Sail Life - Hooking up the fridge, DIY sailboat restoration

[@erikripley1348]

It's so impressive to me the variety of types of jobs you take on yourself and the absence of compromise in how you do them.

[@billbruce5528]

I really need to address my non-working fridge/icebox...watching your stellar project is just the inspiration I need. Thanks Mads.

[@SailLife]

Thanks :) I'm glad if I can provide you with a little inspiration :)

[@RenegadeADV]

Mads, I really like how you did this install, very clean. I had a thought for you, if you put a strip of wood down each side under that shelf where you mounted the compressor, you could then put a frame with a piece of screen and a piece of cloth to act as a filter, this would keep your compressor free of dust. if you made the cloth velcro on from the back side it could be removed and machine washed keeping your compressor clean and efficient

[@SailLife]

Thanks! Cool idea! I'll add that to my todo list :)

[@Korbin57]

I never knew about the soapy water trick when caulking. I'm going to caulk my bathtub using your method. Thanks so much Mads.

[@SailLife]

Awesome :) It's a wonderful trick :)

[@moejaime2654]

Like always Mads great on the cooler !! Can't wait until the hull is dry enough !

[@SailLife]

Thanks, Moe :)

[@davebrown7321]

I am in awe of your meticulous working ethic in relation to building Athena! fantastic job & excellent channel & content!

[@Bacoprah]

Great stuff Mads. The galley is looking great (or at least on it's way to looking great). Cheers from PEI Canada, Bryan

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much :)

[@formosa41]

You always do such fine work! I won't even show you the inside of my fridge right now...it's scary in there! I will eventually do a video of mine, it's a very interesting layout right now. The freezer section is accessed from outside the boat, through a hole in the deck. I plan on changing that.

[@enerzise3161]

I am glad you did this video, even though you did one on the other boat. After I install the battery bank and inverter on our boat, I will be looking into doing pretty much what you did in this video and the other videos where you make the new box. I am also relieved the trim covers the little jitterbug incident on the counter top. I watch most all of your videos several times.

[@esnijder]

Hi Mads, I was pointed at your channel about 3 weeks ago by a dutch sailing blog. Also affected by a little OCD :) I first had to watch the complete chronological playlist before I allowed myself to watch the new videos :). So finally, I reached the last video!! I think your channel is fantastic and I admire your fearlessness to take on these extensive jobs. It also takes the fear away to do such jobs myself. I like how you explain your use of materials and tools, it is of great help! Keep on the good work en good luck with your jobs!!

[@p0tatis]

Thanks Mads for your videos. And thanks for your consern about us viewers. Such a great commitment both to your boat and to us the viewers. And your "ocd" is paying of, you will have a fantasic home to live in. Hilsen fra Sverige

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much, Henrik :)

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

It looks amazing Mads, very professional, in fact better than most boat builders would do. I have to put a cold box on my boat so taking tips from you. I don't really have room for a cold plate and compressor. Looking forward to the next instalment. Andy

[@Rottingboards]

wow, what a great job you do with every project. I love the teak touch on the self…really gives a finished and professional look.

[@SailLife]

Thanks :)

[@changodelaporcelainacanada4819]

Thanks for all the work you put into these videos! They help a lot! Cheers from Vancouver.

[@grantmyers7593]

I love all the refit videos, I am learning a lot.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I don't know about Denmark but in the UK, 12V fridge/freezers are ridiculously expensive so when the time comes that my fridge needs replacing I have resolved to take a leaf out of your book and build one myself. Cheers.

[@SailLife]

They are pretty pricey over here too :) Also, by building the fridge yourself you can get it to fit exactly how you want :) Looking forward to your next video :)

[@chipbhi]

I just love how precise you are! It's wonderful to watch your progress with the new boat!

[@SailingSVEasy]

Hi Mads, I can't wait to see the next time lapse of sanding. This is just too funny.

[@RealityIsTheNow]

You keep doing really solid work. OCD is GOOD thing on a boat.

[@JakeSpeed1000]

Another great video Mads. Thanks.

[@johnthorogood6601]

Mads... great channel. Been watching for a while. you are an inspiration for me to get out on our boat and get on with those little jobs!

