refrigeration on a 23

[Mas]

Hello All,

Have been pondering the electrical needs of our little yacht and was wondering what folks may have done for refrigeration. We often go for days on the hook and ice is only so useful. If we can find block that is preferable but not always easy to find. Plus cannot really get stuff uber cold. Have been looking at the Engel 12v fridge/freezer units, kinda pricey but low amp draw and actually will freeze items if needed. Anyone have experience with these or other types/methods for refrigeration?

We have a diesel so not much storage under the companion-way steps. Appreciate any thoughts, suggestions, placement options, etc.

[brackish]

Some info here.  Shawn installed one when he had his 23.

http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=6548.0

I use ice in a Yeti.  Yeti is in a pull out drawer and it could not be used effectively without the drawer because of its weight.  You're right, block is better but not always available.  For the initial cooling, I make my own block.  I bought a extra tough Tupperware about the size of a large brick and just keep making blocks, separated with wax paper and stored in the home freezer.  When i go out for a longish cruise, I just put 2 or 3 blocks in the Yeti and can get 3 days in the summer, maybe 4-5 in colder weather.

I read an article (which I can't seem to find now) about a guy who used a combination of home made block and home made blue ice.  the combination worked better than either alone but I can't remember the science.  Had something to do with the difference in initial melt temperature with each component.

[Mas]

Thanks much Brackish! We make our own block as well which does at least give you fresh water when it melts!

Leaning towards saving up the pennies to afford an Engel unit but they are quite expensive. Also trying to figure where it would go. The diesel takes up much of the storage area and space behind the companion-way steps. Also you would have to constantly pull up the steps to pull it out and put back. Am wondering, since our port settee is mostly taken up with the galley mod, storage of staysails at it's foot and the slide out out nag table, if giving up on any seating there would not be a bad idea. I could then open up the settee locker area and set it into that space with the extra height sticking up. Right by galley, not on sole, not gunna slide around while underway. Hate to loose that space though as even with the galley mod there is a small 5'3' quarter berth left.

Part of this is so we have a better system on our land yacht. A 4x4 sport mobile. The existing Dometic fridge is only so useful and it really can draw batteries down. No hope of it ever freezing anything, though there is a small freezer area. A portable unit could be used on our van as well. That's my rationalization!

We are 2 1/2 hours from our boat thus is difficult to simply go out on her and measure stuff, so only speculation at this point on placement.

Pretty sure others have done this but most have that great storage area. any 23D's out there with refrigeration!?