I recently bought a 1992 Catalina 28 mk I, and am interested in installing refrigeration using an ice box conversion kit. The WEACO Coolmatic series 50 would be a possibility. I like the Norcolder SCQT-4408 because it's a complete kit for one price and looks less expensive than other brands. Where is the best place to install the compressor/condensor? The cockpit locker forward of the water heater seems logical, but it's a small space and not very accessible. Any suggestions with this project would be helpfull.
refrigeration on a Catalina 28 mkI
- Thread starter joel forthun
- Start date
I have a 1996 C28. I've had it for 1.5 seasons, and it came with an icebox conversion that the previous owner had installed. I removed it, and couldn't tell you what brand or model it was.
The PO had the compressor mounted on a shelf built into the storage area under the portside v berth. That's where I like to sleep, though, and even though I'm a sound sleeper, I couldn't tolerate the noise from the compressor. To provide ventilation for the compressor, the PO had mounted a teak grill on the door to the storage area.
This setup seemed to work okay, but it sure ran a lot even though the icebox is very well insulated and I had installed new gaskets under the lid. I can't say whether the system needed any recharging.
The PO had the compressor mounted on a shelf built into the storage area under the portside v berth. That's where I like to sleep, though, and even though I'm a sound sleeper, I couldn't tolerate the noise from the compressor. To provide ventilation for the compressor, the PO had mounted a teak grill on the door to the storage area.
This setup seemed to work okay, but it sure ran a lot even though the icebox is very well insulated and I had installed new gaskets under the lid. I can't say whether the system needed any recharging.
Make sure that the kit is adequately sized for the size of the ice box. Improve the insulation to the box including a plug to the drain opening so the cold air does not escape into the bilge.
Ahoy Joel and Si: Not to hijack the thread, but I recently bought a 1991 Cat 28, and I'm looking for other owners for their input.
Mine seems slow and heavy, so I'm working on that first. Then, I've raised the cabin table to open up the interior. (I'd like to remove it. Any ideas?)
I'd love to hear from you guys.
Cheers, Jim
Newport Beach, Calif.
Mine seems slow and heavy, so I'm working on that first. Then, I've raised the cabin table to open up the interior. (I'd like to remove it. Any ideas?)
I'd love to hear from you guys.
Cheers, Jim
Newport Beach, Calif.