[@billturner2360]

Just fantastic! I have learned a thing or two from you on your fridge install. Very clean and impressive. Thanks

[@ltjimohio530]

looking great, nice install! I found a used norcold, 120v/12v refrigerator, I gutting the mechanicals, I will install in my existing cooler. love watching your videos and seeing your progress!

[@fishin4bogey]

Super clean install, Mads! Well done!

[@SailLife]

Thanks :)

[@briandeering9737]

Love the videos! Keep up the great work on the new boat! She is going to look amazing when you get her done!

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much :) Fingers crossed! :P

[@John_Hennings]

Great work as usual, I love when "mistakes" work themselves out...

[@SailLife]

Thanks! Hehe I sure am happy I didn't have to take it all apart to ship it back to the dealer :P

[@txwallbedmurphybeds8286]

Excellent information!!!! You make it all look rather easy. Great job!

[@nigeldance9603]

Wonderful work. Really want to see kitchen all done. Keep vids coming. (Hamilton , Ontario)

[@mrjsmoss]

Thanks Mads, and as always, a treat for your friend Jokell

[@shawnloescher429]

Great video and nice install on the refrigerator. Not sure if it has been mentioned before but regular automotive heater hose works excellent to prevent chaffing where your hot and cold hoses pass through the plywood holes.

[@DonHarden]

Another great video. Thank you Mads. One thing I don't understand is why the 3 thumbs down. I think you should not be allowed to give a thumb down with posting a reason why. Looking good brother. Keep moving forward.

[@shipskepr1]

awesome mads,i love the wooden double ender in the back ground,,,,paul

[@thelimit6593]

Having spent 1/2 an hour trying to find an interior light switch,I can empathise with you. We are still looking for a project and without these videos we would have been put off by bad interiors.

[@sar4x474]

This was a really cool episode. You really did a good job of condensing the content into a great video!!

[@SVELFARO]

Looks good, coming along nicely

[@Talhern]

Well Done Good sir. Just got done binge watching all your vids from day one. I am loving what you are doing as well as you out look on life. You have Come along way from your first video. I may never see Deep Blue ocean again but i can say i am enjoying watching your adventures. I now eagerly await your next installment. -A. Hayes

[@dtonvista]

Mads, you are absolutely incredible, obviously you do soma great work and your attention to detail is spectacular, I would buy your books if you published how to refurbish old boats was written, but to go out and say you may not be OCD, I think your name is listed in the dictionary reference. Mind you that is not a bad thing; that is why I will buy your books when you publish them! Your videos have shown me things that I need to consider when I look for another boat, thank you so much!

[@Bleemus]

well done Mads!

[@SailLife]

Thanks! :)

[@rexisgamer]

I approve of your packaging.

[@paulvanloon3609]

Thanks for your wonderfull videos. I really enjoy them

[@kaj-mikaelwredlund898]

Tack åter en gång för en fin och inspirerande video!

[@Ammo461]

Great job and great information! Good caulk tip...

[@normanboyes4983]

Very nice work - well done👍

[@SailLife]

Thanks Norman :)

[@douglasmontgomery6315]

Low expansion spray foam like used around doors and windows would fill that gap in your fridge box where tube hole was sawed. :) Nice video

[@TonyAnschutz]

Your vids are so entertaining Madz. I love your OCD!

[@kevinegan6876]

mads some great tips for use this week thank you

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much :)

[@kqchannel]

Good job dude! it looks very nice!

[@SailLife]

Thanks!

[@hepontour]

Nice video, and as usual good information. Always look forward to watching your vid`s and thanks.

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much :)

[@SvMobyduck]

good work Mads. I think on the sink issue a lesser man, Me, would have resorted to swearing and a grinder before refusing to ever do business with the manufacturer again. Glad you took the high road, and I hope your replacement is flawless.

[@SailLife]

Thanks! :) I have a feeling that sink is going to cause me a bunch of problems but we'll see :)

[@gunne6347]

I truely love these videos, keep up the amazing work!

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much :)

[@passmeby9398]

Great work as usual. You will have years of good service from that installation.

