Part 2 - Columbia 29 refit, in the Rocky Mountains

[406Columbia]

https://offroadpowerproducts.com/dom...5d54830cac0e76

[406Columbia]

https://offroadpowerproducts.com/dom...5d54830cac0e76

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by 406Columbia

https://offroadpowerproducts.com/dom...5d54830cac0e76

a grand heck you can do an icebox conversion and reinsulate for that and have a freezer and a fridge.
If you are set on going the portable way for now then that looks like a good option.

[john61ct]

I thought a conversion kit cost more than that, not counting the DIY box project?

Would appreciate links to kits considered decent quality for less.

[roverhi]

Originally Posted by newhaul

whole wheat lasts best

For some reason Dave's 'Good Seed' bread will last well over a week here in Kona, might go forever in cooler climes. Added benefit is that it is the best tasting bread I've ever found that is unless you like Wonder Bread. Don't know why it keeps as its supposedly free of preservatives. May have something to do with oil contend of all those seeds as it stays moist as long as it stays mold free.

Bought my first boat with refrigeration. Tied up to the dock and electricity it was a nice to have item while it lasted. Lasted just long enough for the move to a different marina, unfortunately. Undecided whether to try and get it running again. It's a small well insulated box and efficient controller but still required daily engine run time to keep the 200 amps of batteries up. If I had to do it over again, Would build in a storage spot for a medium sized 'Yeti' type super efficient portable cooler. Could take it home at the end of the day and pre cool it before bringing it back loaded with already refrigerated goodies. My son's will keep chipped ice for days on camping trips. They aren't cheap but a hell of a lot less than installing refrigeration and cost of keeping it running.

Managed to live very well for two years without refrigeration living aboard and cruising. If you want a cold beer there is always a bar nearby. If you row your dinghy, you'll work off the calories going to and from.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by roverhi

For some reason Dave's 'Good Seed' bread will last well over a week here in Kona, might go forever in cooler climes. Added benefit is that it is the best tasting bread I've ever found that is unless you like Wonder Bread. Don't know why it keeps as its supposedly free of preservatives. May have something to do with oil contend of all those seeds as it stays moist as long as it stays mold free.

.

has a lot to do with the amount of processing in the flour I would assume . My cracked wheat will last 2 weeks on the boat in summer

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by john61ct

I thought a conversion kit cost more than that, not counting the DIY box project?

Would appreciate links to kits considered decent quality for less.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post2832465
Look at post 24 I did a full breakdown of costs as an example
Included links where I could .

[406Columbia]

Originally Posted by john61ct

I thought a conversion kit cost more than that, not counting the DIY box project?

Would appreciate links to kits considered decent quality for less.

https://www.greatlakesskipper.com/do...e0fe157bddbb5f


These units are also very nice and much better price. Have seen them at westmarine in the past as low as 499.99. I doubt I can build an onboard system for the same price.

Something else I consider is when something needs service or replacement its way easier to pull out a unit such as this and get it taken care of. Same idea behind the outboard in the well, easier and cheaper to work on than an in board diesel. Not that its perfect but not bad.

[Don C L]

So I've owned none of them but I am reading good things about Engels. Did you consider those too? Also I am curious how all the installations deal with venting the warm air from the compartment it is mounted in.

[406Columbia]

Originally Posted by Don C L

So I've owned none of them but I am reading good things about Engels. Did you consider those too? Also I am curious how all the installations deal with venting the warm air from the compartment it is mounted in.

I have heard good stuff about Engel as well. On the high side for price but quality from what I understand. The same compressor as the Dometic though as far as I can tell so not sure its worth the extra costs.

I was kicking around the idea of mounting under the steps since we have loads of space there as we have the outboard engine well.

[Don C L]

Yeah, I could see that, and it could vent out the front under the steps?
That is where I have my batteries now, where were you thinking of for your batteries?

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Don C L

So I've owned none of them but I am reading good things about Engels. Did you consider those too? Also I am curious how all the installations deal with venting the warm air from the compartment it is mounted in.

the installed units have the compressor and condenser coil are remote mounted I will be mounting mine in the lazzerette .
With refrigeration lines running to the evaporator in the ice box.

[406Columbia]

Well here are a few of the recent boat goodies. Mast steps, cabinet latches, stackable Stanley insulated bowls, etc. I am curious what you guys think is the best way to affix the mast steps to the mast is? I was thinking rivets or threading directly into the mast but not sure the metal is thick enough to be robust.

So short of tig welding on some additional material to thread into what are your ideas? Anyway, ordered out cups, bowls, and plates to build cabinets to fit them and plan out the new spaces.

Getting back to the mast I am trying to compile a list of items I need to install on them prior to standing it back up. I thought steps, an antenna for vhf radio and for our Iridium as well as a clipper supernova tricolor light.
https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.as...7f350c28e62bf8

We need a windex or whatever those are called, any suggestions?

[406Columbia]

Originally Posted by newhaul

the installed units have the compressor and condenser coil are remote mounted I will be mounting mine in the lazzerette .
With refrigeration lines running to the evaporator in the ice box.

Thats a great idea.

[Don C L]

Is this the original mast? If so it is PLENTY strong and thick for mounting anything. I have tapped for the stainless screws and then I use a good goop to prevent corrosion. I think I used Permatex Nickel last time, but my rigger friend says go with zinc based goop if you can. I am one who prefers not to have mast steps, but I might have them near the mast head to make it easier to work up there. As far as stuff up high I try to keep it to a minimum. I think it is best to keep weight aloft at a minimum especially for a boat that is already more tender. If I ever get a new mast it will be carbon fiber! I only have the VHF antenna up there. Don't forget, the more electrical up there, the more wires to run too. BTW I wrap my wires with a bit of foam pipe insulation taped around the wires every couple feet or so. That prevents the ANNOYING wire slapping inside the mast that can happen when rocking at anchor. Tape the leading edge in a cone shape so that as you pull the wires through the foam won't get hung up on rivets or screws poking through the mast (if that makes sense.) My steaming light and deck light are at the spreaders. That's it. Windex are not critical, but I do confess to looking at others at times to better see the wind angle Really, for ME, anything I need to know about wind angle can be settled with tell-tails on the sails and some yarn on the shrouds