Need some opinions on old equipment - Refrigeration & Autopilot

[Beersmith]

In the process of rebuilding my boat I am uncertain if I should ditch some old equipment or try to keep it going. At this time none of these pieces of equipment are functional, and I had not bothered troubleshooting since I figured I'd try to salvage what value I could out of them by selling and upgrading. However, as the list of things I need to buy grows, I am further seeking to save a buck. Please tell me if I should keep it or ditch it. I am DIY all the way, so keep that in mind with your recommendation.

1. 1993 Seafrost SA-III (134A) Series engine driven & 120 volt refrigeration & freezer system. I would like a DC system, but have given the current one some thought. It is already set up, though I would like to give the boxes more insulation before cruising. I plan on cruising in the tropics, and I know that matters when choosing a fridge system. I am curious if this old system is worth keeping though.

I don't really like the idea of an engine driven system, I'd rather keep my batteries topped with solar and an good alternator and have a constant cycle DC system. Is that a good idea or should I seek to get this one working? Would this old system have any value to sell? Any particular units I should look at to buy? Since the system uses chill-plates, and they are already installed, would it be worth ditching the engine driven compressor and just buy a DC run unit to use with the existing set-up? If I have a DC unit, I question keeping the AC unit since if I were to be tied to shore-power I would be charging my batteries regardless.

2. 1983 Alpha 4404 Autopilot. I would like a windvane for my self-steering, but want some sort of back-up and for motoring. I figure I would get a wheel pilot, but this old beast is attached to the boat. There is a mechanical control arm, a cockpit control unit, and a compass unit. I wouldn't know where to begin to start troubleshooting this, but would be willing to give it a shot. If just one of the three parts needed replacing, would these old things be worth trying to get going?

All advice appreciated.

[Ilenart]

On my last yacht I had an old Bremar autopilot that worked occassionally. I discussed repairing it with the local marine electrician and there advise was not to bother. If you got the time / inclination I would spend a day or two playing with autopilot / fridge, however any longer and your time is probably better off spent working on other areas. Also the new units they now sell are a considerable improvwment / more reliable than 20 year old equipment.

Ilenart

[sailingdog]

Second what Ilenart said. Also, you need to consider if it is worth investing in an obsolete, discontinued unit.

[NCountry]

Everywhere I read they say ditch the engine driven refrigeration. The 12v dc on my boat is awesome and fairly efficient.
Both GOOD WORKING autopilot and windvane steering = one less person on each watch.

[Beersmith]

Thanks for the advice. I just think I needed that little nudge to get this old equipment off the boat. I am gutting it right now and these two systems are the next to go. I didn't want to begin disassembly if there was any hope for them.

Next question...do these old parts have any value to sell?

[deniseO30]

You could probably keep the evaporator/s and just use a new 12 volt condenser (per another thread) but the cost savings is not that great.

a dripless shaft seal should be on the list for that boat.. omg the water damage from the drip!

[Jeff_H]

From everything that I know about it those early seafrost systems were as good as they got. The engine driven compressors were able to quickly chill the cold plates and they were able to hold a chill for a very long time. This was one of the most efficient systems which were out there, and at the time were seen as the 'gold standard'. These were robust and reliable systems compared to the less expensive, lighter duty 12 volt systems that have become popular since.

I do not know your specific autopilot system, but again, many of these older systems were extremely robust and reasonably energy efficient. In the nearly 20 year since we have gotten used to having solar arrays and bigger battery banks than were popular at the time and so the emphasis was on efficient and reliable. But as I said, I don't know your specific system and of course have no clue whether the problem is minor (dirty contacts) or major (blown brain box).

But in any event, neither systems has any resale value.

Jeff

[Beersmith]

Originally Posted by deniseO30

You could probably keep the evaporator/s and just use a new 12 volt condenser (per another thread) but the cost savings is not that great.

a dripless shaft seal should be on the list for that boat.. omg the water damage from the drip!

definitely a dripless seal is on the list. Lots of water and associated damage in that engine room thanks to the leaky seal

[ccriders]

I don't know how good your refrgerator is, but you might think of it this way:
If you were moving to a Carribean Island for an extended period of time, would you move a 17 year old refrigerator there, especially considering the availability of replacement parts?
John

[Beersmith]

Originally Posted by ccriders

I don't know how good your refrgerator is, but you might think of it this way:
If you were moving to a Carribean Island for an extended period of time, would you move a 17 year old refrigerator there, especially considering the availability of replacement parts?
John

very good point