Life is Like Sailing - I Finally Have Refrigeration!

[@SailLife]

Awesome video Alfy :) Congrats on the new fridge! Good job on the installation :)

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks Mads! Nice to be back in the 1st world again! lol

[@SailBeforeSunset]

Great job! I've done this twice now. First time was an evaporation plate system like you used. Worked great and was really easy. I installed a cold plate system on our Morgan, and it was really easy, too. One of the better additions to any boat.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks! Well you must be an expert by now then! :) I agree this was a must have to the boat! :)

[@SailBeforeSunset]

LifeisLikeSailing - Vancouver, BC An expert is anyone that's 50 miles from home. I'm no expert except on how not to do things.

[@lifeislikesailing]

***** I feel the same way often. lol

[@V2106U]

Man, I just love the way You behave in Your videos. The smile on Your face looks like a person that just looove what he do...... Passion I think it's called. Thums up, Alfy.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you so much for that nice comment! Yes passion will make a person smile! :)

[@05Cat28]

Hi Alfy Nice install on the fridge. On of the best things I did with my fridge was install a fan. I used an appropriate length of black 2 inch ABS pluming pipe with a 90 degree on the top. on the bottom I used a 2 to 3 in reducer and a 3 inch collar. I purchased a quiet 12 volt 2 inch CPU fan and sandwiched it , with a bit of modification, between the collar and reducer and cut vents in the collar below the fan and ran the wires to an existing dimmer switch. This setup brings the cold air which settles at the bottom and passes it across the top. No glue used just the friction of the fittings and tape so the $10 fan can be replaced. The dimmer allows the proper amount of flow. You don't need much. My fridge now has a constant temp throughout and no arrant exploded frozen libations on the bottom. Cheers Rob

[@lifeislikesailing]

Hey Rob! That sounds like a great modification!!

[@Thuddriver01]

Thanks Alfie; good seeing you again.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks for watching!!

[@jeff_newriver6350]

This is my favourite teaching video. I learn so much from your stories and guidance.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Glad you enjoyed this one! :)

[@joshbascom8618]

Nice video! The time lapse with music over it was great! And I laughed out loud at the swan break.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the time lapse and swans as much as I did. lol

[@coolbluetoo]

Really nice additions to your boat Alfy - great job!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you! I always enjoy doing the upgrades!

[@breehornsailor1193]

The swan break was great! Nice update on the fridge as well ... :)

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you and yes, I also always enjoy the swan breaks. :)

[@bahamasking2063]

Great installation video. I like the shiny cowls.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks! I really love the new cowls!

[@bigfoot1307]

Looking good keep up the great video's thanks for sharing

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@moejaime2654]

Your installation was very good so I shared it has an example of how to run wiring Alfy . I hope that the cruiser I shared your video with sees how to do wiring correctly and how important it is to always do good work like you and Mads do on your boats !! thanks for your great video like always very good work !!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you and really glad to hear you enjoyed the video so much to share it with your friend! I appreciate your kind words about the quality of the work that I do! :)

[@RAJAesq]

Thanks for sharing Alfy - very informative

[@lifeislikesailing]

You are welcome and thanks for watching! :)

[@funkyfender1]

Superb piece of fitting Alfie... Again, nicely explained and suitably sequenced editing. Just shows how straight forward such projects can be once one puts their mind to it (why am I procrastinating about all the little jobs waiting for me on my boat?). Fair winds...

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you and really nice to hear you enjoyed the video and how it was put together. :) I sometimes procrastinate as well so don't feel like you are alone on that one! haha Fair winds to you also!

[@bigroundwatermelon6456]

We just love those swans, so cute; and a relaxing break from the intensity and stress of the video.

