Portable 12/110v refrigerator

Hi All, I am considering a portable 12v/110v refrigerator http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/tags/refrigerator.html in lieu of converting my ice box to refrigerator http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/tags/refrigerator.html. My boat: 1974 Cal http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/tags/cal.html Cruising 35. Great boat but the ice box has 3/4 inch styrofoam taped around the outside, not sufficient. To properly insulate the box is a MAJOR operation: tear out existing cabinetry, etc. There is no other access to box. Instead I am looking at the Engel 40 quart 12/110 volt at $849 and the Whynter 45 quart at $476. BIG discrepancy in price http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/tags/price.html. They both have 4 1/2 and 5 star ratings from customer reviewers on Amazon. Does anyone have experience with these units, particularly the Whynter?Amazon.com: Whynter FM-45G 45-Quart Portable Refrigerator/Freezer, Platinum: Appliances https://www.amazon.com/Whynter-FM-45G-45-Quart-Portable-Refrigerator/dp/B002W8BLUG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1476035595&sr=8-6&keywords=engel+12+volt+refrigerator, https://www.amazon.com/Whynter-FM-45G-45-Quart-Portable-Refrigerator/dp/B002W8BLUG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1476035595&sr=8-6&keywords=engel+12+volt+refrigerator Amazon.com: Whynter FM-45G 45-Quart Portable Ref... https://www.amazon.com/Whynter-FM-45G-45-Quart-Portable-Refrigerator/dp/B002W8BLUG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1476035595&sr=8-6&keywords=engel+12+volt+refrigerator This Whynter Portable Fridge/Freezer offers premium quality and innovative design to your frozen or refrigerated needs. It's great for RVs, boats, camps... View on www.amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Whynter-FM-45G-45-Quart-Portable-Refrigerator/dp/B002W8BLUG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1476035595&sr=8-6&keywords=engel+12+volt+refrigerator Preview by Yahoo Thanks, Mike

Hey Mike I just ordered the Engel 42 quart drop in for my cal-2 30. If you haven't already you might compare spec's of the three and see which one rates best. I have received mine yet, it's enroute. I do want to congratulate you on your vessel, I definitely have boat envy for your water and fuel capacity's as I want to cruise with mine! Aloha Bobby G > On Oct 9, 2016, at 8:46 AM, mi… [at] hotmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > Hi All, > > I am considering a portable 12v/110v refrigerator in lieu of converting my ice box to refrigerator. My boat: 1974 Cal Cruising 35. Great boat but the ice box has 3/4 inch styrofoam taped around the outside, not sufficient. To properly insulate the box is a MAJOR operation: tear out existing cabinetry, etc. There is no other access to box. Instead I am looking at the Engel 40 quart 12/110 volt at $849 and the Whynter 45 quart at $476. BIG discrepancy in price. They both have 4 1/2 and 5 star ratings from customer reviewers on Amazon. Does anyone have experience with these units, particularly the Whynter?Amazon.com: Whynter FM-45G 45-Quart Portable Refrigerator/Freezer, Platinum: Appliances, > > > Amazon.com: Whynter FM-45G 45-Quart Portable Ref... > This Whynter Portable Fridge/Freezer offers premium quality and innovative design to your frozen or refrigerated needs. It's great for RVs, boats, camps... > View on www.amazon.com > Preview by Yahoo > Thanks, > > Mike > >

I have done the same with my Cal 30. It took lots of measuring, tearing out the whole icebox, building a support shelf, wrestling, cursing and begging, but I managed to shoe-horn it into place. I eventually had to take off the lid to drop it in. But, the Engel (In my case, the MT45) is well worth the price, keeps thinks really cold and uses very little energy. I have an additional battery bank and solar panel and can be completely off the grid while cruising with this setup. The Engel is well worth the additional price!