[Sentoa] Frig and other things

[Richard Moore]

I just wanted to add that you have made the right choice between the two 
reefers.  I have replaced a couple of Norcold refers in my boats and one 
Novacool.   The DC compressor is the only way to go, which the Novacool 
uses.

I must add that the novacool I replaced was the under counter unit on my 
present 32.  I replaced it with a Seafreeze unit from Bellingham, WA.  
It is custom made so it fits in the same hole.  I designated 3" of foam 
and two external compressors, one of which was the one out of the old 
unit.  I also reused the old teak panels.  I mounted the two
compressors in the space outboard of the Port stringer in the 
lazarette.  I also put the last 2 inches of foam on the back of the unit 
after I got it in the door.  That was the size limit.  We were able to 
have about twice the interior space with about the same current draw, 
due to the better insulation.  The unit works very well.  If yours is a 
side-by-side, one compressor will not do an adequate job.  Usually it 
means frozen milk or frozen ice cubes, you take a choice.

We have used the unit on two trips to Alaska and another to northern BC 
without a problem.  It is one of the better things we have done to the 
boat.  We have two large Rolls batteries and a 160 amp Balmar alternator 
but only have to run our Honda 2000i after about 3 days on the hook, 
depending on how ofter we open the doors.






Dean Raffaelli wrote:
> Thanks for the responses concerning refrigeration. I think we will go  
> with the Novakool. I have been thinking of increasing my solar  
> capability to provide more power, but this is another story.
>
> I thought I would share with all of you my recent projects:
>
> -A Diamond/SeaGlaze opening window for the center window in the  
> pilothouse. It is a nice addition along with the two opening windows  
> in the main cabin last year. These have made the boat much more  
> comfortable. The only problem with the installation is that the  
> windshield wiper will no longer work. I cut the blade shorter, but  
> due to the increased thickness of the supporting structure the arch  
> of the blade is too wide. I have found a wiper that has an 80 degree  
> arch, but I put raineze on the window and so far this has been fine.  
> The bottom 1/3rd of the window opens.
>
> -New Optima Bluetop. The old one was only two years old and I think I  
> cooked it with my 35 amp charger. Now that I look at the specs these  
> batteries need a 10 amp charger...live and learn!
>
> -My boat is outfitted with a Headhunter toilet. It has been a pain  
> and it turns out that it is a $3500 piece of equipment usually only  
> on large yachts, or so the company tells me. After 18 years the DC  
> motor weakened enough that I needed to replace it and also replace  
> the seals to the tune of $650. It probably was never working right  
> since I have had the boat, so I am expecting great things from it in  
> the future. It is an interesting device now that I have taken it  
> apart; very simple and very well made. It also has nothing to clog,  
> no moving parts to get in the way.
>
> -I bought a Torqeedo Travel 801 electric outboard, reinforced my old  
> wooden dingy and have been buzzing around the harbor bothering  
> people. It is quiet, will run for about two hours if I do not go too  
> fast, and is light and folds up into a backpack. Again it was not  
> cheap ($1600), but it is very functional. I had a problem with the  
> controller and the company sent me a new one in one day, even before  
> I send the malfunctioning one back.
>
> -Replaced the impeller. It was only two years old, but a little voice  
> kept telling me to change it and the little voice was correct.  
> Several vanes were cracked. So I will begin to replace this every  
> year from now on.
>
> So that is about it. I need to stop upgrading and start saving for  
> retirement, so I can actually use the boat.
>
> Dean Raffaelli
> Carrie Rose 32044
> Chi-Town, IL 
>   
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