[@lifeislikesailing]

I literally just came in from feeding them again! lol

[@bigroundwatermelon6456]

I think it's a stroke of genius to throw the swans, just adds a twist to it all. }=((((*>

[@lifeislikesailing]

Big round watermelon Glad you enjoy seeing them as much as I do! :)

[@billbruce5528]

Really liking the engine cowl vents. I need to replace my refrigeration unit as well...tried to service it last summer and it still did nothing. Thanks for showing how you did yours and reminding me it really is not that big of a job (although it's a little pricey).

[@lifeislikesailing]

I also am really liking the cowls. :) For sure replacing the refrigeration is not too difficult, but yes not too cheap either. :/

[@ojibway3]

I was just watching some of your previous videos and Wow, Beautiful job. Refrigeration and lots of new Shiny Stuff...You also do a great job explaining how to get all that Stuff working too. Looks very Shippy......... Please keep it up Alfy God bless, Paul

[@lifeislikesailing]

So great you are checking out some of the older videos Paul! Thanks for you kind words and I sure do enjoy fixing things up and taking care of s/v Moonshine the best I can! Fair winds in 2018!

[@wilsnich02]

Thanks for the update..... I really found it really interesting and your compressor location. I have watched your install, Mads etc as I want to do the same and will probable go the same way. I have two big ice boxes with eutectic tanks fitted but no system ever installed when the boat was built, so a few choices !!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Glad you enjoyed the update and hopefully between my video and Mads video you have enough ideas now to get it installed on your boat. Sounds like it shouldn't be a problem for you. :)

[@jfelix7650]

Alfy, nice video. I just purchased a new Norco conversion kit but I will have to start from scratch; no prior install. Looks like I may have to either remove the stove or tear off the entire counter to gain access for the copper tubes. Your install was an inspiration, however, and timely. thanks!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you! Glad that my video was timely for your upcoming install! I hope it goes smoothly!

[@y4ukickmydog]

Awesome Alfy. No doubt you're wishing you did this earlier. Good work mate🇦🇺

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you! Yes, I can't believe I waited so long to join the first world again! lol

[@sailingspokojny7014]

Great video Alfy.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you!!

[@DStrayCat69]

Great stuff :-) I built and operated several Food Kiosks (Hotdog Stands). I Designed and built everything from the frame and wheel right up to the 12' X 12' canopies. Part of the builds included Refrigeration. I used NOVA Cool units, similar to yours... I found them to be very reliable and easy to install. Mine had a LED voltage/temp meter as well... Very handy... You did a great job :-) I love seeing stuff like this :-)

[@lifeislikesailing]

Glad you enjoyed this one and very cool that you built those and used the same refrigeration!

[@skookumjack]

Nice one Alfy! No doubt you will enjoy the freed up space as much as the nice cold "oat sodas" on the next sail out........ warm beer, it ain't natural man!

[@vomKuckucksfelsen]

I´m just curious - Why is it "oat soda" in english as barley and not oat is used to brew beer?

[@skookumjack]

+vomKuckucksfelsen you are correct. This saying is really slang for a cheap beer. The Dude made is famous : www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=oat+soda&defid=2849702 ...... Two oat sodas Gary ......

[@vomKuckucksfelsen]

hehe okay thank you :D

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you! Yes it was long overdue to get that fridge working and I am enjoying having the extra space!

[@Tonycoelho123]

What an improvement. Looks fantastic. #Vents

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you! I'm always trying to improve s/v Moonshine! :)

[@shipskepr1]

great vid alfy,love the step by step instruction,,,paul

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you and glad to hear you enjoyed the explanation!

[@sailingvesselsouthernlady447]

You are really going to appreciate the new fridge for all the reasons you gave!

