Projects - Refrigerator Insulation Addition, anchor, windlass

Fridge Insulation


The refrigerator would cycle on and off a lot (more on), especially if I had been running the motor.  I wanted to add some insulation.  I have a DC refrigeration unit, and I wanted it to be able to at least hold a chill overnight.

I used some 1 inch foam insulation from Home Depot, and some foil bubble wrap to add a layer everywhere I could.  I used foil tape to keep the bubble wrap together and to create thin spots where the plastic and wood separators go.  This definitely seemed to help.  I also cut a piece of the bubble wrap to put on top of the door.  I noticed that this would even get condensation on it after a while, so I also started putting a foil cover just under the lid.  With everything on, the cycle time is much slower and the fridge stays cold much longer.

I also replaced the water pump that takes the water out of the bottom of the fridge.  I have heard that if you just let this drain, you can drain the cold out of it.

This is the bubble wrap placed in the fridge, you can see the insulation on the right side as well.

I wrapped the bubble wrap all around and over the insulation.  I tried using velcro with a sticky side on it, but it didn't do much.  At the end I just taped everything together and put it in snugly.  So far it seems to stay just fine, and I can take it out to clean behind it.

Adding the foil wrap on top and just under the top made a big difference as well.

New Anchor


A new Mantus 60 lbs anchor.  It should be well oversized.  At some point I'll need to change the chain and rode, but for now this thing hasn't moved an inch once I've dropped it.






New Windlass


I put in a new Tigress windlass.  The old one was a little corroded, and wasn't quite going to move the new anchor.  It was a chore to put in, but the biggest headache was taking the old one out  Getting the bolts off of the old windlass took me a full day.  The one in the rear took me about 4 hours for 1 nut.  It was hard to reach, in a completely blind angle, and I could only get about a 1/8th of a turn on the wrench.  I had to flip the box end wrench for each turn, it was brutal....

The new windlass has a new electrical setup and a remote control.  I ultimately replaced both foot switches as well.  They were starting to short out and not work and caused me some trouble shooting issues.  It was a lot of work, but the new windlass looks good and is awesome.





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