Sail Life - Fridge prototype, fairing deck-hull joint, dodger windows - DIY sailboat project

[@arniestuboud]

The earlier frig comments (that I read anyway) make sense. I think you may want to build a 2-dimension mock-up of the cross section of this to test out exactly where the insulation butts between the top and the sides will need to be. This thick insulation will need to interact at an angle as the frig top goes up and down. the other bid deal will be a really decent fiddle raised edge all around the top. KEEP BEING CREATIVE AND JOYFUL!!!

[@mxf2812]

As a kid my hero was Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, these days it's a bald danish guy called Mads who does boat DIY videos 😁

[@SailLife]

Haha, thank you so much :)

[@evangatehouse5650]

I really like this - and I'm a N.Architect :) But I'd make the opening top about 2/3 of the width of the whole panel - so as you pull lower stuff out of the fridge and search for stuff, you have room to stack on a fixed surface. ++ to a positive latch that is easy to operate underway. If the eggs are bought fresh and never refrigerated they last just fine outside of the fridge - if you flip them every 3 days. We used the plastic camping egg containers to make this easy, also good to get eggs back to the boat in countries where they sold in bulk and you have to bring a container to the store.

[@DrBrian0450]

Hi, As the former owner of Yachtsmiths International, a Canadian yacht builder, I love the fridge idea! Never seen it before and the only thing I would caution is how to lock it while closed. Excellent idea!

[@grantflavel9822]

As a shipwright of 35 years and 10 years cruising full time. The fridge lid is something i will be installing on my boat. Ty

[@bryandixon1830]

I like this idea for the fridge top! I think the challenge will be keeping it open (or preventing it from opening) when heeled and pounding in a sea. So besides making the lifting arms a lot stronger (you already mentioned that), I think the gas/spring strut should be attached to the cabinet side rather than just diagonally between the lifting struts. Make it a relatively strong spring to ensure it stays open when lifted and use a latch to keep the counter in the closed position. Keep going, Mads - you're inspiring me to do even more with my boat.

[@bradwilkins4821]

I vote for the fridge mechanism. Great idea! One thing I've always hated about traditional sailboat coolers is the horrible access and that you have to clear the counter to get in. Even with those short arms on your prototype, you have better access than usual. Just think how nice it will be if you can make the arms even longer.

[@1sheinz]

Silicone was designed to ADHERE GLASS TO ALUMINUM in a water tight construction. You made the very best decision to do this. Also there is NOTHING that will adhere plexi or lexan to ANYTHING, buytl tape is the only thing to use but will squeeze out after 5 years and will require dissamebly and new tape applyed. My experiance comes from almost 40 years in the glass business , building and installing and sealing store fronts, frameless glass showers and aquarium building, and auto glass installations. Athina is really starting to come together, CONGRATULATIONS on all the hard work!! CHEERS Steve h.

[@Anne6621]

i had built that same style fridge on my boat 30 years ago and it was the best part of my boat that people flipped out over

[@jjordii71]

Top opening fridges are more efficient, as they do not let cold air leave the box. OTOH, it can be more difficult to reach the bottom items, and you might have to remove all the other boxes. Plus, they are more prone to have condensation, so you will need some kind of drain.

[@appolinetheclouds9303]

Fridge Opening is amazing. With rugger opening mechanism it's gonna be so good. You can secure the fridge with some powerfull magnets, but you have to secure to when is open. Maybe it's not neccessary. Amazing Job as always ! Can Wait for next Week !

[@BeeBeeCoding]

@Sail Life please make longer videos 20 mins is just not enough i really enjoy this content

[@vincentbarkley9121]

I like the paralleling linkage for this application; it's novel. If you bridge the two linkage assemblies with shafts in torsion it will be somewhat less wonky. Those two shafts can run under the top surface. You will need either strong detents or locks so it holds position when heeling or in seas. Overall I remain astounded by your dedication to this project. You will have to insure the boat for $1M.

