New Fridge

[wisski]

Has anyone replaced the fridge with a unit that actually works? I am no longer interested in continuing to try to "upgrade" or "improve" the POS Catalina has installed! If you have done this; what unit did you use? What were the problems you encountered? How has it turned out? Right now, I am trying to determine the actual space that is available when the old fridge is removed

[wolfe10]

Rob,

Are you interested in a new refrigerator cooling system OR are you thinking of removing the whole built in FG refrigerator box?

Have you drilled holes and injected expanding foam insulation on the outboard and bottom of the box-- that helps.

[wisski]

I don't know that I have space for a second fridge, leaning towards tearing out and replacing existing with something. Drill and foam is part of the "lipstick" I have.

[KenKrawford]

Rob, what is your primary misgiving about the refrigeration? Mine had always kept things cold but at the expense of a nearly constantly running compressor in the summer months and the subsequent drain on the battery bank. I’m sure it could be done but tearing out the old refrigerator/freezer and replacing it with a dorm room type 12 volt unit would involve some major surgery. I’d also be concerned about resale problems when the time comes.

[wisski]

Mine only keeps things cold if outside temp is around 70. Checked by a tech, and all parameters are with the specs, any more ambient temperature, and it will not maintain an internal temperature sufficient to safely store food. Also, the fridge currently runs almost constantly, making long trips or extended stays off the dock impossible. If any modification that is done, is done well, would hopefully only increase resale. Not considering dorm style, really considering drawer style built-in.

[RFBaker167]

Hi,
We used SeaFrost BDxp with water-cooled option, 2 large cold plates in freezer and spill-over fan to cool the refrigerator box. It's been a little trial and error but finally pretty satisfied. Cold plates get to single digit temp and the system cycles. I still need to add more insulation.
Regards,Bob