Keel Cooler Low Cost or DIY

[GreenHeaven]

Looking at replacing fridge Keel coolers for somewhat less than 3k!
Has anyone designed and built their own?

[tkeithlu]

Nope. In order to get maximum cooling surface area while not impeding the flow of hot water, keel coolers like heat exchangers use multiple tubes working in parallel. That makes the construction tricky - no leaks allowed, and bunches of seams to seal. To supply the same cooling and flow while using a contiuous tube, the tube would need to be of larger diameter than the coolant hose (friction loss) and damned long. You could experiment with it, but odds are you would not get the cooling you need.

[mako]

If your boat is metal and you know how to weld, then it's rather easy. 99% of metal boats do not use commercial grid coolers.

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by GreenHeaven

Looking at replacing fridge Keel coolers for somewhat less than 3k!
Has anyone designed and built their own?

I'm assuming that you're talking about the little condensers that are used for some models of 12V refrigeration units?
Or, do you mean powerful units that use a "real" keel cooler, similar to ones used for engine cooling?

[GreenHeaven]

Originally Posted by Bowdrie

I'm assuming that you're talking about the little condensers that are used for some models of 12V refrigeration units?
Or, do you mean powerful units that use a "real" keel cooler, similar to ones used for engine cooling?

YES!
https://www.outbackmarine.com.au/gro...m-without-zinc

I think I failed to make that clear :/


Its a copper casting with a tube that runs back and forth. probably costs $20 to make and half that in chinook

[Quebramar]

If you don’t want to make a new hole in the hull, there is a smart fitting that replaces the galley sink through-hull. Benefit is that it should be quite close to the compressor hence less energy loss.

https://www.jpcdirect.com/product/is...ing-condenser/

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by GreenHeaven

Looking at replacing fridge Keel coolers for somewhat less than 3k!
Has anyone designed and built their own?

$3k is a little over the top just for a keel cooler. For ~1/2 of that you can get a full Frigoboat system (that components match and work together) rather than experimenting w/DIY parts. Unless your knowledge of refrigeration is way up there, would find a pre-made system so you have something that will work.