[@KCsCountdown]

Idea for fridge lid - brilliant! Consideration: you will want to make sure that when closed, it stays closed - I can see somebody grabbing for a handhold in rough seas and when they catch that fridge lid, you're not going to want it to move (or eat little fingers)

[@soving]

OGS....oh glorious sanding. Mads, you are the one constant in this crazy world. Can always count on you to bring the happy attitude, sense of humor and relentless pursuit of quality workmanship.

[@kadammikkelmus863]

The "table" you make looks like a great idea. Just be sure the "lid" does not fall down over your fingers at sea.

[@Calusa.Wanderer]

I like the fridge idea. A pair of sliding doors will keep warm air from getting in when selecting an item as well as putting a whiteboard on it to list what is in there and where it is. and of course gasketing the top.

[@michaelch5060]

I think your lifting fridge hatch is genius! I can't wait to see it complete! Thanks for sharing.

[@MobilMobil-kv5ke]

Where is the compressor and evaporator going to be located for the fridge and freezer? How will electrical and/or refrigeration plumbing be routed up from the bilge past the fuel tank?

[@benmac7315]

Definitely an interesting idea. I would have never even considered it as an option. Good to see how it works out assuming he goes with it.

[@Maelstril]

Yes, but I would add a lock or some sort of secure piece so when it’s open it won’t accidentally close on you! Haha

[@juliendelvat8506]

This top part of the fridge seems heavy. Have you considered having 2 "doors" instead of one ?

[@gregmirr]

Mads , as always it's pleasure to watch you putting the boat back together ...looking good skipper !

[@paulskinner7548]

Mads of all DIY boat projects on KZbin yours is the best, its nice to see a perfectionist !

[@wizardmix]

@Sail Life It's a great idea as long as you absolutely over-engineer it. It probably hasn't been done because it's cost prohibitive for most companies to do it and make any type of profit. At some point, high-end boaters who could afford it, are going to want a front loading fridge. A few thoughts with the fridge lid coming from an industrial designer: 1. Lateral (bow to stern) strength -- That's going to be your biggest concern. If the weight is uneven too heavy or there's a shift somewhere when being lifted or when open, it could cause the metal to bend or (worse) it could cause the bow/stern side walls of the island to break under the forces. Think about how many times you'll be entering/exiting this fridge. It should work with the precision of an expensive transitioning sit down/stand up desk. If going with this system, this is the one thing you're going to want to OVER-OVER-OVER-OVER engineer (like the trunk opening of a 2005 VW Phaeton). So I'd say if you can find a system with four lift points or again, spend the time/money to really over-engineer it, I think you'll be glad you did in the long run. 2. Locking. I think you're going to want some sort of "lock open / lock close" system to when the boat is rocking/rolling, your fridge lid isn't losing the seal. 3. Insulation/Stability when closed, I might look into some sort of groove type seal the island lid can seat into. For reference: www.cheaproadcases.com/case_series.php -- If it seats, seals and locks in place in this type of baffle, the island will be stable and secure when closed. The only thing you'll have to be cautioned against here is warping over time and use. That could cause leak points. That's my small bit of input! Good Luck!

[@scottgildea1103]

I think your Fridge Lid idea is brilliant! I think you'll need the actual one to bend out at the mounting point then up to the underside of the countertop so you can ensure to leave a gap around the perimeter so you can put a gasket of some type to ensure that the countertop seals in the cold.

[@randallandrews120]

20 years of live aboard thoughts coming your way... My 1983 Irwin 38cc has its refrigerator/ freezer on the starboard side. The top doubles as a chart table. It's 109 x 80cm. I have to lift the entire top to gain access. I've always thought it would be nice if it were in 2 sections. Maybe a 60/40 split. I hate flooding the entire unit with hot/warm air every time I needs eggs. Naturally with your application as a food prep space, not having it split would eliminate crummies from falling into your unit. Also, the top is down right heavy. Having it split would allow you to keep your glorious glorious cold air inside. And yet still allow you to have a work space that would remain undisturbed.

[@jeremyc9641]

Refrigerator idea is very, very smart. You can make the rise higher if you would want as well. Our coffee table does this and it rises much higher. Bad idea on the table - great idea on your refrigerator.