[@SailLife]

Thanks! :) Fingers crossed :)

[@BobMuk08]

Mads.... I look forward to your interesting & well presented Vids. it seems you go for excellence in everything you do. BTW have you tried training Youkul to do some sanding,.... after all scratching seems to come naturally to dogs.... oh I forgot, if she's not walking she's sleeping.! LOL

[@KotahiMano]

Hi Mads, could you clarify whether you use the Hempel Light Primer without an overcoat? I like the matte look, but Hempel is mum about whether this will work as an uncoated surface. Appreciate your advice!

[@myblueocean2]

great work, as usual!

[@JuhaEerikki]

Hi Mads, nice work :) But you will need to get that compressor space ventilated, not just enclosed and by the condenser fan. You need to get the hot air out from that space and cool fresh air in to replace it. Otherwise your ECU will fry very very prematurely. Looking forward for the next video :)

[@n7gn]

Looks great, just thought you might watch out for the lower edge of the shelf and the plastic water lines, but I think you probably already considered the rubbing that might occur.

[@sailorman607]

Nice work!!!

[@Realtor_Rion]

Keep up the good work.

[@chillipeber]

Mads, Thanks for the formica link in your previous video - really useful as I'm fixing up my galley too. (Albin Vega with that horrible mock wood countertop.) Could you tell me where you sourced the teak trim? I'm trying all the usual Danish outlets and haven't really found what I want yet. Tak!

[@SailLife]

I'm glad you found the link useful :) The teak molding is from svb24.com but you could also try calling Horsens Yachtværft (25 57 87 81). Super friendly guys! :)

[@chillipeber]

Super. Takker :-)

[@wallacegrommet9343]

I mounted my evap horizontally under the countertop left of the lid on my my existing icebox and it was almost an impossible task. Those four spacers were so difficult to line up upside down and reaching into a cramped space with a drill. But I now have a lot more room and easier access, plus no more bags of ice melting every couple days ona cruise. I do wonder if you have ventilation for the compressor cabinet?

[@jackneff179]

Hi Mads...shouldnt there be some method of airflow for the compressor?? Also on the submarines I lived on sound mounting was paramont...If you put 1/2 or 1/4 closed foam on the back making holes for the mounting screws it should pretty much dampen the noise....Best always Jack

[@rosswalker5053]

I smile came to my face when I saw that the fridge was installed it is not good that the sink hard fault but hopefully they turn you one which is to standard

[@SailLife]

Hehe, you and me both ;) That took so much longer than I had anticipated :)

[@LeicaLouie]

Hi Mads, great work on the fridge install. Now the real question is, can you make some ice cubes inside that evaporator and keep some beers cold in the fridge area? Did you put a shelve under the evaporator so the ice bags don't fall through and stay within the evaporator area? Take care.

[@MarcelSimard58]

Nice install Mads. I can related to your OCD ;). FYI I viewed this video at 16:23 ADT.

[@SailLife]

Haha :) Thanks! :)

[@tommoss7223]

BTW speed controls work great as well. Excellent for saving battery. Maybe the box that comes with your fridge does the same.

[@perfdavid]

Love your videos. Well done. Question: maybe you have answered this before, I am not sure. Maybe you have the means maybe not, I don't know. But, let's say you did. Would you still live on a boat? Or would you have a home on land nearby and go to your boat on your free time?

[@V2106U]

Hi Mads, I saw that You bought the compressor and accessories from Sweden? Is there a special reason for that? I really like Your videos.

[@SailLife]

The reason is cost :) For some reason, these kits are a fair bit cheaper in Sweden :)

[@bigfoot1307]

Looking good Mads keep up the great work and vids thanks for sharing now back to work lol

[@hopeless74]

Impressive as always :)

[@ThePassad]

Great video:) Thanks.

[@dgourdine50]

once again excellent and funny

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much :)

[@YELLEBG]

Great work & super caulking tips Mads! But what's this???? No hull moisture update!!! What up dude? :-) Cheers from New Brunswick, Canada.

[@paulvanloon3609]

seeing your installation of the fridge compressor I was amazed to see that you were not providing for any extra ventilation to get rid of the generated heat of the compressor. As far a I know, this might lead to much higher electricity consumption. In a good summer it could give problems (even in Denmark) when you most need a cool drink! By the way, thanks for your marvelous videos!

