I have an 84 H31 and I am looking for a refrigeration solution that I believe is a little unusual: I mostly do day sailing with this boat, so I don't really need DC refrigeration, I just need shore power refrigeration to keep the beer cold and the ketchup from spoiling. When I go out for a weekend and anchor out, I can bring ice for the entire trip. My thought is that I only need to refrigerate on shorepower, and I am looking for an easy "insert" that I can put into my icebox that will cool when I am plugged in. Is there a AC solution that would work for this? Eric Steege Perfect Union Bayport Marina, MN
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Sure.
Eric: Any of the units on the market in conjunction with a battery charger will do the trick here. They keep you battery charged and the refer. runs off of the DC. There are also some unit that will run off AC or DC. Check out West Marine, BoatsUS etc. If you purchase one that will run off of DC and you are only day sailing you can just forget the ice unless you need it for drinks. You house battery will keep you going for the afternoon. Then you could add another battery if you later decide you want to do some overniting.
Eric: Any of the units on the market in conjunction with a battery charger will do the trick here. They keep you battery charged and the refer. runs off of the DC. There are also some unit that will run off AC or DC. Check out West Marine, BoatsUS etc. If you purchase one that will run off of DC and you are only day sailing you can just forget the ice unless you need it for drinks. You house battery will keep you going for the afternoon. Then you could add another battery if you later decide you want to do some overniting.
AC Refrigeration - Try This!
I installed 110v AC refrigeration in the ice box of my h34 six years ago for under $50. When the college kids were leaving town I purchased a used dorm refrigerator for $40. I carefully took out the working "guts" without discharging the freon. There wasn't much left of the original refigerator box when I was done. I cut a hole in the side of my ice box just big enough to get the evaporator and thermostat through. I connect the cooling unit to the top of the ice box and close the whole I cut in the box with epoxy and the plastic (and insulation) I previously removed. The compressor and condensor were placed in the locker next to the ice box. I added a 110V outlet to that locker and used the original plug and wiring from the dorm fridge. Later I added a small fan to help cool the condenser. The day after installation I returned to the boat and found frozen beer. After turning the thermostat down to #3 (it can be set 1-10) it worked excellent. I eventally added a 1000 watt inverter to make 110V when I'm out sailing. Although this isn't the most energy efficient set up it's about $1000 cheaper than a marine unit and likely works better (and will last longer) The ice box is large enough for 5 cases plus food! Barry s/v "PER DIEM too"
I installed 110v AC refrigeration in the ice box of my h34 six years ago for under $50. When the college kids were leaving town I purchased a used dorm refrigerator for $40. I carefully took out the working "guts" without discharging the freon. There wasn't much left of the original refigerator box when I was done. I cut a hole in the side of my ice box just big enough to get the evaporator and thermostat through. I connect the cooling unit to the top of the ice box and close the whole I cut in the box with epoxy and the plastic (and insulation) I previously removed. The compressor and condensor were placed in the locker next to the ice box. I added a 110V outlet to that locker and used the original plug and wiring from the dorm fridge. Later I added a small fan to help cool the condenser. The day after installation I returned to the boat and found frozen beer. After turning the thermostat down to #3 (it can be set 1-10) it worked excellent. I eventally added a 1000 watt inverter to make 110V when I'm out sailing. Although this isn't the most energy efficient set up it's about $1000 cheaper than a marine unit and likely works better (and will last longer) The ice box is large enough for 5 cases plus food! Barry s/v "PER DIEM too"
Thanks for the detailed response
This is what I was looking for... I will be looking for dorm fridge immediately. Thanks!
This is what I was looking for... I will be looking for dorm fridge immediately. Thanks!
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