Cool box repair

[Parmesan]

My yacht (1980s) has a cool box area with a Supercool refrigeration unit which I think was installed as an optional extra when built. This is a Peltier system, so I am thinking of upgrading the refrigeration to a Frigoboat keel-cooled system which would be more energy-efficient. Unfortunately, the wall of the cool box has been cut to install the Supercool unit and when I remove it, it leaves a hole of around 24 cm by 15 cm which would not be needed for the Frigoboat unit.

Do you have any suggestions on how to repair this hole in the cool box in order to provide the best insulation and appearance? What sort of foam should I use and what should I used to repair the wall of the cool box itself (the foam wall is about 5cm thick)? I can access the hole from both sides as the cool box is adjacent to one of the galley cupboards. I can’t leave the Supercool unit in place as the cooling fins project an extra 2cm or so into the fridge and the cupboard.

 

[shanemax]

My well insulated cool box survives on 2 x 2 litre coke bottles of frozen water (brought from home) this system always lasts for three to four days and if I am out any longer than that then 2 x £1 bags of ice from a Tesco Express. I did have an electric cool box as well but this resulted in to many flat batteries.

 

[david_bagshaw]

I would use builders expanding foam, then attach an appropriate coloured plastic sheet infront

 

[Refueler]

The best is closed cell foam sheet .... such as DEPRON ... or other similar wall insulation.

I would go to B&Q / Wickes or whatever shop you have locally ... buy a sheet block of closed cell foam of suitable thickness ... cut a piece to glue into that cutout (do not use common impact adhesive - it will melt the foam !!). Use something like Gorilla Glue (PU Glue). Then glue on a nice sheet of white plastic on outside to clean up.

 

[JayDomK]

I second the idea of foam and plastic. These are good materials that are not afraid of water.

 

[Refueler]

I would use builders expanding foam, then attach an appropriate coloured plastic sheet infront

I can imagine the mess !!

 

[Rappey]

A friends boat had a piece of cardboard glued inside the fridge. Pulled it off to find a 4" hole stuffed with newspaper
Filled the hole with expanding foam, used a wood saw to cut it off flush and glued a piece of 3mm pvc over the foam. Looked like it was meant to be there

 

[Refueler]

A friends boat had a piece of cardboard glued inside the fridge. Pulled it off to find a 4" hole stuffed with newspaper
Filled the hole with expanding foam, used a wood saw to cut it off flush and glued a piece of 3mm pvc over the foam. Looked like it was meant to be there

Used to watch buildings going up in Saudi .... when a brick or block was short / missing - newspaper and a mash of mortar was used to fill and then cover up !!