It all started with the desire for COLD BEER and another desire not to invest BIG BUCKS in my old Hunter. I cut up an old dorm fridge I got from a college kid leaving town for $40. Works great since Im on a dock with shore power. I ocasionally use it while cruising with a 1000w inverter. Hasnt missed a beat in seven years. Doesnt seem to mind heeling over and being turned off and stored 6 months a year at -20 degress during Vermont winters. Note the evaporator (cooling unit) installed on the top and the thermostat on the left side. Back in 1994 I temporarily taped up the hole I cut out of the side wall to test the unit. Must have been good tape. Since its been there 7 years I never glassed up th hole.

See A View From Inside

Note evaporator and plumbing going through the side wall. Dorm refrigerators are generally inefficient due to poor insulation and front opening door. In the ice box with a top door the duty cycle (amount of time it runs) is much less. I set the thermostat on #3. #10 will freeze beer.Marine fridge makers have told me these are similiar to their an cheaper only because they are made in mass quanity.I bought a second fridge for when this one fails but havent needed it yet.

See Top View of locker with Compressor and Conderser

This locker had a trash can in it when I bought the boat. I added a 110v outlet to power this puppy. The compresor had rubber mounting feet and I screwed it to a board. The Condenser is hanging by cable ties not visible in the picture.Good thing this works so well. I had money in the stock market for my new boat and from the looks or things I may have the old Hunter for a while longer. Life is better with cold beer!