Removing Our Boat Fridge, Cleaning and Changing Door Swing!

First project aboard our new-to-us Sea Ray 370 Sundancer was removing the galley fridge, so I could do a thorough inspection, clean the workings, and reverse the door swing. All was good and we're happy to have the door swinging the correct way :-)
After we got this boat to its new home, I replaced the cockpit ice-maker with a much more practical AC/DC powered fridge. You can watch my entire installation video for that project here; • Replacing Icemaker Wit...
To follow along with the entire journey, please check out my 'Buying A Boat - The Good, Bad & Ugly' playlist here: • Buying A Boat - Sea Ra...
Filmed April, 2022.
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For a look at nearly 100 DIY boat repairs videos, check out my 'How I Did It - Boat Repairs and Upgrades' playlist; • How I Did It - Boat Re...
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Boat Specs;
- Model: 1998 Sea Ray 370 Sundancer
- Length (bow to transom): 37-6", LOA (with factory swim platform): 40'-1"
- Beam: 12'-7"
- Dry Weight: 17,000 lbs
- Fully Loaded Weight: Boat + Fuel (1,664) + Water (580) + Gear (1,250 +/-) = 20,500 LBS
- Fuel Capacity: 275 U.S. gallons, 1,040 litres
- Draft: 32”
- Dead Rise: 20 degrees
- Engines: 2 x 7.4 litre Mercruiser Bluewater, Multi-Port fuel injection, gasoline,
raw water cooled, rated at 310 HP
- Transmissions: 2 x Borg Warner Velvet Drives, in Vee-Drive configuration
- Generator: Westerbeke 7.2 Kw BCGTC @ 60 Hz, gasoline powered & carburated, 3,600 RPM continuous engine speed
- 18,000 (total) BTU (12 + 8), reverse cycle heating/air conditioning
- Shore Power: 2 x 30 Amp, 120 V connections
- Freshwater Holding Tank: Single 70 U.S. Gallon tank
- Waste (black-water) Holding Tank: Single 40 U.S. Gallon
Video/Photo Equipment Used (Updated list, 2024)
- DJI Pocket 2 (For more info on that compact, 4K camera + help support the channel, please click here; click.dji.com/AEYMHJ8ly85PeHp...)
- GoPro Hero 7 Black, on GoPro suction cup mount
- Google Pixel 6 Pro + iPhone 12 for still photos + supplemental video
- DJI Mavic Mini for Aerial Drone Shots ( For more info on that great, compact drone + help support the channel, please click here: click.dji.com/AAnzdtD07BPE4at...)
- Editing done with Vegas Movie Studio 11
:-)

[@kevinblatter2369]

Thanks Paul for making this video. I am trying a similar project this weekend.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

It's pretty straightforward, just be careful not to spill or streak any wetness or rust across your flooring from the bottom of the fridge. Ours was in decent shape, but I wanted to do this before we had the new cabin carpet installed.

[@ichiban915]

Looking forward to launch day and your summer adventures! Keep up the great work!!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Us too! With any luck - and some cooperation from Mother Nature - she should be in the water in another week or so 🤞

[@joannasunderland1289]

Great job!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Thank. It was very rewarding 👍

[@BellavistaPEI]

Well now....you made THAT look pretty easy! Nicely done and such a good feeling to learn that little bit extra that a lot of people wouldn't even try.Good on ya'! CHEERS!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Yes, most wouldn't even consider a job like this and that's why I share these projects, so that folks can see how easy it actually is. Much more to come!

[@WiscoBoater]

That was a MUCH easier job than what I went through with the fridge on my old Regal 'Clifford'...that one was NASTY!! LOL! Great vid as usual!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Hopefully you'll have an easier time if the job ever arises on Thirsty Whale 🐳 And if it does, I'll be looking forward to your video 👍

[@joanneiler2415]

Awesome. Boat looks beautiful!!!💖💖💖💖💖

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

It was quite messy that day, as we were doing lots of cleaning. She's gonna be gleaming better than new when we get her home ✨

[@joanneiler2415]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo It's definitely going to be epic and beautiful to see it in the water. Definitely seeing the rooster tail too!! 💖

[@cpwatching5647]

Nice job Boogaboo crew. Looking good!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Thanks!! And she's gonna look even better when we're done 😃

[@mmanut]

Looks like you purchased a boat that was well maintained. PS, I like the galley set up. A larger cook top is not needed. I think I used my cook top to boil water. I like the chrome rails and just a good looking galley. Maybe throw some cleaner in the black tank and then fill it up with water. After taking it out for a ride, next stop the pump-out station, Rinse & Repeat‼️‼️. BEAUTIFUL BOAT, GOOD LUCK ‼️ Vinny 🇺🇸

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Thanks Vinny!

