I got this Dometic CFX3 95DZ AC/DC cooler for a steal and have the dream of installing it in the galley. Its huge, but one side can be a freezer and one can be a fridge. I want to cut out the ice box and turn the unit 90 degrees from where it sits. It can sit at counter-height and have a removable counter or cutting board above it.
If I cut out the vertical piece of cabinetry on the left side of where the oven once was, will it affect the hull support structure? It is so close to the other bulkheads that I'm thinking its ok to cut it out.
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Mary https://svmuleka.com Muleka 1978 Cal 34-III #111 Marina Village, Alameda, California Nepenthe 1976 Kelly Peterson 44 #116 Redondo Beach, California
Wow. Another big project. I'm working from memory on the Cal 34 floor pan, but as I remember the floor pan has a raised lateral column running from the aft galley across the cabin at the base of the companionway in front of the engine compartment. On top of that is a three-quarter inch teak plywood strip about a foot high running from one side of the hull to the other and glassed-in port and starboard. I personally would have some concern of compromising that plywood support. I think though , if you could preserve that raised fiberglass column on the floor pan and reinforce the Portside structure to spread the lateral load to the floor pan I don't think you'd have anything to worry about. These wonderful Cals are so overbuilt I'm sure you'll be fine. By the way, if you do go ahead with the project I would be interested in snagging your old ice box top and the teak trim ring from the counter. Mine is worse for wear. Good luck with the new project!
1977 Cal 2 29 Emerald Flash #964 , Isthmus, Catalina Island , California
Randy, thank you for the insight. I would not be cutting the plywood all the way down to the pan, but I did have concern about the support you’re talking about.
While I wanted to make this cooler work, I’m now thinking about getting a pull-out type Dometic fridge/freezer and installing it either where the oven was or to starboard where the nav table is.
I do plan on replacing the counter top, and when I do those pieces are yours. I may re-use some of the teak counter ring in the head. Too bad my boat isn’t down south yet for easier delivery!
Mary https://svmuleka.com Muleka 1978 Cal 34-III #111 Marina Village, Alameda, California Nepenthe 1976 Kelly Peterson 44 #116 Redondo Beach, California
Better plan: I just ordered this awesome Isotherm Drawer 85. The dometic cooler is great, but there’s no way to make it fit in a nice way. The Isotherm will fit perfectly in place of the navigation table which is to starboard as you come down the companionway steps. Woo!
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Mary https://svmuleka.com Muleka 1978 Cal 34-III #111 Marina Village, Alameda, California Nepenthe 1976 Kelly Peterson 44 #116 Redondo Beach, California
Mary https://svmuleka.com Muleka 1978 Cal 34-III #111 Marina Village, Alameda, California Nepenthe 1976 Kelly Peterson 44 #116 Redondo Beach, California
Please excuse the mess. I think it works here. It’s better than removing the nav station, but then I lose the space for an oven.
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Mary https://svmuleka.com Muleka 1978 Cal 34-III #111 Marina Village, Alameda, California Nepenthe 1976 Kelly Peterson 44 #116 Redondo Beach, California
Hi Mary Mac. I found your bimini post first then this post. I have the same fridge on my 2-34. It went in in the ice box slot and under the ice box top which was essential for access so it stayed. I do have a lot of reinforcement on the boat though. PO put a stainless steel roll cage inside. One reason is to support the massive traveller and furler boom but also helps with structural integrity of the bulkheads, tabbed furniture, etc. You can see the roll cage aft section at https://www.dwaynenewton.com/Sailing-Ve ... -p75hhk9/A
I see you have the different layout with the starboard galley. I ended up putting the fridge in the spot where an oven once was and it is a perfect fit. I'm using an induction stovetop sitting on it for now so the location is good.
I like the roll cage idea. I've thought about moving the traveler, too. Looks great and well engineered!
Mary
Mary https://svmuleka.com Muleka 1978 Cal 34-III #111 Marina Village, Alameda, California Nepenthe 1976 Kelly Peterson 44 #116 Redondo Beach, California
Sorry. Wrote a reply along these lines on Monday and managed to lose it...
wrt fridge:
1. I measured my fridge power at about 80W a while back when I constructed my energy budget and I'm testing my fridge again now. I measured way more energy use than you for some reason. Maybe I shouldn't be testing worst-worst-case on empty and minimum temperature setting.
2. I did check your numbers against the specifications and they seem about right. Mfr says 370 W/24 hr which if you correct their units works out to about 15W average or 1.25A average (at 12V) or 1.25 x 12 = 15 Ah which is 15/400 or 3.75% of your capacity. So all that seems about right for you.
3. I'm thinking of ditching propane, adding another big battery and a gimbaled induction top.
The traveller is way better on the roof. Must have cost PO a fortune to build the roll cage. Did a good job though. Had to be that way given the huge mass of the boom though.
I posted (or will post) some more information in our other current thread that started with batteries and biminis.