[@AccidentalSailorGirl]

Pretty cool fridge idea. You could also split it in two in case you don’t want to open the entire thing and let out too much cold air (tho most of it will sit low in the fridge being a top loader) really cool idea. Of course a good seal will be needed. Like it 👍👍

[@Ilsabug1]

Very nice sir.. I can't believe it has been 4 years already, boy time flies.

[@bjvsk]

Mads, Nice prototype of your fridge door system. I created similar hinge constructions in the past. A major thing to get rid of the wobbliness, is (apart from using proper materials) is to connect one pair of the parallel bars with a sturdy, no torsion bar. In that way, even if you lift it from the left or right side, the other will go along with it. Always.

[@surfingjim8321]

Great idea! Handy counter top AND, as you pointed out, no crumbs dropping to the refer! Post drawings of final product, please! I would suggest lots of fiddles.

[@b.vonhoff2218]

Hope for you the weather gods will have some nice times in store. Because there are a lot of things to do both on deck and inside your “water”home

[@bertsanford7943]

Watching your videos makes my Sundays. Love your enthusiasm and drive. Thanks for sharing these.

[@duanecreativemachine]

I like the fridge idea. When you make your arms make them long enough that the lid cams over far enough that it doesn't want to close when you bang into a wave while it's open. Other than that I think it's a great idea. The only issue I can see is getting it to close tight enough to seal the fridge and freezer.

[@dagwood1327]

Fridge access is gold.

[@honeybadgerisme]

I like your choices of glass and silicone. Both are very avaiable in most places for any repairs.

[@normanboyes4983]

Mads - fantastic progress and I am sure the weather will get better next week.👍 The fridge /island top is a great idea and will look impressive but I think full extension drawer runners would offer a more durable solution - need to consider lock-in solution to hold closed and when open.😀⛵️

[@bullhippo9023]

Back pain has many levels, you are still walking upright and on your own... not too bad. Take care

[@jonathansmith6390]

I'm a brother in the achy back club going on 30 years. Mine too is improving but slowly. I notice your position on the scaffold last week and again in this video thinking I wouldn't last doing that motion. Side to side is the worst. Then you described your achy back and I thought.. no wonder! I would suggest lowering the platform on the scaffold to get your work at shoulder level. Build a small (12" x 24" x 10" high) light wood step box and use that when working on top of the deck. Mine has a 4" slot hand hole centered in the top and a tool tray below. I think I built is about 20 years ago and use it all the time. Don't forget to pair it with ibuprofen.

[@PristineTX]

My friend built a very similar island with a chest freezer underneath for a food trailer. It works great, and I'd bet a commercial food trailer is one mobile kitchen that takes even more abuse than a boat.

[@torstenhansen4308]

Another excellent video, thank you. As an insulation contractor with 15 years of experience with foam insulation, I was interested in your comments about foam choices. In our market here in the United States we have three readily available types of foam board: expanded polystyrene (the white stuff we often refer to as flamingo in Denmark), extruded polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate. Expanded polystyrene is manufactured in different densities and r-values vary with density. Typical insulation board is around r-3.5 per inch. Extruded polystyrene is R-5 per inch and polyisocyanurate is typically listed at about r-6 per inch. As the folks at Building Science Corp point out, all insulation material have insulation values that fluctuate with ambient conditions and I don’t think you should be deterred from using polyisocyanurate based on their data; after all, even at low temperatures it performs better than the polystyrene. However, there is another reason that you should stay away from it in your application: moisture resistance. Polyiso will absorb moisture. This is an important consideration in a refrigeration design because of the risk of condensation. Polystyrene does not have this issue, which is why you see it used so much in below grade construction applications. However, your best choice is none-of-the-above. Closed cell polyurethane foam has higher insulation values than any of the other three at about r-6.5 and is commonly used in commercial freezer applications. It can be spray applied, which means that you can get an insulated box without seams. My suggestion for the ultimate fridge/freezer combination would be to fabricate the inner shell to your design out of fiberglass and then have your friendly spray foam insulation contractor apply 3 inches of closed cell foam to it. If you can bring the shell to them at a job site where they are spraying anyway, it will be a matter of a few minutes for them to apply it and should cost you very little. I saw a spray rig in Nykøbing a few years ago so you should be able to find one nearby.

