[C38] Refrigeration compressor location

[Max soto]

Thanks Chuck, that’s very good information.  I do have insulation all around my engine room, and you are right, it makes a huge difference.  I’m planning to follow a diagram that I have from Catalina to drill holes inside the icebox so I can fill the voids with polyurethane spray foam. 
The cold plate seems like the best way to. Go for extended cruising, so in may case I thing that a regular vertical bin evaporator will do the trick.  I’m planning to install an air cooled Frigoboat unit with a BD50 compressor.  
Thinking that leading the tubing from under the sink to the icebox might be challenging, so the sail locker doesn’t sounds that bad. 
Regards,
Max Soto A.
+506-8312-1367
Alajuela, Costa Rica

> On Nov 18, 2020, at 09:59, Charles Finn <Charles at finn.ws> wrote:
> 
> 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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