[@SailLife]

Thanks :) I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. There is a vent in the locker I just didn't mention it in the video :)

[@wilsnich02]

Hi Mads, really "Cool" install, nice and neat from the box itself to the compressor. Disappointing that the sink stinks !!

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

The sink as you mentioned looks like it's supposed to mount from underneath. The inset ones are normally shaped & moulded on the edges.

[@SailLife]

The more I think about it the more tempting it is just to order a new sink and forget all about a replacement

[@1967rwm]

Correct: that is an "under-mount sink" as opposed to a "drop-in" or "self-rimming" sink.

[@Pulltabporter]

Man it turned out nice

[@sokoleoko6539]

Hey Mads (what a cool name) I've been watching all your videos they are the best. Thank you for making them. If you are looking for an idea for another video, what about one on books, videos and research tools you use? I am always looking for new books. and you could ask for some ideas from us and then put it all together. New ideas might bring in new people to your channel. You could make more money on youtube and sail without worrying too much about money :) All the best Thanks again :)

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much :) Awesome idea! I'll add that to my list of future videos :)

[@Fuhugawagah]

Hey Mads, another awesome video! Thats frustrating about the sink. Nothing worse than shoddy craftsmanship. The saloon appears to be coming along nicely though. Was the teak molding expensive? It looks great. Weather looks good. Any progress on the moisture readings? Regarding 4k, if it takes a lot of extra time to process is it worth it? I'm guessing most people watch your videos on their computers and likely dont have 4k resolution.

[@SailLife]

Thank you :) Yeah, the worst part is I doubt the web shop will give me a refund but we'll see... Overall the moisture readings are still dropping down to an avg of 68 (from 72 two weeks ago). I might go into a little more detail in the next video :) The main reason I'm publishing in 4K is just to try and futureproof the videos a bit :) I need to record in 4K anyways because recording in 720/1080 on the GH4 doesn't look all that great.

[@Fuhugawagah]

Makes sense!

[@allynonderdonk7577]

Wrap your fridge in double bubble foil insulation or at least foil insulation. It really helps power conservation.

[@mrsmeganluke]

I built a refrigerator on a Tahiti Ketch years ago. Used isocyanurate foam sheets backed with aluminum on both sides. Used 25mm on top, 100mm on sides and 125mm on the bottom. I could turn off the fridge and still find ice in the ice cube trays 24 hours late in mid summer 35 degree C weather. I wonder if the amount of foam you used would be adequate in warmer climates.

[@SailLife]

Sounds like an awesome fridge you built :) According to the manufacturer the insulation I've used (given the size of my fridge) is good for up temperatures up to 48 C. Whether that is true or not isn't that important to me as I plan on spending most of my time in the high latitudes :)

[@therealR.D.]

So if you wanted a bigger fridge, do you just buy 2 kits, 2 compressors, 2 evaporators, etc.etc. Or is one ecap and compressor big enough to power a bigger fridge? What if you want a freezer? Is that kit good for making a freezer? What about the lid? Are you going to make a vid showing how you make and attach the lid?

[@SailLife]

You could use the same kit for a bigger fridge but you need more insulation :) The kit can also be used for a freezer. I'll most definitely film the making of the lid :P

[@ash99974]

Keep it up man 👍👍👍👍

[@ronharbin6678]

Mads Great job with the videos of your ice box installation and great job with the design and construction. It's no wonder your channel is so popular. One quick thought - I do hope there is enough ventilation for the heat to escape from the area where you mounted the compressor. You might think about one of those little 12V computer fans for an exhaust fan. Would you mind telling me what type of camera you have been using? You mentioned you started using a 4K camera. What is that? Thanks again.

[@vreference]

Yeah but those fiddles (the original tall trim around the edges) were there for a reason. I think lots of easy places to grab in a seaway are a good thing.

[@mb97355]

Congratulations. Nice work. That copper tubing is really safe to bend. The trick is that copper work hardens so try to get it the first or second try. You may notice that it's easy to bend the first time and gets progressively harder to bend before it finally cracks. You plan things out well so it shouldn't be an issue.

[@SailLife]

Thanks! :) I'll keep that in mind when I bend the copper tube for my Refleks stove installation :) And of course if I at some point decide to build a freezer :)

[@j.brianbobiak12]

Do you have some sort of drain in the bottom of the 'fridge? It may make cleaning more convenient...just a thought.

