Gaucho

I have a stupid question. My 95 Trophy has an Icebox that I find useless. I bascially use it for storing suntan lotion, bug spray and towels. I was looking at the Marine type fridges but at $599 and up I'll keep bringing my cooler. My question is could I install a 110v college type fridge and plug it into a land line while the boat is in the slip and unplug it when I go out?
Those little fridges are like $79 plus all I want to keep cold are a few beers, water and some sodas which I could transfer into the cooler when I unplug.

FMF

hmmm...i think it can be done, but how long will uit stay cold? not sure especially in heat of summer. and another question, my marina checks what people are doing plugged in..will your marina frown upon? buy a freezer for your garage,freeze your own ice, load up a cooler it keeps beer colder~~

Lattitudechange

Gaucho,

While I don't agree with using household and automotive products in a boat, I can say it will work. I had a boat with a 1.9 CU reefer in it, (not put in by me) and we used it at dockside and at transient slips. It worked with no problems while tied up. Once underway we needed to make sure all meats and perishables were transfered to a cooler with block ice.

Talk to Mentalfloss..he has the same boat and removed the ice box. He put in tackle drawers in it's place and uses a cooler for the brew.

Well..come to think of it he's a coffee guy. The brew is for us.

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Dean of Admissions, Pikers Club

esquired

I have a cooler that plugs (12v) in to keep stuff cool. It is a thermo electric deal and takes a while to actually chill something, but if you put cold stuff into it it keeps it cool.

It works off a cigarette lighter adapter and does a decent job. Plus, I can can use it like a "normal" cooler or plug it in on the way home to keep the catch colder longer.


There are lots of different models, capacities and options for this gadget.

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Gaucho

Lat;
Thanks!! Dale told me what he did and thats cool but I think I will find a different area for a pull out draw under the Captain seat. I don't live close to my boat(40min ride) so if I show up to hang out I want to grab a cold one(maybe a few) so I was curious if 1st it was safe and 2nd if it would work. Underway I'll transfer my frosty beverages(lol) to the cooler. I don't want to show up and my boat is on fire. My Marina doesnt really care what we use electricity for. I see people that only show up on weekends run there A/C 24/7. Also since my boat has no A/C outlet I will have to add one.

Bryan A.

Yes, have done it many times on many boats. The secret is to pack the freezer section with those gel freezer pack things and it will stay fairly cold on your average fishing trip. Also the reasons like you said. Nice cold ones at the dock when hanging out. It is cheaper to replace the thing many times before you reach the cost of the marine ones. Just make sure the fridge has enough ventilation from the back. Post any other questions you may have. Good luck.

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2003 Parker 2530 "El Mar".......click the pic
1973 Seacraft 20SF

Gaucho

Hey Bryan Thanks!!!
I think you just said the Magic words....VENTILATION.
Thats what I'm worried about. It will sit in an enclosed frame. I might be able to add a vent with a cover on the side of the framed out cabinet.
Good Idea on the Gel packs!!!

Lattitudechange

Gaucho,
After you install the refer, make a small cut-out on the sidewall. Place a vent cover over the hole. That should be enough.

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Dean of Admissions, Pikers Club

Gaucho

I'm going to take some measurement this weekend. Hopefully I can find something that fits the cut out with out having to make sometype of frame for it.
Thanks again.