[@lifeislikesailing]

I sure am! :)

[@gs9976]

Nice project, well executed, lucky you already had the-------- dawwwwwwwww cute little cygnets ^~^

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you!! :)

[@SVELFARO]

fine work as you always do., refrigeration will be nice this summer, and the in·cli·nom·e·ter is a nice looking and useful touch as well

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you! Yes I will sure enjoy having the refrigeration for cruising this summer! I'm also happy with the little 'shippy' touches I added. :)

[@tahoo2121]

Another successful three upgrades! I too wonder if the frig is powered alternatively? Very nice video. I figured you'd been busy, haha. wavesfromSeattle

[@lifeislikesailing]

I do enjoy the upgrades. lol The fridge is powered by DC. :)

[@OcRefrig]

good vid. you wire tied with white wire ties the suction line(cold line) to the hot gas line ( hot line) that is going to the top of the condenser. that is not good. copper to copper rubbing will create a hole in the coppper and heat transfer is not good there. you should put a rubber hose around one of the pipes to act as an insulator to stop the rubbing and any heat / hot gas heat transfer to the cold suction line. that line must remain cold for compressor survival. remember any copper tubing rubbing against anything will rub a hole in the copper pipe and all refrigerant will leak out. you can get a piece of plastic tubing and slit it down the middle to use to cover copper tubing / protection against rubbing aginst things / walls/ other tubing. it is a good thing to support the tubing so it does not wiggle and break though. secure firmly with some movement able.

[@lifeislikesailing]

I didn't put those zip ties on, that is the way it came from the factory.

[@w056007568]

The air circulation idea as suggested by some one below makes a great deal of common sense and will reduce the power demand of the working compressor although I would acknowledge that this fan will slightly increase power consumption being an new addition to the overall load. One wonders about the possibility of making the fan itself thermostatically controlled by perhaps using the old thermostat from the original refrigeration installation if it still functions?

[@lifeislikesailing]

Yes the fan idea might be worth a look. I will see how things go with the ice box as they are now before I make any more modifications of course. lol

[@john3Lee]

Your boat looks immaculate !! :)

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you!!

[@dalebuckley6073]

Very nice..Luxury !

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you!!

[@bobbyshah5743]

Great job Alfy. Must be cold in Vancouver, you still have the stove on?

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks! It was a wet cold day for the filming, but today is 26 Celsius! :)

[@davidmoore8885]

Great video as always Alfy , closed captions don't do justice and instead of shippy you have an old shitty boat lol , made me smile , i'm loving all the subtle improvements gives me courage to tackle mine on my wooden cutter.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed the video! I love making Moonshine look a little better with each little project I tackle. :) I am sure your wood cutter will look amazing with some of the same. :)

[@tWoforgamenot1]

very coo.l she's a fine boat thanks to you. She's Beautiful . :)

[@georgebetar923]

Tidy work. Hopefully your insulation is adequate and still efficacious.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you and it has been great so far!

[@michaelsamuel4159]

Time for some cold beer! Great vid.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Yes!! Thanks!!

[@NathanH172]

Always love these episodes :)

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you!

[@jorgeconcheyro]

Terrific job with the fridge, thank God you didn't have to deal with adding gas or something like that during the installation. About the clinometer... I saw your racing videos, do you think 40° would be enough?... didn't have some on the range of 60° to 90° maybe? hahahahaha, just kidding!!!!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks and yes the installation was pretty easy. I think 40 degrees is getting a bit too far. lol

[@jdoe265]

Great videos. I am in the process of converting an icebox into a fridge on my boat. My foreseeable options are Frigoboat. Seafrost, Adler-Barbour, Isotherm and now Nova-Kool. What led to your decision? Also, I can't even reach Nova-Kool on the phone due to their being in Canada and me being in the States. I like their units but am potentially ruling them out on that alone.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Glad you are enjoying the videos. I choose Nova Kool because I had heard from a few people that it was a good product and also because it was made in a location close to me.

[@rustytag4286]

Do you know what volume your cold box is and would you say that compressor/evaporator combination provides sufficient cooling ? I was wondering where/how you would use the ice cube tray ..... unless the whole thing becomes a freezer ! Thanks for doing the video.