[@cliffbullock5128]

Hey, I think your fridge idea is awesome. You need to get that patented! We are always excited for the next video! Have a great week!

[@aaronallen4647]

Low voltage actuator that pushes up at an angle by pressing a button on the side. With the weight of the countertop, and anything else, having a mechanical release if no no power would be ideal. Electric gates have locks, sensors, and release options. Don’t forget lighting when it opens. An edge around the counter top would be key under way. What a great map table. Another idea is for a tool box. The lid goes straight up. Then slides backwards on soft close. Great job.

[@aaronallen4647]

Another application like this is a coffee table that lifts up. TV dinner special. Hah

[@arcorsai4G]

Place the Parallelogram hinge on the outside of the fridge box and hide them under a skirt around the outside of the top, makes insulating the fridge easier.

[@johntempleton5480]

Cutting slots in the rear of the box where the hinges rest when fully open, would allow for greater opening area. Do take into consideration when the lid on your fridge is open in rolling seas, it would be great to have a push and release type lock for the fully open position.

[@richardgould-blueraven]

I like your rising countertop idea. Another option might be those sliding soft close drawer thingies, they’re built to hold more weight and should be more stable under way

[@Fifties-kidat-themovies]

You could also have used the rubberized automotive type caulking sealant we use to replace vehicle windscreens. It does the exact job you need, remains flexible and waterproof in warm or cold climates and fairly easy to cut away to remove glass panels for service :)

[@theunprofessionallurker]

For the fridge, love the look and idea Mads. It would be good in a tiny house, or conversion vehicle, but on a boat? You could make it work with a lot of fussing, but access to the fridge interior won't be good. Also, securing the top safely, and in a spiffy manor, will be difficult if not possible.

[@Unwrittentimeline]

Nice idea. You can hide recessed latches under the lip to keep it closed.

[@Nomad5d]

It's a fun idea. I think you should do it as an experiment if for no other reason. If it works out well others may end up following your example.

[@timstrauss3060]

Nice work. You might consider splitting the island top for independent opening. This is good in a few ways; smaller lifted area, leaves 1/2 a stable top to leave stuff on, only 1/2 opened at a time conserving the cold inside. The bad thing is you will have to put a bar in the middle of the opening. Another other option is a piano hinge opening that gives easier access Made famous by fountain pajot catamarans.

[@JT65738]

I like the idea for the fridge top. Looks very simple except maybe while underway healing over.

[@rethinkscience8454]

For the fridge/ freezer compressor their is a 12/24 volt dc or 220 volt ac piston compressor - used for off road vehicle, you can buy it in a kit form for what you are doing. Look up Engel

[@socialmediumspace]

That lid is the best thing I have ever seen!

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

I have a coffee table with a mechanism like that. It’s much beefier than what you have and is very stable. It has very strong springs and gas cylinders on it and the over-center mechanical thingy keeps it firmly down or firmly up. I would still fashion some sort of latch while at sea. I would take a photo and send it to you but it is at my condo in Arizona and I’m now home in Indiana. I’m sure you could build a stainless one that would suit your needs. Best of luck Mads! As an added afterthought....I’m one of those guys who would never, never, never, allow silicone anywhere near my boat! Butyl is my go-to. Just sayin’.....

[@Simon-hr3ft]

The fridgemechanism is pretty smart! just an idea: if you enlarge the swinging legs of the mechanism you get a larger opening gap if this is wanted. of course in this case the screwingpoint on the countertop will be out of center. but if the mechanism is stiff and rigid enough it should work well :) greets from germany

[@johnpaquet5341]

our lift top coffee table uses the fridge lift top you are considering. To minimize the wonkiness of the top, the hinge arms are tied (timed) to each other with a torsion rod, one rod runs side to side under the top tying two arms together and the other torsion arm runs at the side wall tying the other two arms together. You might be able to get away with just one torsion arm to keep the hinges in "time" with each other.

