T&T: Portable freezer

[Bob Austin]

Yes,
We are on our second 100 lb capacity Norcold freezer/refigerator.  The first
one lasted about 12 years and finally rusted out--we had kept in in a semi
open boat (only sumbrella cover, but some spray under way got on it.)

We used it both in Alasaka to suppliment our freezer for fish, and then in the
RV bringing those fish home.  This same (the second unit) will be the only
refigerator in our Tom Cat 255.  It will be on slides, under a settee, so that
it will slide out, and the top will open/come off, for access.  We like it
much better than a front loading freezer.

The units are a bit power hungry, but if you have the battery capacity they do
well, and will keep Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream well frozen.  We have used it in
Arizona and Florida in the 100 degree temperature.  We try and keep it in the
shade, have a thermostat controlled 12 volt computer fan to blow over the
coils/compressor when it is running.  If it is in the cockpit, we put a moist
towel over the the non ventillated part. One could build an external box,
which would increase the insullation--and we are considering this for the
current installation (foam which is over/under and on the sides of where the
box slides--there will be about 1/4" air space, but gaskets will keep the hot
air from the compressor from entering this area.  We may put a 1" piece of
closed cell foam inside on the compressor end to increase the thermal
effeciency there.  We will be running it off a 125 amp hour AGM battery, which
should keep it running while we are not under way.  There is a 110 volt cord.

Another idea is to use a small chest 110 V freezer, and put it outside on the
deck--make a cover for the top, with cut out for the fan and any coils.  It
will rust out in a few years, but they are cheap enough that you can buy 3 of
these for the cost of one of the Norcold type.  We would do that, but just
don't have the room.

Bob Austin
Pensacola, FL.