Boatworks

SKETCHBOOK Making the most of your icebox

Front-opening fridges are convenient to use, but can spill out their contents in heavy weather, not to mention losing cold air every time you open the door. A Top-opening fridges are more efficient, because the cold air sits at the bottom. However, it can be hard to find things in them. To reduce the time the lid is open, boxes can be stored in laundry nets that can be lifted out quickly.

B Canvas shoe-storage racks are even better.

C Stacking crates with solid bases catch leaks, but reduce air movement.

D Some designs of top-opening fridges have a small door set in the side, high off the base. This provides easier access, while at the same time retaining some of the cold air.

E An icebox for cold drinks reduces the number of times the fridge needs to be opened during the day. This one takes a big chunk of ice, is built under a seat and has a plugged drain to prevent losing cold air down it.

F A plumbed-in cold drinks tank or G a pump-out thermos also saves opening the box.

H Use an old blanket to reduce the amount of “free air” space when the cold box is only partially filled.

I Buying “cold” in the form of ice can help an onboard fridge cope with high ambient temperatures and save running the engine or generator too often. However, commercial ice blocks can be big and heavy, so a very strong bag is needed to get them back to the boat. A strong bag can also help convince a taxi driver to take you and make handling ice much easier on board. Frozen meat, if kept on ice and well-insulated, can last for a week.

J Old two-part polyurethane foam insulation can break down over the years. If this happens, it might not completely fill the void and absorb water, which will reduce its insulation value. Check for moisture by drilling a small hole and pushing in a cotton bud.