[@karlmoderna]

Hello. About the fridge. Very thrilling idea, I would go for it but I would split the fridge (and the top panel) in two halves. Right in the middle or sort two thirds - one third. That can make more easy to handle the top, not as heavy and with less strain to the super spiffy mechanism you are going to mount. Also: I have a very big fridge on my boat (not as big as yours anyway) and without any gizmo dividing stuff you can find an awful mess inside as soon as you leave the mooring. Thank you for reading and buon vento

[@brucewalker8700]

Love the fridge opening idea. Get the biggest and strongest stainless hinges you can, as well as oversized gas shocks. Those may eliminate any concerns of accidentally closing in a seaway. As well, have you considered using a third hinge to limit any sideways instability?

[@Cepreus]

Hello Mads! I think that full size top opening will add more warm air inside the fridge, than some partial doors. But generally good idea. May be it's possible to make that mechanizm with some tension, to make it's opening with stuff on the table easier.

[@BorisFett]

That fridge top idea is great.

[@michaelarthur545]

I think you chose the window sealant well. I have used silicone on boat windows with great success for more than 20 years. It really isn’t that hard to clean off non- porous surfaces either. My choice these days is Dow Corning 795 which is specifically manufactured for Windows. I think you will find that silicone makes excellent window gaskets because it remains so flexible.

[@MaxMakerChannel]

You could also make the countertop slide backwards!

[@AccidentalSailorGirl]

Nice dodger too, a hard top can be handy also, and double as a rain catch/solar panel mount

[@DokterRoetker]

A chest fridge is definitely the way to go. Check the video from "technology connections" on the efficiency of chest fridges. Have 2 openings does make it possible to have a fridge and a freezer though. Unless you don't want a fridge. I think your idea is quite ingenious.

[@billb2176]

Top idea re the fridge top - seems counterintuative (ho ho!!) but with fiddles and a no-play mounting system, the table in the UP position if no higher above the roll centre than a typical cockpit table so happy days. Beckson (makers of ports) have recommended silicone for years and I've followed their advice and had no problems with leaks over more than 20 years.

[@leemartin3654]

You should probably support it with a few more of those hinges, I don’t believe that will handle anything when you’re on your way over time you will regret it! It needs to be more sturdy than that we all know that so do you!

[@markhelmsing7797]

Countertop idea is very clever. Motorize it. How cool is that. One button to open en to close (and stay closed).

[@bscott3211]

DOW 795 I think is the schizzle. It's seven bucks a tube, flows like smooth peanut butter and can be used in your hostile environment! It's my window sealant/bedding compound of choice.

[@waynedavis42o]

Best trick for sealing the windows is to use a radius ball before adding the sealant get it dirty and run it round the area your sealing it leave lines either side of the joint which you tape to then fill the frames with sealant squish the glass in, run the radius ball round pushing the execs onto the tape, leave to dry peel the tape 👌

[@michaelmarquez260]

Think hard on the efficiency of your entire lid opening on the fridge/freezer, maybe some sort of sub-layer sliding lid like a chest freezer where they sell ice-cream (it's some sort of poly/plastic see-through variety) giving access to whichever side you need and it should be a help with keeping in the cold, with the top as an external insulated counter and yes latches would be a good idea... Bless you, in your pain, might I suggest Power-dots for muscle stimulation which relaxes my back muscles that cramp up to protect your system when you tweak a nerve... I have dealt with a bulging disk between L4-L5 for 30 years and proper posture and good ergonomics have kept me going between occasional bouts when I let my guard down (slouching)... I am going through a similar refit and hope to share one day... Athena is looking good, joinery is top-notch, excellent descriptions of both your thoughts and executions in your work... Thank You for sharing...

