Want to remove my icebox -Hunter 25 ft 1978

[Danasi]

Hi! I’m new on this forum, and I’m hopeful I can get some help. I can’t find anything on my google searches specifically to my questions..
I want to tear out my icebox. it horrible, and I’m sure it’s not draining right since the flooring has gotten wet the couple Of times I’ve used it. Its my first boat and the last owner didn’t use it.
Has anyone tore out there icebox? it looks like I need to cut the wood around the front to do it? i Already ripped out the sink next to it, and I’ve reached around the back though it all seems attached to the fiberglass so my concern is if I cut open the wood I still won’t actually be able to remove the icebox. I want to tear the whole shabang out though not sure how to go about it or if there are structure reasons why this would be a bad idea..

 

[shemandr]

Which Hunter 25 is it? The original Hunter 25 was first built in 1970. Then there was the Hunter 25 "Box Top." Subsequently the Hunter 25-2 and finally the Hunter 255. On Sailboatdata.com they appear to be quite different. Only the original has a layout diagram.
Galley cabinetry does stiffen the boat. If the icebox is athwartship (Like under the companionway) it may be tied in with bulkhead and therefore structural. If it's on one side of the boat less likely so. Pictures would help.
What are you going to replace it with? I would consider using the icebox for dry storage and using a good cooler for your cold storage.

 

[Danasi]

Thank you for getting back to me! It’s the hunter 25 (model 25? I ) and that’s what I thought. It does look like it’s part of the structure of the boat. It is under the companionway. (First pic) I wouldn’t mind using it for dry storage, though it is warm in it and damp, so I worry if I use it for dry goods they will mold quickly. is there a way to ventilate it then?
the while galley area was useless ( sink was disconnected, alcohol stove was never used and freaked me out) so I opened that up just by taking them out and cutting a bit more with the holes, so I have a temporary fix to my space issue and accessibility to the cabinet space, though I may use that space differently if I can ventilate the ice box and make it usable for something. I just used hinges and wood, knowing I am going to change the whole area. It’s such a horrible set up.
I stay on the boat on weekends at my slip though I probably won’t do more than day trips to local places so the icebox isn’t a huge deal for me. I’m looking at other options for a fridge set up regardless. I saw some good options, though until I figure out what to do with this area I’m holding off on any purchases.

then seems the only companies I’ve found that redo these areas are only for ‘yachts’ haha not my old 78 sailboat that I bought for a song.

 

[Benny17441]

Those ice boxes can be retrofitted to a working electric refrigerator. You remove the innard components of a dorm refrigerator from its box and transfer them to the ice cooler box and rather inexpensively you have a working refrigerator that can be run from shore power or an inverter. Usually a small temporary access cut has to be made in the box to insert the cooling plate and replaced afterwards. Some new insulation around the box and walla, cold beer.

 

[Danasi]

Thank you!

 

[ggrizzard]

You might find some threads on this and other sailing websites that discuss
Benny's suggestion. Try googling "Ice box conversion on a boat"