - it's air cooled.

 

[Hermit Scott]

Where is the evaporator vented to, and where is it located? Or I guess where do you intend to locate and vent it to? I have this upgrade to do myself, I just want to get a feel for what I have to do. Thanks

 

[sailingdog]

Just curious, is this using the same swing compressor refrigeration tech that they use in the Norcold and Engel portable refrigerators?

 

[kloudie1]

Quick note, Scott.. look carefully/consider a water cooled one because your ambient temp is high and ya really don't want to heat up the cabin air .. The water cooling option is offered on several and there are power and cooling charts available in the factory literature to help ya decide.

 

[cbsailor]

I installed the SCQT-4407 icebox conversion on Ninkasi, our '88 H33.5, almost two years ago. The unit works great when attached to shore power, but does add a healthy load to our DC power consumption. I opted to install it myself and placed it in the starboard lazerette on the bulkhead directly behind the icebox. The unit is very quiet and you can barely hear it cycle on/off even at night. The unit needs good ventilation and the "dungeon" as we call it has plenty of air.

When I installed the unit we had 2 GP27 house batteries and this worked fine for our weekend cruising and day sailing. When we went to FL last winter, living everyday on the hook or moorings was way to much for the batteries and I swapped the GP27s out and installed 4 Trojan golf cart batteries. Everything (the admirals TV, lights, stereo, and refer) works great with this setup and we don't need to run the engine as often to charge the batteries.

Bottom lines: (1) despite its quietness, I wouldn't put this unit in the salon; (2) even with its built in fan, the compressor unit needs lots of air; (3) you are probably going to need more battery Amp Hour capacity if you like to cruise/anchor out for long periods; (4) your icebox may need more insulation, ours did; (5) although not as efficient as water cooled units, the price was cheaper and it was much easier to install; (6) cold beer without hauling ice is great.

Attached are some pics of my installation.

 

[zds]

Thanks cbsailor - that's great info.

Any idea of the maximum distance I can space apart the compressor and evaporator?

 

[cbsailor]

Tubing Length

I think my evaporator came with 10 to 12 ft of tubing attached. My Users Manual, which has the specs on the unit, is on the boat. You can see in the pictures that I looped the excess tubing behind the compressor. Thetford (Norcold) has a copy of the SCQT-3407 Users manual on their website with specs on that unit and it came with 12ft. The SCQT-4407 has now replaced the 3407. Check out the link.

http://www.thetford.com/HOME/PARTS/NorcoldIncRefrigerators/SCQT3407/tabid/500/Default.aspx