[@Christerwilhelmsen]

Hi from Norway! You should calculate the needed force to open the fridge due to a drop in temperature after closing. With this hinge you need to lift the whole countertop relatively straight up and the point of attack will be at the center of the lid. Especially if you strengthen the hinges. That is some distance away from your body and the force may be quite substantial. Make sure your girlfriend can open it :) You may need a foot pedal to help it along like in old freezers.

[@bscott3211]

O M G! What an incredible idea! I love the countertop/fridge/workbench/food prep top!

[@richardrawling1874]

Mads - if doing more silicon work you can get small silicon rubber joint trowels - they are designed for various radius joints and used for smoothing silicon joints in tiling, shower screens etc. I have used them a lot and they are fantastic . Check them out if you have more silicon joints to make. They leave a perfect joint

[@tuttbar]

I agree the island lifting is a nice idea. Maybe mold a slot either side a raised edge on the bench top to get a good hand hold for lifting..

[@petesmith13]

I think the fridge hatch is a good idea, but before you go building a new hinge yourself make sure you actually look into clearances when you have the fridge insulation both from the sides and on the top to make sure things still open with the insulation in place and also that you can actually put items into the fridge when there's a bunch of insulation limiting the size of the opening

[@resheim1]

Fridge solution is very clever and to get a better solution you just put a wall inside the fridge with a extra hinge.,you can also look at the solution to have a proper fridge gasket :)

[@donpetrey8007]

Nice fridge door idea another idea is maybe a cutting board that you slide out and it opens a reach in hole!!!! Will take some doing but might be cool.

[@vincentswerkes8637]

I think that the fridge top will work good down wind but going to weather helped over 20 to 30 degrees will be a problem. Thanks for the video.

[@johnmittsy695]

That’s a great idea minus cheap hardware. You can’t go wrong maximizing space in a tiny home.

[@brucemacsr.6776]

I’ve read all 117 comments so far. They all seem great or certainly sincere. You should feel good about the caliber of your followers. My thought is maybe consider using two sliding doors. Moving sideways on two separate tracks. Full access w/o the roll risk or the fingers crush. You’d have to eliminate or modify the butcher block thickness of the door tho.

[@dougtiffany7439]

Enjoy you'r channel, been watching from the first one. I do Marine refrigeration, everything from design to up and running, as you may know, refrigeration usually uses more amp's than any other device on board, i see the problem's with your idea being a good DOUBLE seal, along with figuring out the insulation, minimum 4" for fridge, 6" for freezer, look at the new generation of PULL OUT DRAWER system's, leaves the top intact for work, just installed one for a customer, love it.

[@guy.h]

I can't believe it's been 4 years already, but then your 'dodger timeline' brought it all back. It's going to be great seeing it all come together over the Summer

[@mikewillis2934]

When underway fiddles would be useful also consider add two conventional openings as it might be easier to access than opening the whole surface, especially if there are many items on top. When at anchor/in marina open the top as a whole.

[@designingfordinghies5427]

I really like this idea! Someone below mentioned squashed fingers, I'm worried about fingers getting caught in the hinges if it accidentally closed when at sea. The small hatch option gives so much flexibility when under way and the big opening is great for loading at a dock or basic in port usage.

[@dontknowenator]

Hey Mads🤚. Just a pointer I learned years ago. Don’t use graphite pencil on aluminum as it will create a galvanic reaction that will hasten the speed of corrosion in the presence of sea water. Use a scribe on you aluminum parts.

[@rs1329]

Mads, I like you love the LIFT-TOP but wonder about actual use "woes". I think I would store some working materials in it using as a workbench to test it out. If it passes and it were me, I would then re-fab using heaver stainless and a real gas shock for smooth closing. Veridesk makes a nice unit although it's not stainless, you need to check their website for ideas. I also would want the clear opening (when raised) at least 50% non covering. I noticed when you raised the lid the open access was much less than 50% (while looking from the side profile.) In any event I think at least on paper this is a brilliant addition. Mads..... You the Man !!!

[@ryanh4889]

Another great episode! I was always taught to 'push' sealant into its place with a caulking gun and not pull it away while applying. Just an observation.

