Fitting a freezer

[ANTEIA]

I have a Oceanis 423 that came with a front opening fridge & a top loader ice box. I am interested in converting the top loader ice box into a fridge freezer. The unit is very well contained behind fixed units.

Has anyone carried out the upgrade & how did they gain access? Any words of wisdom?

Many thanks.

 

[pvb]

I have a Oceanis 423 that came with a front opening fridge & a top loader ice box. I am interested in converting the top loader ice box into a fridge freezer. The unit is very well contained behind fixed units.

Has anyone carried out the upgrade & how did they gain access? Any words of wisdom?

Many thanks.

Can't help with the freezer, but you might get a wider response if you post the question on the Practical Boat Owner forum.

 

[wingdiver]

We have a top loading fridge which has a freezer section inside the evaporator box (which is at the top of the whole unit).
In fact, due to the fact that cold air falls as warm air rises, all the bottom section outside the evaporator box actually works as a freezer and the top section as a fridge without being different compartments.
It's relatively simple to install as we have had to replace both the compressor (which gave up the ghost) and evaporator box (TOP TIP - don't try and chip away the ice on the evaporator with a pointy metal thing. A sudden escape of gas is a sure sign you've pierced the unit and it will need to be replaced. )
Whilst you can get pre-gassed items which are supposed to work without the need to top up the gas, I would always get a fridge engineer out to check the installation if you do it yourself.
If you are anywhere near Ipswich, call Paul of Haven Refrigeration. He is the go to man for all installations. His number is 07968 378231.

 

[ANTEIA]

Many thanks for the replies - Anteia

 

[pyrojames]

I fitted a freezer in CdG a couple of years ago. Easy to do. Speak to Penguin Refrigeration. I'd strongly recommend using a keel cooler coupled with an air cooled compressor. Why? Because you can use it while out of the water as well as in. Simply disconnect the fan while in the water, or fit a switch on the circuit if you feel the need. Ours would freeze things so hard, thta you though they might shatter if hit to hard, but you do need at least 100mm of insulation to make it efficient.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

I fitted a freezer in CdG a couple of years ago. Easy to do. Speak to Penguin Refrigeration. I'd strongly recommend using a keel cooler coupled with an air cooled compressor. Why? Because you can use it while out of the water as well as in. Simply disconnect the fan while in the water, or fit a switch on the circuit if you feel the need. Ours would freeze things so hard, thta you though they might shatter if hit to hard, but you do need at least 100mm of insulation to make it efficient.

Agree with all of that, other than we went for just water cooled, rather than keel cooled, so that we can run it from a bucket if ever needed to run it ashore... saves putting in an air cooled system too, and leaves an easy conversion to a keel cooler in the future... or even in dire straits, can be run from the water tank.

But... pay good heed to the need for insulation.. ours is also 100mm and freezes things rock solid!

We also used Penguin and found them very helpful and efficient.

Anteia, just shout if you want a peek at Phoenix's system.

 

[ANTEIA]

Thanks all.

Phoenix I took your advise and spoke to penguin at the boat show they were very good. I thought I would ask if anyone had tried to do this as my units look like they might be a challenge to get access...... I will take you up on your offer next time we are on C pontoon. thanks again.