For those of us on moorings and not able to hook up to electricity, I've been trying to find ways not to go broke buying ice. We spend most every weekend on her and like to keep things well chilled. I purchased an item at the last Sailboat show and am trying it out this weekend. They are flat sheets that you immerse in water to "Hydrate" and then stick in the freezer. They are supposed to keep things cold for up to six days. I am supplementing them with bags of ice, but will let you know next week how they turned out. Any other "unique" ideas?
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I gave mine away!
Bob: I gave mine away (hydrated ice?)! That stuff was just OK at best. If you are on a mooring, I'd think that about three solar panels would carry your electrical load for refrigeration . If you check out the Mummah's (now cruising in the Abacos) H'31, they have 3 panels and a wind generator. This should provide the power to keep a reefer going. Then get a wind generator for the additional load while you are aboard. Now taking into consideration that you are probably paying $2 for a bag of ice or $3-4 for a block, it's going to take a log time to recoup your investment. By the way, you will find that using block ice works much better than bags. Keep the box as full as possible (buy beer buy the cases). The less air you try to cool the better.
Bob: I gave mine away (hydrated ice?)! That stuff was just OK at best. If you are on a mooring, I'd think that about three solar panels would carry your electrical load for refrigeration . If you check out the Mummah's (now cruising in the Abacos) H'31, they have 3 panels and a wind generator. This should provide the power to keep a reefer going. Then get a wind generator for the additional load while you are aboard. Now taking into consideration that you are probably paying $2 for a bag of ice or $3-4 for a block, it's going to take a log time to recoup your investment. By the way, you will find that using block ice works much better than bags. Keep the box as full as possible (buy beer buy the cases). The less air you try to cool the better.
B
Bob
Burst My Bubble
Steve: Geez, I knew there must have been a big sucker on my face when I bought these. I'll report back after this weekend. Even if they help a bit, especially when August hits. HOT / HUMID!!
Steve: Geez, I knew there must have been a big sucker on my face when I bought these. I'll report back after this weekend. Even if they help a bit, especially when August hits. HOT / HUMID!!
D
Debra Blatnik
Steve is right, a block of ice and a case of beer
This will easily keep things cold for the weekend, even a 3 day weekend. Make sure the beer or soda -- for those of you in Chicago, that would be pop -- is cold before you put it in the icebox. Of course some cubes are nice too, but that is what ice picks are for.
This will easily keep things cold for the weekend, even a 3 day weekend. Make sure the beer or soda -- for those of you in Chicago, that would be pop -- is cold before you put it in the icebox. Of course some cubes are nice too, but that is what ice picks are for.
T
Tim Schaaf
Bottles of ice
Why not take some one gallon bottles of water and freeze them at home. Then carry them to the boat. No muss, no fuss. You will have free ice, cold water as it melts, and no drainage problems. Keep the box full, as others have said.
Why not take some one gallon bottles of water and freeze them at home. Then carry them to the boat. No muss, no fuss. You will have free ice, cold water as it melts, and no drainage problems. Keep the box full, as others have said.
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Bill Murray - Good Faith H29.5
get a blanket
get a blanket (they make special ones for this or get a space blanket in the meantime) and put it over everything (ice and beer) so you reduce the volume and the air that you are trying to keep cool.
get a blanket (they make special ones for this or get a space blanket in the meantime) and put it over everything (ice and beer) so you reduce the volume and the air that you are trying to keep cool.
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Ron
Freeze water in jugs
I usually freeze one or two gallon jugs of spring water & use it rather than block ice. Much less messy, and the melted water in the jug is usable for drinking/cooking/etc.
I usually freeze one or two gallon jugs of spring water & use it rather than block ice. Much less messy, and the melted water in the jug is usable for drinking/cooking/etc.
L
LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners
Home made ice
I've heard from several folks that home made ice feezes more solidly, thus lasting longer. Don't ask me about the chemistry of it all, but it sounds good! Plus it's free! LaDonna
I've heard from several folks that home made ice feezes more solidly, thus lasting longer. Don't ask me about the chemistry of it all, but it sounds good! Plus it's free! LaDonna
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Ron
Problem
Sounds like your problem is more in the freezer box than in the ice you are buying. If you have the time and talent a home made icebox may be your answer. Larry Pardey has plans in one of his books for building a box which he claims uses 185 lbs. of ice in two weeks in the tropics. I,also freeze gallon bottles of water at home. Be careful not to fill them all the way as they will split as the water/ice expands. If you really want some cold, try dry ice. We get it at the grocery store for $.79 a lb. Ron/KA5HZV
Sounds like your problem is more in the freezer box than in the ice you are buying. If you have the time and talent a home made icebox may be your answer. Larry Pardey has plans in one of his books for building a box which he claims uses 185 lbs. of ice in two weeks in the tropics. I,also freeze gallon bottles of water at home. Be careful not to fill them all the way as they will split as the water/ice expands. If you really want some cold, try dry ice. We get it at the grocery store for $.79 a lb. Ron/KA5HZV
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