[@davidsaundersrealtor6178]

Where will the people sitting at the table need to go to be out of the way of the awesome hinging top if someone needs fridge access? I'm sure you'll sort it out. Excellent work Mads! You are an inspiration.

[@AccidentalSailorGirl]

I also was thinking man that’s a big fridge, that’s a lot to cool... but then realized, well duh! He doesn’t have all the foam insulation around it. You could insulate the heck out of it. It’s nice it in the center too, so the heat from the sun hitting the hull won’t affect it if you are hauled out.

[@nicholaslee3798]

I Love the fridge idea... such a good idea to have and not having to move everything on the surface when you need access to fride is very cleaver... just need a lip around the edge which you will obviously have... will you have a cover for the dodger to block out any sun? I would also highly consider a canvas enclosure around cockpit too! I think a stern arch with davits is a must for a crusing boat as it can house solar too! Hard bottom dinghy can hang off it or go on deck upside down!

[@wallacegrommet9343]

That is the ideal application for silicone. Metal to glass joint is incredibly strong, UV resistant, and attractive in appearance

[@emineyvazov9333]

Greetings from Azerbaijan, Baku! Thank You for a very interesting videos! Looking forward to your next beautiful work!

[@creakyboards98]

Just about the fridge, the amount of energy you're going to lose opening the whole thing up each time would worry me. It was easily our biggest draw on the boat so only opening sections is good to limit this. Having just returned from sailing around the Caribbean after doing up an older boat, I enjoy this so much....every Sunday its a joy. Although only doing my refit for 2 months, I cant imagine how itching you much be to actually get her on the water. 2 months was enough on the hard for me.

[@garysouza2277]

There is a reason why boats have smaller doors on their refrigeration... Energy...

[@michaelwarlick4328]

Those lifting hinges would work just as well if they were mounted on the outside of the box. With those parts on the outside the insulation and sealing of the inside would be simpler. If you found them unsightly you could add an apron on the table end just to hide them .

[@francoisroudier763]

Just a thought... To counteract the "wobbliness" of the fridge top, maybe you should put a rigid bar between left and right arms. It will "synchronize" the two hinges. Also, don't forget to test the size and shape of the insulation, to be compatible with the top movement. And now, all you need is bar stools ;)...

[@tomclause9555]

LOVE the idea for the fridge top.

[@yakekaj]

Your fridge top idea is genious, perhaps a chance of trapping fingers so a locking up mechanism might be needed. In fact its such a good idea I almost like it as much as watching you sanding, almost, but not quite...!!

[@francoisterblanche2070]

Go with the fridge mechanism.. i like it.. very efficient.. maybe add a lid to the colder section, so it does not loose cold air every time the fridge is opened.

[@TheAChal147]

The fridge top looks like a good idea, but with internal hinges it seems like it would be tough to seal the fridge well enough to keep it nice and cold. I thought you might want to go with a traditional hinging lid, but with a second top above it with similar hinges that allow it to stay level as you lift it up. I can draw it for you if you like.

[@RICHTHERAPY]

Dow Corning 795 structural silicone. Learned about this from Andy

[@fireantsarestrange]

The fridge thing is a cool idea. If it works. One good thing about having your fridge lid on top is that cold air sinks. Like your deep coffin freezer like i have. If you can seal up the thing good enough and also it drains out the bottom if it needs to. Interesting idea. you probably would need a latch or 2 when underway.

[@rogermoore6088]

concerning the fridge top.. we used the same opening system on our new central island during the refit of our Bavaria 47 3 years ago. We only use the area for storage but it works well and we have had no issues while underway. We are liveabords on a slow ...very slow... circumnavigation.. so the system gets a lot of use and has held up very well. All the best and if you pass by the Canary Islands please do look us up...

[@jonessmith2068]

If you go with that hinge system for your freezer top also make it slide back totally out of the way with a set of horizontal slides mounted to lid/counter top and hinge system this way if you have anything really big you can fit it in the freezer without tilting it to get between the top and side wall opening of the freezer. Cheers