Sounds like a very good way to decide when to change out. Will pack this info away for use!

Also, Gene,

You might want to look at a PDF files at;
http://www.talkpkg.com/Papers-Presentations/Presentation/Coldchain/burgess_temp.pdf

Before you do a replacement of just the guts/mec parts. And do the "Ice Melt Test" to see how well your insulation is working. I did it before I upgraded, and now do it every so often. I know I will soon need to replace my insulation.

That is another reason I want to just use the portable units. When it goes bad, it's a good chance that the insulation is also. Insulation that is most often used in a boat does not last all that long. A lot of people do not understand that.

Of course, all this is OBE (Overcome By Events) if you are only using the boat for weekends or a week or so per year for a vacation! Save the money and just use an ice box cooler.

Common sense MUST prevail! I saw a couple of boats make it to the Sea of Cortez, then have reefer break down. I watch one guy who "bought the BEST" (just ask him) that broke down and then spend over US$3,000.00 to fix it!!!!! NOT including the original price for parts and install. For what he paid, he could have bought 4 portable units and had plenty of space and spares to boot.

Greg