Cool locker

[AJMoore]

Have we all got the cool locker (ice box) at the aft end of the galley? If so, has anyone mounted a cooling element, or similar, in there that runs off the engine?

I don't know if this is possible. I just like my tinnies cold!

What are the options, from £ to ££££££?

[Bonita]

AJ,

You could try www.ssca.org.Lots of Carribean based cruisers post there,fridges are a big topic for those guys.

David

[AJMoore]

You could try www.ssca.org.Lots of Carribean based cruisers post there,fridges are a big topic for those guys.
Thanks. Will have a look.

[Tony Irwin]

We have a cooling plate that runs off a compressor high up on the aft side of the bulkhead; the system works well, using 'automatic start up' that switches the compressor to 'boost-cooling' when the voltage reaches a certain level, ie when the engine is running or shore power is connected. We have never run out of either electricity or cold beer, even up the west coast of Scotland where 240 v electricity is hard to find. We don't run the engine for long periods unless lack of wind makes it necessary, but we do have 220 amp/hours of domestic battery power and a smart regulator to keep them well charged even with only short periods of engine running. We have to store meat, milk etc for well over a week because butchers and supermarkets are also hard to find in the islands
We strongly recommend such a system, as you will certainly make good use of it if you fit it. It is quite easy to do.
Tony
Tony

[AJMoore]

Thanks for that, Tony.

I will wave your post under the Skipper & Owner's noses and see what they reckon. At the moment we simply use ice bags which do last a surprisingly long time, I think. Therefore, the cool locker must already be quite well insultated.

However, if you poke your head in ours, there is a gap in the lining where the hull can be seen. So, its not completely insulated if you see what I mean.

[Tony Irwin]

I found that there was a lage gap in the insulation underneath the locker, where the heat from the engine is absolutely perfectly placed to warm the cool box. I filled it with expanding foam and it has made a substantial difference. The next item is to improve the seal of the lid.
Tony

[aahcruising]

Like Bonita, I recommend www.ssca.org site. They have an Booklet called 'Equipment Survey' which you can purchase for a small amount. This lists a great deal of equipment which is evaluated by many active cruisers. I'm sure they would have evaluations for refrigeration and insulation. They have in the past surveys. Annette