[@tahoo2121]

Excellent! wavesfromSeattle

[@jannisreich1659]

I really like your videos, but I don´t think they need to be in 4k. If you start sailing and have some awesome landscape to show - why not, but the restauration doesn´t need to be in 4k for me. Do you have a dashboard showing how many people actually watch it in 4k?

[@SnorwayFlake]

lovly jobly, I wish I can one day do what you do.

[@crazystuffproduction]

have you done anything about radios and antennas and grounding on a boat? ham radio?

[@wallacegrommet9343]

That sink definitely looks like an undermount type

[@SailLife]

It's funny. I wrote the shop where I purchase it. They are adamant it's a drop in sink. The replacement should arrive in a few days. We'll see ;)

[@thierymorris4763]

Picture frame is a cheap edge moulding available in all woods and sizes. The "lip" is the edge where the glass goes.

[@CajunWolffe]

Again, an old video, but for future views, I use various sized steel ballbearings tacked to steel rods about a foot in length, one on each end, each a different size to fit various radius profiles for tabbing and caulking. They clean up quickly too, and the spherical shape makes a perfect convex radius on your angled seams for that finished look.

[@gavanwhatever8196]

Took all of 5 minutes to find your boatyard on Google! That's a long sail from the coast! Did you come in from the West coast or the East coast?

[@tarivard]

How did you make the fridge lid? What did you use to line the opening to the lid?

[@theislandpackrat]

Mads I didn't see any beer in there getting cold!

[@SailLife]

Not quite yet but I'll get there ;)

[@visteja]

theislandpackrat *

[@tommoss7223]

Mads, you may want to leave the told over the evaporator open. It looks like the top is going to cover it. leaving it open gives you a small freezer compartment.

[@SailLife]

The lid won't cover up the access to the evaporator :) The whole idea of getting an O-shaped evaporator rather than a flat was to use it as a tiny freezer :)

[@tommoss7223]

Exactly, I have the same model and you'll be surprised what you can stuff in there. Just be careful you can get it out again once it freezes.

[@SailLife]

Hehe, I guess if something gets stuck in there you just tell people it's a holding plate rather than an evaporator (I know there is more to it than that) ;)

[@verynearlyaboutsailing8114]

I was always told to only bend copper pipe once. So as long as you get it right the first time - no problem.

[@SailLife]

Cool, thanks for the feedback :)

[@passmeby9398]

True. Copper in the soft state like bendable tubing becomes hard and breakable with bending. You would have to heat to redness to return the copper to a soft state. Big PIA. Best to make a plan and stick to it.

[@mrsmeganluke]

Would you consider going transatlantic? The Caribbean is a great antidote for winter!.

[@SailLife]

I do plan on crossing the Atlantic but I plan on spending most of my time in the high latitudes (Greenland, Canada, Patagonia etc.) :)

[@sailingsyfie4713]

Tak for video :) Jeg er super nysgerrig... Hvordan går det med fugten i glasfiberen.?

[@SailLife]

Mange tak :) Uha, det går stille og roligt. Der er dog nogle områder der stadig er på 100. Det bekymre mig lidt. Mest fordi der ikke er noget bag der kan forstyre målingerne. Jeg skal have kigget lidt nærmere på det i løbet af den næste uge. Hvordan går det med dit projekt? :)

[@sailingsyfie4713]

Det undrer mig at den stadig ligger over 100, især efter de varme og tørre dage vi har haft... Er det en sandwich-konstruktion med fugt i balsatræet måske.? Jeg kæmper med min ankerbrønd og tilstødende lastrum, der er fugt i skottet mellem de 2 rum (har købt en tramex skippet plus), så der er lige gang i en tørre-proces der... Sjovt nok også i en balsa-sandwich-konstruktion, har du tjekket dit fribord for fugt.? Jeg har været (er stadig) i Holland at arbejde, så har ikke nået at redigere for sidste uge, men den næste video skulle gerne være klar onsdag aften/nat :)

[@SailLife]

Ja, det er lidt "sjovt" specielt fordi det er masivt glasfiber (ingen sandwich). Mit fribord er dejligt tørt :) Glæder mig til din næste video :)