I have a hole --- I want a fridge!

[MagicalArmchair]

So, I have a "hole" in my galley, a larder if you will. I want to convert it into a top loading fridge.

So:

• Step 1 - buy a fridge kit
• Step 2 - Double domestic battery supply from 100Ah to 200Ah, install a solar panel for good measure and manage the 1st mates (and wifes) expectations it will only run when the engine is running or in port.
• Step 3 - Get suitable insulation, install all, enjoy nice unspoiled grub and the occasional cool ginger beer.

Questions:

• What sort of insulation?
• How much and where on earth do you buy it from?
• How do you affix the insulation to the locker?
• Any tips on completing the job?

 

[Trundlebug]

The type of insulation depends a bit on the shape of your space.

If it has straight sides, I would use Kingspan or Celotex, which is actually what the fridge makers use inside the walls of theirs.
Highly efficient, easily obtainable and available in different thicknesses.
Needless to say, go for the thickest you can - but that robs you of internal space. You decide!
Fix it in place with grab adhesive. Use waterproof stuff if you want (e.g. Nail and Seal or equivalent. Lots available from Screwfix or B&Q).
Cheap, effective, quick, easy, no holes drilled, just the job.

If your space has curved sides you'll need something flexible.
I don't have many suggestions for this I'm afraid, but I would say don't be fooled by the claims for that foil coated bubble wrap stuff, it's nowhere near as efficient an insulator as they make out. From my experience, you're just as well using multiple layers of bubble wrap at a fraction of the cost, although there are probably much better flexible alternatives and no doubt someone will be along soon to recommend them.

 

[Baggy]

I did as below, except I used 3 x 1inch layers of celotex
then glassed it in using white dye on the final coats of resin

Used plasticine to round off corners joints before glassing


http://yachtcamomile.co.uk/job-list/tropical-fridge/

 

[LadyInBed]

I made mine like this:

I used a storage box with a wood frame and two large sandwich boxes for the lid, bottom of one fits into top of the other.
I didn't put a drain in, I prefer to mop out and clean.
The insulation was as above, bought from builders merchant.

PS You can get clever by resting some led's on the top of the box, so you can see inside in the dark, but don't do ti like I did, I failed to insulate the led's from the metalic face of the insulation sheet! :ambivalence:

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Thanks Trundlebug, and Baggy, how much do I love that write up? God bless the Internet and obsession compulsive blogging

 

[prv]

[*]Step 2 - Double domestic battery supply from 100Ah to 200Ah, install a solar panel for good measure and manage the 1st mates (and wifes) expectations it will only run when the engine is running or in port.

With a modern compressor and that battery and panel, you should be able to do much better than "engine running or in port". Ours runs all the time, without question.

Pete

 

[ianj99]

I have an Argos £99 dehumidifer which is compressor based so I plan to experiment with using it to make a top loader if I can get it apart without fracturing any pipes.

 

[Pasarell]

I did as above, using Celotex insulation bought from Travis Perkins. 50mm I think. Put a Dometic fridge kit compressor in the adjacent locker and lined the fridge space with marine ply painted white. The kit was suitable for up to 130L but my fridge space has ended up slightly over 65L. I leave it on 24/7 when on board and the compressor typically runs for about 45 seconds every 5 minutes or so during the summer. Very quiet and very efficient. The one thing I need to change is insulation in the lid. I thought, being a top loader this would not be a problem and just put the foil coated bubble wrap there. Big mistake and this year will do the top properly.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Thanks for all the responses - that'll give me a cracking start on the job