[@12000Jetlag]

Makes me think I need to pull out my refrigerator and check it for dirt!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Do it. It's an easy and rewarding job.

[@jimndonna8716]

We are replacing the electronics when we get back in the spring before we board for our first summer on the boat, cruising for 3 months solid!!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Three months? Nice!! Hope you get a chance to watch my electronics replacement video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5i3mZ-CbLCAbbc). Loved upgrading to my new Garmin equipment!!

[@jimndonna8716]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Thank You we are excited, I watched it a while ago and went to West Marine just to start inquiring about radios and bought the same system you bought. And have been in contact with AiMar about a transducer for depth info on the 943. I have a few new ie questions if you wouldn’t mind sharing your experience with. How many lines should we have? Size, length and numbers, also how many fenders would you suggest. Any opinion will be appreciated. Thank You Jim n Donna

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Not sure if your boat's size, but I would HIGHLY recommend having at least three dick li es per side, plus two extra for when needed to tie up at a dock (or lock). And have the first six (three per side) always in the cleats, ready to go. Same with fenders. Have at least three per side + one extra per side. On our current 370 Dancer, we got all new lines, ranging from 15' to 30' in length, plus eight, 8" fenders/lines/fender adjusters. There's nothing more frustrating than seeing a boat approaching a dock or lock and the crew is running around like fools trying to swap over lines and fenders at the last moment 😠 Check this out; kzbin.info/www/bejne/r17Gl3pnpdSBg6M

[@jimndonna8716]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo we have a 98 330 like the old Boogaboo.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Perfect 👌 Then the video I forwarded was most appropriate 😁

[@markburley4901]

Wow, was it ever clean in behind the fridge! When I pulled ours we found shavings, a bunch of those screws with the large thread you showed and even a couple of pieces of water line that obviously were cut off in the installation. Plus, lots of dust. I'm impressed with how clean it was. Am I the only one who noticed the number on the capacitor when you showed it? "38DA" Makes me wonder if it was replaced at some point and perhaps that contributed to the cleanliness. Great how to video like usual!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Actually, the number on that capacitor is 36DA, not referring to the boat model. I believe I have the original serial number for the factory fridge and will cross reference that with the one on the unit for you to confirm. When I do that, I'll post a close-up pic of the capacitor on Instagram for you. It'll be fun to find that info out!

[@markburley4901]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo eyes must be getting old! Mine that is.

[@tjp111]

Thanks for the info! What’s your method for deep cleaning areas like this? Soapy bucket of water and rags or spray cleaners? Both?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

No running water on the boat that day, so it was just spray cleaners. Did a great job and the fridge came out like new again 👍 Just the start of major cleaning of the entire boat.

[@lucaspodcast1018]

❤️❤️

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

C'mon Luca, you couldn't have watched it that quickly to give it a double heart like. . . But I'll take it ;-)

[@lucaspodcast1018]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo I coment it and then watch it after, I’ve been subscribed for more than a year, and I love your videos, I want to trade in my pursuit and get a 320 Sundancer, can’t wait to see more along the new boogaboo

[@billh4477]

Would like to have seen how you found the fasteners for the bottom step, and did the removal/replacement of that. I've searched the carpet on ours and I'm not sure I've found all of the screws that secure those steps from our galley to salon - it's a 400 DB like your old one.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Here you go; instagram.com/p/CcIvdq6LTy-/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[@billh4477]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Wow, thank you Paul! That's very helpful. I always enjoy your updates. My wife jokes that you buy new boats more frequently than I... well nevermind. Our 40 Db is only our 4th SeaRay. We're going into season 6 with this boat, and for us she's a keeper. Learned lots of tricks from your videos, especially the first year we owned it. Thanks again!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Happy to help. And although it may seem like we change boats often, we got eleven seasons out of the last two, so that's not too bad. Speaking of the big Sedan Bridge, as nice as that was (my dream boat for five years before actually buying it), I'm glad that we went back to an express style Sundancer. And of course, Anchor Girl is very happy too.

