Replacing the old Adler/Barbour fridge

[mondofromredondo]

Hi all,

I'd imagine this subject has been brough up somewhere in the archives but I'm hoping for more specific advice for my PSC 34 ice box.

I need to replace the original Adler Barbour compressor and evaporator.
The unit has apparently worked since 1988 which tells me that this is a pretty reliable machine.

So I'm strongly considering replacing with the CU-100 and VD-151 Adler/Barbour units. I measured my ice box some time back and I think I calc'd it out at about 9 cubic feet.

Are there any arguments for not replacing with the same units?

Perhaps there is a better product that is MORE suitable for my application here in sunny California with occasional trips to Baja California.

These new units will draw 3.5 - 5.5 amps when fired up depending on the condenser.

I'm looking at a price total for the two items of about $1300- plus install

I know there are other products out there that will work but are there good examples of them lasting 20 odd years.

Of course something nice about replace these with the same new units as mounting holes etc; stand a good chance of being the same.

The above new evaprator has a freezer enclosue built into it with a flap door which is kind of cool. Ice cubes would be a real novelty and who knows maybe even ice cream. Think of the possibilities. I'm getting tingley all over.....


Thanks
Keith
'88 PSC 34'
S/V Charity Rose

[teejayevans]

Originally Posted by mondofromredondo

Of course something nice about replace these with the same new units as mounting holes etc; stand a good chance of being the same.

I like the concept of a holding plate, more efficient, less cycling.
But if you aren't a full time cruiser you may not benefit. My Technautics uses about 20 ah/day,YMMV. But the holding plate does take up some space.
Tom

[lsbrodsky]

I agree with Tom; the Technautics unit is superior in terms of making ice, lower amp-hours, less total run time. It is easy to put one in.
Larry

[stevemac00]

For my needs a holding plate does not work as efficiently. Read this short summary from Frigoboatl.

If you know you're going to motor several hours every day then maybe the holding plate is better. If you're just sitting at anchor with solar panels the evaporator is more efficient as mine only draws at most 3.5 amps with about a 50% duty cycle. It will try to maintain 50% by slowing down the compressor and consuming less energy.

Here's a couple of posts:
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/pacifi...tallation.html
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/pacifi...or-issues.html

I swapped out my old Cold Machine with a Frigoboat and here's my log of that operation:
Refrigerator Installation

Make sure your icebox gasket is good. Ours was not adequately installed by the factory. Icebox Gasket Repair

We put in an oversized evaporator so we'd have a "freezer" for meat. It really isn't a freezer unless you add rigid insulation all around with a secondary thermostat and fan. But we used two temp probes and found the best compromise was 38°F in the icebox which would give us about 28°F in the evaporator. This would keep meat good for up to a week and the bag of ice cubes for margaritas never melted.

[stevemac00]

Hey Cielo Azul,
In early May I think we passed you in the ICW after going north through the Kennedy Space Center Bridge. You turn starboard to anchor and we headed on up to Titusville.

[wsmurdoch]

You might take a look at the slide show on the left side of the page at

KollmannMarine Boat Refrigeration Specialist

then cruise around the rest of the site.

Bill Murdoch
1988 PSC 34
Irish Eye

[teejayevans]

Note, the Technautics is a 12v system.
It has technology that reduces the draw as it gets colder.
Its not the draw, but the total amp-hours that counts. Using the consumption guide at the reference site, the frigoboat system would use 38AH compared to 20AH for the Technautics.
I run it during the day while my solar panels are generating power, then turn it off for the night.
My current temp on the shelf is 34F, it freezes below the shelf, I have some Styrofoam on the plate on the top to prevent freezing.
If you were going to be full time cruising I would recommend the Technautics.
Tom

[teejayevans]

Originally Posted by stevemac00

Hey Cielo Azul,
In early May I think we passed you in the ICW after going north through the Kennedy Space Center Bridge. You turn starboard to anchor and we headed on up to Titusville.

You're correct, I was up there to watch the launch. You don't see many 31s do you?
Tom

[mondofromredondo]

This is all very good info.

I'm suprised by the amperage used by the different units and have to say it makes good sense to consider the (of course) more expensive Technautics based on the current draw. They are just so darned expensive.

Steve, I'm kinda torn right now between the Technautics and the Frigoboat. They both have their strengths.

I had a technautics on my old Cal '34 which had lasted about 25 years so I know they last for a long time as well. It was the holding plate variety as well.
Also Steve saw your blog site. A very good one. Hope everyone is good and healthy.
Congrats on getting married !!!!

Keith