Steve's H33 Reefer Project

[Ed Schenck]

If you haven't already, check out Steve Weinstein's reefer project on the Photo Forum. Geez I wish I had known about that slick thru-hull cooler when I bought my Adler-Barbour. I have always wanted to replace the thru-hull and gate valve to my galley drain. That would have been the perfect option. Lake Erie water(70 degrees max) would have made the condensor so much more efficient.I am surprised at how much better the H33 ice box is compared to my H37C. You have a large opening and easy access to all corners. If you have never seen the H37C box it has a small lid back in the corner. Then a large part of the box goes way aft into the starboard cockpit locker. There is another leaky lid in the locker so that you can reach in for a beer without going below. Not a bad idea but hugely inefficient, both in cooling and in access.At any rate a superb job Steve!

 

[Steve Weinstein]

Thanks, Ed!!

I'd been thinking about refrigeration for a while but kept putting it off for a number of reasons. One of the major ones was the necessity of drilling yet another hole in the hull - usually for a water inlet. Then Frigoboat came along and that seemed like a decent compromise. Another hole but not one, in theory, that could pour water into the boat if a hose came off.As I think I mentioned in the article I discovered the Isotherm unit at Annapolis and bingo, that was the unit I wanted. In addition to their thru-hull replacement arrangement I especially liked that the compressor didn't need a vented locker or much air circulation. I spoke often with the Isotherm people and was assured that where I was mounting the compressor was perfectly fine and the compressor wouldn't overheat in that closed locker.