Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

Convert ice box to refrig/freezer

I am considering converting my ice box on 1986 Catalina 36 to a refrigerator/freezer. Looking at the various options available is very confusing. It seems like the most popular and seems to get decent reviews is the Adler Barbour. My sailing are is New England, so was looking at the air cooled (do not think it would be worth the complexity for me to get the water cooled). Here is where the confusion lies. The condenser - do I go with the CU-100 model or the CU-200 model but do not use the optional water cooled)? Then next is evaporating unit - There are horizontal & vertical units available - is it just a matter of fit & preference? My ice box only opens from the top. My existing ice box is very big, so I have plenty of room. It seems like wherever you place the evaporating unit the other side of the cooler is likely to be a lot warmer. Obviously, once I pick my unit there are a lot of other things to deal with such a insulation & energy management.
I would be interested an any feedback or perhaps other manufacturers I should consider. Thanks

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