Comparison charts between Ice box conversion kits

[André R.]

I am in the process of installing a conversion kit in my H34-83. After reading many comments and been in the process of also doing an entire refit to the galley, I will be taken out the ice box, scraping off whatever there is left of "insulation", raising up the bottom of the ice box about 6" (the lady hate's to get stuff that low), re-insulating it at least 4", and then installing the compressor and condenser in the lazarette just behind it.
My question is : Is there any of you that came thrue a comparison test chart of conversion kits for performance, price, etc.

I wish to have a small freezer section, I know that Isotherm and Nova-Kool have a "box type" evaporater.

Thanks to all of you

André
Wind Spirit 3
Lake Champlain, NY

[Steve Dion]

Isotherm also has a holding plate available. I cannot say enough good about my Isotherm SP unit.

Technautics Marine
http://www.technauticsinc.com/Testimonials.htm

[gfrazzle]

Practical Sailor recently did a comparison of several conversion kits- don't remember which issue.

[André R.]

Thanks guy's
Anyone knows how to find this Practical Sailor issue, we can't have it here.
Thanks again.
By the way, any comments between cold plate versus evaporaters ?
André

[waternwaves]

Cold plate is the way to go for our size boats.

also......a custum made wire shelf with end stands would keep everything off the bottom of the freezer...... except your icecream I suppose.....

[zds]

Have you tested your box with ice yet?

I found my stock icebox (86 model) to be very efficient. A few bags of ice kept it cold for a long weekend during the summer (90 degree plus temps outside). I got lucky there.

There are lots of stories about how these boxes were built, and the quality of insulation is hit-or-miss. Test yours before you decide to start tearing it out.

Once I realized I had a good box, skipping the conversion kit was a no-brainer. $1,000 buys an awful lot of ice...

[André R.]

Hello guys
well, it's all teared apart and I found really mysterious things. Effectively, it's made upside down and when they sit it back in the boat, they cut off whatever they need to fit it in. For example, if you are facing your ice box, from the boat, standing in front of the stove, the rear bottom corner on the left side has no to 1" of insulation for up to the 1st knotch. The top right side (engine) has about 2" at the most. Since the ice box measures 24" x 24" at the top coming smaller at the bottom, there's more insulation at the bottom on sides (except gor the left back corner that almos touches the hull), varies from 2 to 4" I'd say. B

But the worst part is, since it's 25 years old, when you lightly touch the insulation, it falls off like dust. So I decided to take it all out, accordingly with all I read on various guys that has done it and I will replace it with layers of insulation boards found at Home Depot (Reno Depot here in Quebec), covered with a vapor barrier recommanded by Mr. Kellog from Kellog refrigeration. Since I will not need ice blocks anymore, I have also decided to cut off 6" from the bottom, that will help me put more insulation there, and will help us to make the stuff more "reachable" ( specially the beer) !

Another point, to take it out, you have to tear the counter top, then there's the top of the icebox and the door. Those 2 parts, measures 3" thick, the insulation inside is just the "foam" that they use in florist shop to stick flowers in for arrangements !!! That has no insulaton factor at all !!!

And of course, I've tried ice in it before since I own the boat for the past 10 years. Here on Lake Champlain, NY, we need 2-3 blocks ice per weekend, and when we leave for holidays, we have to stop by a marina every 2-3 days to get more ice. Since we are in the planning of a long trip (12-16 months) down south, I didn't have the choice of doing that otherwise my sailmate was staying home !!! I know you're right that 1000$ buys a lot of ice... but for a sailmate ????
Have a nice day

André

[zds]

I hear ya Andre.

Got any pictures of your teardown? I've always considered doing it, but I didn't want to remove the countertop (which runs all the way back to the fuel tank).

I'm interested in seeing your approach.

Thanks.