Replace refrigerator in 293

[Lowrider03]

Has anyone replaced the fridge in the cockpit area with a new, larger unit? I have to say the the old one I have is NOT big enough!

[Lowrider03]

I guess a follow up question is this: are there ANY options other than Norcold for marine applications??

[Twistedsteel51]

I hope someone chimes in. The refrigerator deal excites me. Is it the same as the A series boats? I have no experience with the A series boats however, in the Master Craft side of it everybody loves their and has been problem free (the boat that I was looking at was a 2010). So, since I was new to the refrigerator thing I asked around in a lot of groups about them. That’s the only thing I can think of, look at the A set refrigerators and the Master Crafts. To be honest with you I, don’t no the name brand of either unit.

[ARGO]

Hi, I own 2004 Cobalt 360 which came with U-Line Icemaker under the sink in the cockpit and Norcold in the galley. There is no way I would spoil my drink with ice made out of the water stored in aluminum tank - so, icemaker went and I got a nice barely used Italian Isotherm DR49 (drawer). It is not the smallest unit but one step above. It was MAJOR ROYAL PITA to fit it. I had to hire a guy to cut the threshhold a bit as it was not squizing by. Some mods to the under the sink plumbing, $7 Home Depot pressure treated wood, some saved aluminum brackets from the original icemaker, some Mickey Mouse job but the result is amazing! Very convenient to grab a cold drink right by the helm. Isotherm is dual voltage 12v/110v, very good insulation, if my genny is not running my drinks are cold for about 4-5 hours. I am happy camper with it!

[ARGO]

Need to resize more pictures as all of them are taken vertically and this site does not want to take them

[ARGO]

Some more pictures from the Isotherm DR49 project.

[ARGO]

Project is done!

[AsLan7]

Wow. Nice job Argo.
Great documentation too.
Would you do anything differently now that it’s completed?

[ARGO]

Honestly, if your available spot allowes for a larger unit try to go larger. My spot was tiny and allowed for 15 inch width, 25 high and close to 27 inch deep. I had old plumbing to fit behind and electrical. So 15 inch width was absolutely critical - so the only model wich made sence was DR49. From factory the upgraded option of Norcold was not even close in practicality. They had to move the whole unit couple of inches astern because fridge had a swing out door and then use white plastic for fit and finish. All and all - it is VERY convenient to have cold drinks available for you and your guests right at your fingers. Trust me - its money well spend!

[ARGO]

Here is the picture of original icemaker

[AsLan7]

Roger that. lookin' good.