[@billh4477]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Yes, I've watched, read, and understand your reasons for returning to Sundancers. Makes complete sense to me. We also had the Sedan Bridge as a dream boat, and it continues to fill that role for us. We have diesels and a bow thruster, so that makes maneuvering a lot easier than it might be. Regarding longeivity, everything is relative... we had our 34 Sundancer for 18 years. I still miss that boat sometimes, it had a lot of sweat equity and learnings in it! And I'm much more comfortable working on those big blocks than on diesels, even after several seasons with the Sedan Bridge. Anyhow, I'm looking forward to the adventures and updates of your newest Dancer.

[@danadiggins793]

My wife wants me to replace the water sprayer on the sink as it’s moldy. I’m wondering if it would be easier to take the cabinetry panels out behind the draws or your idea of taking the fridge out to get at the connections? Thoughts?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

You might be able to reach that by just taking out the drawers. Try that first to see what kind of access you'll have.

[@dextersxxxxlab]

Not sure what is written on it but I would remove the ugly orange sticker in the fridge. The rest looks good

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

That's for a future date. As I keep having to remind everyone, we had a grand total of nine hours on the boat this visit, so we had to prioritize the work we could do...

[@twarner5]

Have you tried to remove/adjust the fridge shelves with the door being blocked by the stairs?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

No we haven't yet, but I think the current configuration is the same as we had on the last boat. I'll let you check back on my Coffee & Toast videos to see what it was like 😜

[@CodyBosch]

Is it a pretty straightforward job to replace the ice maker with a Corona fridge?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

For me on our boat, I'm going to have to cut back some of the fibreglass to enlarge the opening, as the new fridge is slightly wider and taller. That's an easy job, just dusty. For the power connections, the A/C side will simply plug in to the existing outlet that the icemaker used, but I'll have to run a new, dedicated D/C power supply. Again, easy enough, just a bit of work.

[@tommydbaker]

Should have changed and resealed the thru-hull while you had it out!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

ya

[@lindamaurice9923]

Can you get the shelving out of the fridge to clean?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I don't see why not, but if there's an issue, it's only a few screws to remove the fridge👍

[@iandobson5911]

hey guys...question about the sea trial...definately one of if not the most important part of a sale right..,usually a confition of the sale..how are you guys arranging your trial considering you are already working on the boat and moving it to your final destination? How do you do this if something isnt right on the trial and the deal goes south? Whos responsible for what?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

We already own the boat outright. Paid in full, with a portion of the funds set aside in an escrow account in case something comes up during the sea trial, at which time those funds could be used towards any remediation. I'm hopeful that there won't be anything that's insurmountable and that we can move forward. No worries.

[@iandobson5911]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo thanks guys..thats a good option as it lets you work on the boat...with a security in case something arises during the sea trial....might be worthy of an episode to share with boaters!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Sure will, once all is finalised. I know there's a lot of interest in the entire process and I'm trying to include as much detail as I can remember 😁

[@johngregor6133]

Did you ever consider swapping out the thru-hull fittings for stainless steel?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

No I haven't, as there's no reason to. We're in a freshwater environment, so they'll be good indefinitely.

[@cliffcrowley3756]

what was the purpose of removing the fridge? Just to clean behind it? 9 hour drive just to change the door swing and vacuum? ? No wonder Anchor Girl was cranky!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

ya

[@frankvitucci5677]

Anchor girl seems more angry than usual.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

She wasn't angry, just rushing to get done what we wanted to do while we were there. Keep in mind that this was only one to work on the boat, as we had to leave the following morning for the nine drive back home.

[@shaneroper5470]

Cool. Maybe I'll send a vid of me vacuuming my house. Lol! I know. Your appealing to the desperate. Sorry.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

😜😂