Converting our Icebox to a Fridge. S1 EP7

On Kalamazoo we removed our ice box because it was not insulated and I had to use a stool to reach the bottom. Instead we installed a small refrigerator under the stairs in a space left open in our diesel to electric motor conversion. With Bombadil, our ice box is well insulated, spacious and shallow so we opted to add a chiller unit.
The hardest part with this project is that you have to get really creative with how you crawl into and reach the back of the ice box and still get the needed leverage to use tools. Luckily, Phillip is adept at 'boat yoga' and flexible enough to get the job done. We also now know that Phillip can, if need be curl up in the fridge!
#sailboatrefit

[@84Rabbitz]

I plan on putting one of these in our Catalina 30. Smaller ice box so hopefully it will work well.

[@SVBombadil]

The unit works well, in a smaller space I think that you won’t have the same issues

[@84Rabbitz]

Some 3M VHB tape might also help with sealing at the flange around the outside.
Just a thought.

[@SVBombadil]

That would work as well, I opted for foam weather stripping.

[@wolflightcapital3365]

How did this work? Would love to know as I just picked one up to put in my ice box… thanks! Can’t find any info really on the unit I think they discontinued it… cheers and happy sailing!

[@SVBombadil]

It works alright, I think that the issues I have with it might be more with the icebox than the unit. The icebox isn’t sealed the best against moisture and is on the large size for the units capability. I think because of these two issues the fins ice up occasionally. Another boat at our marina installed the same unit and hasn’t had any issues but the icebox was smaller and mover vertical space