Replacing refrigerator in 1998 330 Sundancer

[Larry]

Has anyone here changed out there original Nevercold fridge with a new one? The big questions is what size (make and model) replacement fridge were you able to get in the cabin door? I was planing on doing a replacement of the compressor and coil, but just found out it is unavailable now and will not be manufactured any more... It appears I only have about 22 inch's in width to work with.

 

[dpmulvey]

A lot depends on your wallet and usage.

A 12/120 fridge is roughly a grand.

The same size 120V only is about $130 dollars. If you run the gennie constantly the 12V side is moot. If you are on the hook for extended times, you could consider an inverter off the house bank or put a bit of dry ice in the fridge and use no power.

In any event, I don't think I will be going back to a 12/120 fridge because of the price. If I hit the lottery, it will be a Tundra unit. They are quieter, user less DC power, etc.... A friend with a 38 has one and you can't hear it run at all.

My 2 Cents.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Hi Larry,
Which model do you have?

 

[Larry]

Mark,
I have the DE-541F, according to Norcold the replacement unit is the DE-0041, the problem is it is 23" wide and that's almost an inch more then I have in clearence. It looks like Tundra makes a 4.2 cubic ft unit that will fit, but I have not been able to get any prices on one yet.

 

[4sure]

I think a nice ice box will do fine. Have Greg go to the gas dock for ice every 12 hours and save some money on the repair.

 

[Pack66Dad]

I couldn't find a norcold for my boat either but Novakool had a unit that slipped right in and had a flange package just for replacing my norcold refrigerator. It works great and it wasn't too expensive. Seems to work well on AC or DC and hasn't drained my batteries once.
Here is a link to sizes available: http://www.novakool.com/products/single_doors/documents/fulllinerefrigerator2011_000.pdf

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Mark,
I have the DE-541F, according to Norcold the replacement unit is the DE-0041, the problem is it is 23" wide and that's almost an inch more then I have in clearence. It looks like Tundra makes a 4.2 cubic ft unit that will fit, but I have not been able to get any prices on one yet.

PM sent.
The choices for replacement are growing.

 

[mduggan]

Larry,

The 0041 will fit, but the rear eveporator coil must be removed and duct taped to the side of the fridge using alot of care to bend the supply tubes slowly. a new norcold will make it down with some scraping of the trim ring that surrounds the opening of the entry hatch, which can also be replaced, you also have to remove the hatch, ( 4 screws and a bit of color match caulking, needs to be broken and removed, this wasnt a big deal as i had 2 rollers that needed to be reset onto the door. 2 projects in one completed.) then it must all be put back again. its a days worth of work to complete start to finish. 2 men, the 0041 will sit exactly, actually better in the rough opening from searay, once in the galley.
I still have the unit which was replaced only because of abuse from the previous owner, no trays, no shelves, door closer and keeper busted. However the unit worked like a champ as long as ive had it, not sure why the norcold gets bashed. from what i replaced and the inside conditon, it was on while the boat was in use.
But the rear of the unit is pristine, the 12v/120v converter, compressor etc.
if you want to have a closer look email me directly @ mduggan@lanoptix.com i will take a snap shot of it where it is in storage, you can decide if you want the guts of it. I'll cinch off the lines and send you the whole package, minus the box (obviously). that will go in the dumpster.
No charge other than the shipping, I'd rather see something fixed than throw it out.
Let me know