[@sailaway4559]

Great boat and brill video, glad they don't have that shippy shop here, I`d be Broke.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you! Yes, I try not to go there too often! haha

[@ronharbin6678]

Nice video - thanks. But what was that ugly black cable I noticed running down into your nice shiny (shippy) new port stern cowl?

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed the video! Well that black cord is for my internet cable. I just didn't want to drill any holes into the boat and since I had a hole already in the boat at the cowl that is where I decided to put the cord. :)

[@vitorraposo5146]

Very, very nice and usefull video!..it´s funny that I´ve been watching your antifouling videos (I need to do exactly the same kind of work) and now this one (I need to do the same). Thanks for sharing!!! Congrats from Portugal! ;)...by the way, how much it costs the refrigerator kit?

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed the video! Also glad to hear that the antifouling videos were helpful! The refrigeration kit was $1,300 CAD. I bit expensive, but a good investment for sure!

[@MrAeroaj]

Nice video, with the compressor location does it echo? We are thinking of putting our compressor in the same location.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Glad you enjoyed the video! No echo so far in that spot so I think it should be all good! Good luck with your installation!!

[@skookumjack]

Alfy, I forgot to ask about the amount that spiffy cold plate draws in the way of hydro? Obviously not an issue when tied up but when you're sailing. I've no doubt you've got it all in hand, or are you likely to up your reserve capacity on the batteries or upgrading the electric charging systems?

[@lifeislikesailing]

I will be testing and monitoring the draw on the house batteries over the next month to determine the draw. This is what the manual says: The compressor in controlled by a resistor in the thermostat circuit. 0 ohms (no resistor) runs the compressor on its slowest speed and 1523 ohms will provide the fastest speed. The slower the speed the lower the amp draw. Resistor ohms: 0 / Motor speed: 2000 / Approx current: 2.3 - 2.8 amps Resistor ohms: 277 / Motor speed: 2500 / Approx current: 3.2 - 3.7 amps Resistor ohms: 692 / Motor speed: 3000 / Approx current: 4.2 - 4.9 amps Resistor ohms: 1523 / Morot speed: 3500 / Approx current: 5.0 - 6.5 amps The thermostat has settings 1 to 7 (7 is the coldest) and started with running the compressor at 3, but that is freezing water bottles in the bottom of the ice box, so I have turned it down to 2 and that is keeping things very cold, but not freezing. The real test will be once I start cruising. :)

[@garygreen8737]

Alfa, is it three way refrigeration ? means, propane also shore power or batteries , electric ? nice job ! when the water maker going in ? lol !

[@lifeislikesailing]

The compressor only runs on DC power, but there were other units out there that I saw ran on multiple power options. Oh, a watermaker would be great!

[@JoelWelter]

Did you just silicon caulk the holes in the fridge and bulkhead after you ran the copper tubing through? Another great video, BTW.

[@lifeislikesailing]

I used 4200 to fill any of the screw holes and I reused the butyl for the large hole that the copper pipes go through. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@dennismacdonald2003]

Wondering if need it. Living on 24ft sailboat limited room

[@lifeislikesailing]

I didn't have refrigeration for the first 2 years so I managed, but I can say that having it now is sure nice. :)

[@dennismacdonald2003]

ok ty

[@phillipallen1305]

What sealant did you use on the cowls? Was it a combination of more than one thing?

[@lifeislikesailing]

I used 4200 to seal them. :)

[@gunarssteinerts7134]

Reefing systems of mainsails

[@TheSailingBrothers]

what is the cable that goes down into your cowl

[@lifeislikesailing]

That is just my cable for the the wifi modem in my boat. I didn't want to drill a hole for it so I just fished it down the cowl. I have a removable connection so when I leave the dock I don't have to fish it all back out. :)

[@kenlynch6332]

The most important step in projects like the Refrigeration install is P A T I E N C E (all my friends are even surprised I can spell the word). The second step is - after the third goof up, read the instructrions

[@lifeislikesailing]

Very true! I always take my time and come up with a plan prior to the install which helps as well! :)

[@jacquesmesrine1403]

All the technical focus was on the thermostat !!!! once gain I am a little bit disappointed. I would have expected a few words on amps and volts, system pressure, line connections, etc.

