I need to replace my refrigeration system. The compressor unit is locate on the starboard side of the lazarette hatch, as appears to be standard for this early model. I'm looking for the specific make and model number used by others who have replace their units. My main concerns are the length of the freon lines, and the capacity of the unit to cool properly. I look forward to your replies.
James
s/v CaiLeighAnna
Hull 299
I don't know if it was original, but the manual I have says it's a Frigiboat brand.
Many of the boats came with Adler Barbour "Cold Machines." A/B is now owned by WAECO Dometic.
Does it look like this?
PS - edit - the name on it might be a giveaway?!? :thumb:
James, I installed a Nova Kool. Very happy with it.
Paul
What model never?
James, I am going to the boat tomorrow. Spring has finally arrived in Michigan and I will get the info on the model.
Paul
Catalina installed the Adler Barber Cold Machine unit back then in your location. The current off the shelf Adler Barber unit refrigeration lines will be too short. If you plan to replace it with another Adler Barber unit in the same location, you will also need to order their line extension kit. Do a search and you will find much more detail re this subject. :thumb:
James,
A few years back I replaced mine with a like unit from Adler Barbour. With the compressor in the aft locker I needed all of the 15' provided with the standard
evaporator. Would be a shame if that amount of plumbing was no longer included. Check out defender.com.
Steve
I replaced mine with a Sea Frost unit which works well. While it can make ice using hanging ice cube trays, it does not have a freezer compartment, and the fleet admiral complains about that. Sea Frost customized the cooling plate to fit the ice box and also provided longer tubing runs , both at nominal extra cost as I recall (11 years ago).
The Sea Frost is available in either cold plate or freezer box styles. Very easy folks to work with, will modify as necessary to meet you needs. At least on the MK 1.5, the standard freezer box fit with no modifications. I mounted my freezer box high so the lid acts at the freezer compartment door. Save some money that way, and cold sinks so it keeps the entire box cold.
James, I put in a Nova Kool, compressor LT 200 and RT 6 cold plates. This is the freezer box, which has 3 cold plates. I installed it to the front of the ice box so that you did not have to reach over it. Also, installed the ice box.
Not able to find the model # at this time www.novakool.com
Paul
Quote from: Roland Gendreau on April 14, 2016, 10:38:34 AM
it does not have a freezer compartment, and the fleet admiral complains about that.
Some have put a partial divider in a reefer with the ice cube/evaporator on that side to make a small "freezing side." The spill out cools the reefer side of the box. Have no idea your configuration and if that's possible? Practicality would depend on the BTUs but "up north" it might. I ass/u/me that the "cooling plate" is an evaporator and not a holding plate style?
kk
Ken, that is correct. It is an evaporator
Paul
Sea Frost has been highly recommended by Maine Sail. If I had to replace mine, that's what I'd use.
If you spend a lot of time at anchor, you might also compare energy used.
Paul
My Seafrost energy usage per day is about 48 amp hours, average draw is 2 amps. We do not have a wind generator or a solar panel, so we have to run the engine an hour a day or so to recharge, if we are not moving that day. At home port, we are on a mooring so the unit is normally not run when the boat is unused.
I also find I get better temperature distribution in the ice box if I use a battery operated fan to circulate air within the box. Otherwise there is significant temperature difference from bottom to top, particularly if the box is heavily loaded with a week's worth of food.
Quote from: Roland Gendreau on April 27, 2016, 07:54:37 AM
I also find I get better temperature distribution in the ice box if I use a battery operated fan to circulate air within the box. Otherwise there is significant temperature difference from bottom to top, particularly if the box is heavily loaded with a week's worth of food.
A brethren found the same issue and installed a 12v "pancake" cooling fan to avoid needing to do the batteries -- They are available all over the iNet, (I also think radio shack.) Power draw is nil - about 1/4 amp - not sure but he may have put it on a cheap thermostat or timer.
Ken
The Camco fan I purchased on Amazon uses 2 D batteries and they will last at least a week under continuous duty. Since our primary use of the refrig is for week long cruises, a battery operated unit suits us ok.
http://www.amazon.com/Camco-44123-Fridge-Airator/dp/B0006IX7TW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461946543&sr=8-2&keywords=refrigerator+fan (http://www.amazon.com/Camco-44123-Fridge-Airator/dp/B0006IX7TW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461946543&sr=8-2&keywords=refrigerator+fan)
Quote from: Roland Gendreau on April 29, 2016, 09:19:04 AM
The Camco fan I purchased on Amazon uses 2 D batteries and they will last at least a week under continuous duty. Since our primary use of the refrig is for week long cruises, a battery operated unit suits us ok.
http://www.amazon.com/Camco-44123-Fridge-Airator/dp/B0006IX7TW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461946543&sr=8-2&keywords=refrigerator+fan (http://www.amazon.com/Camco-44123-Fridge-Airator/dp/B0006IX7TW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461946543&sr=8-2&keywords=refrigerator+fan)
Thanks for the link! Good to know - as that's how I would use it also. :clap
kk