Question for adding Norcold refrig to 31' icebox

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Dec 27, 2005
500
Hunter 36 Chicago
Started to install the Norcold this last weekend on my 31'..Got started but got nervous when I began to drill the hole for the copper tubing. I don't want to drill a hole that I find out after its a done deal that I put it somewhere it shouldn't be...*o figured I check on this forum before I went any further. I know some others on here have installed this unit and was wondering where you drilled the hole in the icebox. I know there is a double wall and was wondering how far I'd have to go with the drill. Thanks for any info.
 
Aug 9, 2005
772
Hunter 28.5 Palm Coast, FL
Obviously you dril through both walls....

You put the cold plate where it best conforms to the inside of the ice box. The condenser assembly you instal inside a locker with good air flow. You may have to drill some holes in the floor or install some louvered panels or add an additional 12volt fan inside the compartment. A 4" computer cooling fan will work well. Last, additional insulation to the outside of the ice box works wonders. Good luck.
 
B

Benny

Ken you have to drill through

both walls. Get a sharp bit and one that is long enough. Cover the spot to be drilled with masking tape and drill through it as it will avoid chipping. I would cut and install rubber grommets to each cooling line at each opening. Measure twice and drill once. Do not be nervous about drilling in a 20 year old or so boat you will not be hurting its value. Holes in fiberglass can be easily covered. Don't forget to plug the drain opening as you don't want cold air escaping which would cause the compressor to cycle and consume extra power. The secret of operating efficiency is in the insulation. Also affix a gasket to seal the top.
 
M

Margaritaville

which refer kit are you using?

I have the norcold SCQT-4407 I would be glad to help you. Mine works great the icebox as we speak is 38 inside. Paul
 
Dec 27, 2005
500
Hunter 36 Chicago
Thanks Paul, Benny

Thanks for the suggestions Benny, I guess I am a little paranoid about drilling holes, what you said does ease my concerns. What type of insulation would you suggest? Is it something I can pick up at the local hardware store? Paul, it is the same unit SCQT-4407 - in fact I ordered it after I saw your post. I started to drill the hole towards the rear top of the ice box. I think I remember in your post you used the shelf on the bulkhead behind the ice box (starboard storage locker "the pit"). That's the area I'm locating my compressor. There isn't quite enough shelf for the compressor to mount on so I'm going to epoxy in some marine plywood to gain a little extra room for the supports...anyhow - this is the general vicinity where I'd like to run the copper tubing. Any suggestions appreciated!
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Compressor in aft lazarette.

Ken: We installed a Technautic's Marine unit several years ago. We placed the compressor in the aft lazarette (under the starboard helm seat). The hole for the tubes were run thru the aft corner (starboard) of the icebox. The tubes are attached to some small wood blocks epoxied to the hull to support them. These tubes are covered with insulating foam to help with the cooling. After the unit is installed and tested you should fill the hole for the tubing with foam (minimal expansion) to seal the hole. There is not a lot that you can do to add insulation to the box unless you want to add some type of insulation to the part of the box that is in the starboard lazarette. Be sure to put the refrigeration on it's own breaker. I also added a a barrier in the aft lazarette to protect the compressor from anything possibly banging into it while sailing. There is no need to add any fans in this area. There is plenty of air in that area. The old pictures that I had posted in the photo forum appear to have been deleted so I am not sure that I have anything that I could show you.
 
M

Margaritaville

You have the right Idea Ken

I wish I had gone and made a shelf for mine. I opened the coils til they were straight. I worked them slowly through the opening of the Icebox and then one through the hole I drilled in the back of the box. Once the coils were through and the condenser plate was into the back of the icebox I attached the plate to the back of the box. I had to climb into the lazerette I proceeded to roll the remaining coil back up and secured it with a couple of wire ties. I went to Lowes and bought some additional insulation and covered the coils. Once I was sure everything was were I wanted it and I was happy with the installation I sprayed some foam into the hole I had drilled to seal it up properly. Please do not forget to put a cork in the drain hole of the icebox. Otherwise the cold air will also drain out. I hope this has been some help
 
K

Ken

Steve, Paul...appreciate your quick responses

Looks like I'm on the right track... I'm stuck in Dubuqe IA on a job right now with 10 inches of snow predicted - hard to believe I'll be splashing the boat in about 3 weeks.
 
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