[@lifeislikesailing]

I have had to be more cautious about giving too much technical information on these project videos due to having had several critical comments regarding my skills. The tipping point was when someone suggested that they could sue me!?! It was a decision I made a while back which was unfortunate, but that is how these types of videos will have to be for now.

[@jacquesmesrine1403]

OK makes sense. It is a crazy world we are slowly sinking in. Anyway your videos are always giving me ideas and motivation to apply on my own boat (1982 Aloha 28). So thanks for your postings.

[@oldmatelots2748]

Nice vid with good detail as usual. We did a similar conversion a while back. FWIW we found that using a digital thermostat reduced compressor cycling, made a significant reduction in power consumption and gave much more stable temperature control than the stock analog/capillary tube 'stat which was very vague and had a lot of lag. We used a Carel unit: great-water.com/products/carel-thermostat/

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you! That looks like a great option for that digital thermostat!

[@gunarssteinerts7134]

Reefing systems of mainsail

[@gunarssteinerts7134]

Reefing systems of mainsail

[@Quincy65]

Do you know how much the compressor draws per/hour?

[@lifeislikesailing]

This is what the manual says: The compressor in controlled by a resistor in the thermostat circuit. 0 ohms (no resistor) runs the compressor on its slowest speed and 1523 ohms will provide the fastest speed. The slower the speed the lower the amp draw. Resistor ohms: 0 / Motor speed: 2000 / Approx current: 2.3 - 2.8 amps Resistor ohms: 277 / Motor speed: 2500 / Approx current: 3.2 - 3.7 amps Resistor ohms: 692 / Motor speed: 3000 / Approx current: 4.2 - 4.9 amps Resistor ohms: 1523 / Morot speed: 3500 / Approx current: 5.0 - 6.5 amps

[@OutsideAndStuff]

What did you use to refill the large holes into the icebox?

[@lifeislikesailing]

I used the butyl again as it was still in great condition. :)

[@OutsideAndStuff]

Thanks! I was figuring that's what you ended up doing. :)

[@TheKrololo]

How did you fill it with freon?

[@lifeislikesailing]

The compressor came pre-charged so as soon as I connected the compressor to the cold plate it charged the system. :)

[@richardrice8239]

how did you charge the refrigerator

[@acmeopinionfactory8018]

Comes pre-charged. The end connectors in the copper lines have spring loaded valves in them that open only when they are fully screwed onto the compressor.

[@lifeislikesailing]

The compressor came pre-charged and when I connected the copper pipes it charged the cold plate. :)

[@Shelbyproductions]

does that run on solar or propane?

[@lifeislikesailing]

It runs on DC power. :)

[@chuckhoover5269]

Awesome! Now, get that coax out of your eat cowl!!! Ha hahaha!!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Well it will have to stay there for now so I don't have to drill any holes in the boat. haha

[@chuckhoover5269]

I figured it was something like that. There is bounded to be a nice stainless steel, shiny fitting you can add to that pristine boat! Moonshine is looking awesome and ready for the season.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Chuck Hoover Thanks Chuck!

[@GoofieNewfie69]

Inclinometer Pronunciations depend on were your from ( inkləˈnämədər ) Now you can say how much your heeled over to the silly questions and look good proving it hehehe When your heeled that much that the water level is at the toe rail, you can say " I pegged my inclinometer " Just don't kick it going below

[@lifeislikesailing]

It will be nice to know the angle, but I mainly got it for the nice looks. haha

[@jchase5408]

Klin-ahwmitr, not Kline-o-meeter... ;-) Oooh, SWANS AGAIN!!!

[@lifeislikesailing]

lol

[@WakeforMe]

Cool! I'm so punny. :D

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks for watching!!