Refrigerator storage

[RNC725]

In a couple months will be converting our icebox on our Hunter 326 to refrigeration. Looking for ideas on storage for the interior. If anyone has any tips, photos, bad ideas to stay away from ect I would love to hear them. We are still trying to decide do we want to include a small freezer unit or will that be significantly more power to operate.

 

[RoyS]

My boat is a different model, however, many ice boxes are similar. If the box was built for ice it quite likely is top opening and deep. Great for ice but you cannot just fill a refrigerator from the bottom to the top with food because you will never retrieve food on the bottom without emptying the whole thing. I built two crates that stack (like milk crates) with guides that hold them steady inside. If I need something from the bottom I lift out the top crate and reach down to the bottom one.

 

[kjretlaw]

I installed an Isotherm 2501 Compact Classic Air Cooled Refrigeration Component System with the DB 50 compressor. Located the unit on the top portion of the frig. I located the compressor next to the AC unit with a vent into the cabin. This leaves a 6-8" gap aft of the evaporator in the frig for keeping things very cold without freezing. This setup is good for 2-3 day trips. For longer trips I put an insulation board between the high and low sides of the frig turning the smaller side into a larger freezer. I also have a top cover for the freezer section as well. remember to put holes in the vertical insulation to keep the lower part cold. I have 6 1.5" holes.
As for energy use. I have two GP 31 batteries and 180W of solar and haven't had any power issues. I have two marks on the thermostat one for normal and one for motoring. I crank the temp lower when motoring to super cool the frig saving on the batteries.

 

[RNC725]

Looks like it works well. I even have a woodworking friend that owes me some favors. Many thanks. Do you have a freezer component as well? I'm researching how much more draw a freezer element has, even a small one.

 

[RNC725]

Kjretlaw, would love to see some photos of at all possible. Still trying to figure all this out. Thanks!

 

[Tally Ho]

I can fit a case of beer, on its end, in my fridge. Rip the end of the case open and I have a beer dispenser. I stick some small plastic bottles of white wine, water, a few cans of Coke and whatever food I want refrigerated in and around the odd spaces around the case of beer. I stick a bottle of Stoli in the freezer.

Damn, I sound like a drunk.

Greg

 

[Hunter Ad Bot]

And now a word from the sponsor...

Cabinet catch for many Hunters

These catches were common on Hunters from the Legend-era through today's Marlow-Hunters. We keep a large stock on hand for emergency shipments or just getting spares.
See the product

 

[RoyS]

I have a small oval freezer that will hold maybe 8 hamburgers. I do not think that the freezer adds to the power consumption of the refrigerator. You need an evaporator coil in there somewhere, either a flat plate or a plate formed into a freezer shape. I would have preferred a larger freezer but there was not enough room. Power consumption can be minimized by adding insulation around the box and sealing well around the lid. Stopper any drains. Pre-cool items before adding to the fridge. Warm beer will draw a lot of current to cool down.