[C38] Refrigeration compressor location

Thu Nov 19 22:35:08 EST 2020

Max, couldn’t find a picture with the actual gauges so I marked up a photo to show their locations and included a link to the type I used.   I preferred the hardwired simple option that  will always work over the easier wireless and batteries options that are available.   I always tend to lean toward once a project is finished I want to be done with it without creating one more thing I have to futz with in the future.   The only complaint I had with the finished project was the compartment to port never really stayed all that cold, would probably look at getting rid of the divider or maybe something with more holes for air flow.   In the earlier picture you can see two insulated and covered dividers that I used for insulating the lower most compartment from the upper main compartment.  That worked pretty well to have an icebox below and something closer to a refrigerator on top.   

Also used the opportunity when the counters were off to locate my water pressure tank and in house water filter as far to port and out of the way under the sink.  (was a pain to service but opened up space under the sink)

  https://www.etundra.com/restaurant-parts/refrigeration-parts/cabinet-and-body-parts/commercial-40-to-65-degrees-front-flange-refrigerator-thermometer/

Steve Smolinske
President

4M Company, Inc.  
15660 Nelson Place South
Seattle, WA  98188
425-227-4500

The information contained in this email may be confidential and/or proprietary in nature and is intended for the recipient of the email only.  Please treat all information contained in this and any communication with the 4M Company as such.  Thank you. Before printing, think about ENVIRONMENTAL responsibility

-----Original Message-----
From: Listserve <listserve-bounces at catalina38.org> On Behalf Of Max soto
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2020 4:10 PM
To: Catalina 38 Listserve <listserve at catalina38.org>
Subject: Re: [C38] Refrigeration compressor location

Thanks Steve, that’s very good info.  Hope you can find those pics. Those gauges sound like a really good idea.  
Regards,
Max Soto A.
+506-8312-1367
Alajuela, Costa Rica

> On Nov 19, 2020, at 13:15, Steve Smolinske <SSmolinske at rainierrubber.com> wrote:
> 
> Max,   
> 
> As I remember they were just bolted and screwed, the more difficult part was the disassembly of the cabinets in the galley which had to come out in order to get the counter tops removed. In addition to the icebox upgrade I took the time to install new laminate on the counter tops and it was just so much easier to remove them and put them on a couple of saw horses than trying to do it with them in place.    Once all that was removed it was very easy to also remove the aft bulkhead separating the galley from the storage locker in order to varnish it as well.   
> 
> I am not sure on the time for an cold plate vs evaporator to cool down, I like the cold plate because once it is to temp.  the compressor is not running its like having a block of ice.  I also included which is not shown  in the pictures two ice box temperature gauges so that I could see the temp for the tow zones inside the box without opening to check.  That feature made my wife very happy.    I would typically chill the box to temp.  and turn off the unit then turn it back on when motoring or when it needed to be cooled.  Ill check tonight if I have pictures of the thermometers and gauges installed.   
> 
> Steve    
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Listserve <listserve-bounces at catalina38.org> On Behalf Of Max 
> soto
> Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2020 10:06 AM
> To: Catalina 38 Listserve <listserve at catalina38.org>
> Subject: Re: [C38] Refrigeration compressor location
> 
> Phil, that shelf sounds like a good idea, that way I’ll still end up with some room next to the starting battery. 
> 
> Steve, wow!that was a hell of a job! How hard it was to remove the counter tops? Were they glued, or just bolted from below? 
> How long it takes for a cold plate to get the ice box to the right temp? Much difference between a regular evaporator? 
> 
> Max Soto A.
> +506-8312-1367
> Alajuela, Costa Rica
> 
>> On Nov 18, 2020, at 21:41, Steve Smolinske <SSmolinske at rainierrubber.com> wrote:
>> 
>> I agree with all that Chuck said, when I did Peregrine I put in a cold plate and insulated the ice box all around.  I put thicker insulation inside the box near the engine and then covered all of the insulation with plain white panels.   Insulated the engine for sound and as Chuck mentioned it was a huge and pleasurable difference.  The one area sound still escaped was aft of the fuel tank and into the engine compartment but the reduction in noise with that opening was still considerable.   For the compressor I installed it on the shelf in the port cockpit locker near the start battery and fabricated a guard to protect it from shifting gear.    Attached picture shows the ice box upgrade.   
>> 
>> Steve Smolinske
>> President
>> 
>> 4M Company, Inc.  
>> 15660 Nelson Place South
>> Seattle, WA  98188
>> 425-227-4500
>> 
>> The information contained in this email may be confidential and/or 
>> proprietary in nature and is intended for the recipient of the email 
>> only.  Please treat all information contained in this and any 
>> communication with the 4M Company as such.  Thank you. Before 
>> printing, think about ENVIRONMENTAL responsibility
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Listserve <listserve-bounces at catalina38.org> On Behalf Of 
>> Charles Finn
>> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2020 7:59 AM
>> To: listserve at catalina38.org
>> Subject: Re: [C38] Refrigeration compressor location
>> 
>> 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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