fitting a cooling unit

[westhinder]

I'm considering fitting a cooling unit to the existing cool-box. The box itself has an internal volume of 60 litres and is well insulated.
Any advice on which compressor to choose and/or tips on installation?

<hr width=100% size=1>Johan

 

[Talbot]

keel or water cooled is the most efficient. recommend you talk to <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.penguinfrigo.co.uk/default.shtm>http://www.penguinfrigo.co.uk/default.shtm</A>

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[davel]

I fitted a <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.waeco.com/pages/products/mk/cm_a8_d.htm> Waeco </A> unit last year. It was a simple process and has worked really well. Compressor is fitted under the sink, next to the coolbox. No problems with venting the exhaust heat.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dave L.

 

[kingfisher]

What I did

I bought an Coleman electrical coolbox at a caravan store here in Gent. The cooling systems is completely integrated in the lid. I made sure that the lid was smaller than the lid of the coolbox in the boat. After making the necessary openings in the GRP lid, I firmly attached the electrical coolboxlid to that, using epoxyglue and finishing it of with white silicone. Looks ok.

The result: I have a 12v driven electrical coolbox in the boat, with just the wiring hassles (took the existing wiring from a non-used lighting fitting and wired it to a spare fuse on the switchboard). Best of all: the coolbox came with a regular lid as well, so it can still be used with cooling elements.
Coleman coolbox: 70€
Silicone and epoxy: 50€
Work: 4 hrs

For my use (weekend trips) it works a charm: nourishment (=Jupiler) is bought on thursday, and cooled in the fridge at home. It is transferred to the boat in the coolbox, and then goes into the fridge on board. Stays cool to the point where waterbeads appear on the can if put outside. AAAAAAH

The coolbox does produce quite some heat on the exhaust part of the peltier ellement, so you have to be able to lose that. Also, my coolbox is hidden in a vented cupboard, so, even so it looks ok, it is hidden from view. Wouldn't do it if the lid forms part of the kitchen working platform.

<hr width=100% size=1>Group of people on the pontoon: skipper is the one with the toolbox.
http://sirocco31.tripod.com