[C38] Refrigeration compressor location

[Charles Finn]

I installed a Dometic/Norcold fridge from Defender back in 2007. Cut out 
part of the icebox space next to the engine wall and the unit just fit 
in with room to put a layer of real insulation (sound down) on the 
engine wall.  I was shocked to discover the original insulation had long 
ago deteriorated into dust and my ice box was being heated by the 
engine!!!  I have 200 watts of solar and am able to turn the fridge on 
in the spring and off in the fall with cold food and even some ice cubes.

If you are going to cool the icebox...  you will first need to insulate 
it!  My thought was to insulate inside the box and then finish inside 
with plastic shower panels (don't forget to put a drain in).   I would 
also go with the cold plate even though it is a bit more.

Location for the compressor is also a challenge.   First and best 
location is in the sail locker, but it gets warm if there if you have 
not insulated your engine compartment.  After finally getting around to 
installing the Sound Down this year...  I have to say this was one of 
the dumbest things that I didn't do for years! You cannot believe how 
much nicer it is in the cabin and cockpit underway with the insulation!!!
Second location is under the sink location or under the port settee, but 
as we know this is the wet side of the bilge and that can be a problem. 
It is also a bit noisy in the cabin at night.

IF I was to do this again... I would go with the conversion of the 
icebox with the cold plate.  A bit more work, but I think a better long 
run solution.  On the other hand, installing the fridge only required a 
sawsall and and afternoon!

Let us know how it turns out!
Chuck Finn
Mighty Quinn  #114
Lake Superior

On 11/17/2020 10:17 PM, Max soto wrote:
> Planning to install a refrigeration system soon.  Would like to know which are the most common places were compressors are installed on other 38s.   So far my two options are: on the shelf inside the sail locker (available on 1980 and later models), or below the sink.
> Pics would help!
>
> Regards
>
> Max Soto A.
> C38 Estancia #198
> Puntarenas, Costa Rica
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