DIY fridge/cooler

[Seagreen]

Got a built-in coolbox of about 20 litres capacity which needs upgrading to a full fridge.

Now the awkward bit-
This coolbox is designed to move to service the log impellor, so any system has to be compact, very small, 12v and have all its working parts placed in the coolbox itself, with plugged cable connections to the rest of the boat.

I was thinking of trashing a useless mini beer fridge in my possession and using the guts of that, but there may be better alternatives out there. So small, 12v and efficient, using minimal power - does such a wonder exist?

Thanks in advance.

 

[damo]

On the off-chance it hasn't occurred to you - is it possible to move the log thruhull?

 

[Seagreen]

Huge faff to do that - there's nowhere else, and I really wanted to avoid that as its the tridata sensor. The Coolbox is literally just that, and I was thinking that I could fit the guts of this old mini fridge into it without too much bother. Y'know, one of these "30 degree below ambient" thats really only 5 degrees if you are lucky. As long as I can give the fan some clear air to work in, it should be fine, but it isn't a very efficient system.

Are there any solutions out there that are not too pricey off the shelf, or can be cobbled together effectively? Can I get hold of minifridge parts without buing the thing made up?

 

[Seagreen]

However, if the cables between the compressor and the expansion plate could be flexible, that could work. Possibly. Usually remove the box to get at the log impellor as the fountain of seawater on removal makes cheap yet terrifying entertainment.

 

[William_H]

i found when travelling camping and using ans Engel freezer that we tended to use the freezer for frozen food and removed frozen drinks miolk meat etc to an insulated cooler for the keep cool only food.
So you may find a freezer in addition to your existing cooler an answer.

However of late we find that frozen drink bottles of water in an insulated cooler does really very well for a few days. Since the Engel dropped dead and was discarded years back.

You could try the Peltier effect electronic fridge module. Apparently some people like them though I would say don't waste your money. Obviously an Oz point of view.

I reckon about the same time you throw away the electronic fridge module you will also throw away the log transducer.

If I had a boat with an engine I would be looking at a car aircon compressor belt driven with sea water cooling to give a really powerful fridge. But then I don't have shore power available. Or a 12v compressor type kit.

So you need to figure what suits you. good luck olewill

 

[roly_voya]

Have a look at the Waeco compressor cold boxes - portable fridge freezer, very efficent and even comes with the option of a sliding mount. Smallest size is 18L largest requies a pit pony to move!

 

[Cloven]

We bought a Waeco 35l cool box this season for 3 months in S Brittany. It is absolutely brilliant and easily moved. Has both built in mains & 12v and switches automatically from one to the other when marina power supply is disconnected. Also allows you vary the voltage at which it cuts out to save running the battery down. Not cheap but great bit of kit. Highly recommended.

 

[Seagreen]

Thanks for all replies. I'll start my researching.

 

[PCUK]

Look at the Thermocool units. Small and self contained with economy setting.
Not suitable for freezer, but ideal for just keeping things cool.

 

[Bobobolinsky]

I've got a Coleman cool box on my boat, does well in high ambient temperatures and I can move it to the car as well (12v lighter plug). It operates vertically or horizontally and chills down fast

 

[LeonF]

Will I hate to be a downer as not possessing a fridge I have often used the frozen water bottles method myself. However there has been some serious publicity re the effects of freezing water in plastic bottles, something to do with the reaction of the plastic being carcinogenic. I use those freezer blocks instead.