I started going after some changes I have wanted to make in the galley. I removed the old water heater, tore out the sink, and removed the countertop. I removed the drawer under the sink and (like Stu) mounted it underneath the existing drawer in the V-berth. Perfect fit. I also enlarged the opening where the drawer was, and had a double door made for that area--much like the Mark IIs have.
Basically, I want a single bowl sink and more access underneath to fix plumbing, put in a fresh water filtration system, and put cleaning supplies. (I'm going to put a new water heater in the bottom of the wet locker between the nav station and head.)
My question is what to do with the ice box space. I don't have refrigeration right now, and I don't think I want to install the traditional cold plate/compressor system. I like the idea of an Engel, both for power consumption and portability. I don't think there is an Engel unit I can pop into the space of the old cooler, at least not unless I move the upper cabinets and enlarge the cooler opening. So my questions:
1. Anyone tear out the ice box and build in some sort of storage?
2. How hard was it? It looks like basic sawing and extraction, with a lot of foam.
3. Anyone try to put a "drop in" cooler unit into that space? If so, what did you ultimately choose?
Thank in advance for your replies. I really saved a lot of time by reading the tech wiki and Captain Al's step by step guide to removing the countertop--super helpful. Its in my garage!
Patches
FYI, I installed a 3 filter and UV system in our water works, all of it fits under the sink and behind the triple drawer unit after I trimmed a few inches off of the back of it.
It's a single Whole house filter for the water going into the pump and then a 2 stage filter with UV unit inline with the drinking water faucet.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IviOWXF_0Co/WmcJbS9gSUI/AAAAAAAAWNw/jRRDCSDy0PAEiLqka0nW9Ae9fnYSLc73QCKgBGAs/s1600/20180122_135935.jpg)
https://www.sailingeximius.com/2018/01/whole-boat-filter.html (https://www.sailingeximius.com/2018/01/whole-boat-filter.html)
Paul