New fridge anybody? (2001 A-28TE)

[LovettWest]

Has anyone researched or found a pull out drawer fridge that will work?
Anyone installed a drawer fridge on deck somewhere? I am thinking under helm seat area with some surgery.

[MadMoney]

Hey everyone – it’s my turn to start the fridge project and I really appreciate all the help/guidance that has been shared in this post. After reading this thread multiple times, I have a few questions for the folks who have tackled this project:

I have a Wallas diesel cook top/heater that I need to take into consideration. As you can see by the pic, I already had to raise the heater with the wood spacer to allow for the depth of the heater. Because of this, there is zero room for me to go up with the new fridge without in turn, raising the heater. I really like the install that Ben423 & jms02050 did by using a spacer to move the fridge inward to accommodate.

I intend to go with the Cruise 49 Elegance for reference.

@jms02050 & @Ben423 - did the spacer you used eliminate the need to cut out and go up with the fridge?

Thanks in advance,

Anthony Warren
1999 28' Albin MadMoney

[GSSeattle]

Just completed the fridge project myself! Cruise Elegance 49. I followed the instructions here - enlarged the cutout and raised the fridge up with 2x4s. Just need to install the vent cover below this weekend. See the pic below - you should have room to do the same, unless any part of your Wallas stove extends below your wood spacer.

fridge 1.jpeg

fridge 2.jpeg

[MadMoney]

Hey Greg -

Yes, my Wallas extends below the wood spacer and is virtually right on top of the fridge. I have zero vertical space to work with which is why I want to know if spacing the fridge inward will eliminate the need to go up.

Anthony Warren

[GSSeattle]

Gotcha. The back of the fridge definitely hits the hull without moving it up higher. I think someone else on here built a 3/4" or 1" thick teak spacer around the existing cutout which moves the fridge slightly out into the cabin, and allows more room behind. Starboard would probably work well for a spacer too - I've found the Sandstone color somewhat matches the gelcoat. Good luck! Might end up being trial-and error to get the right spacer thickness.

[jms02050]

Trimming out the opening eliminated the need to cut the fiberglass. There was room in the original opening to lift the fridge a bit. The key was mounting to the new trim to pull to fridge into the cabin and off of the hull. 3/4 inch cherry did the trick. Try mocking it up with scrap wood before drilling or cutting. You’ll love the new fridge.

[Ben423]

Mad -- I did not have to raise the fridge. I thought having it sticking out a bit would be inconvenient, but we got used to it quickly. The new unit is more efficient and uses less power: a nice improvement over the old unit. Good luck with your install.

[MadMoney]

I appreciate the feedback everyone!!!

Anthony

[MadMoney]

Will help from a good friend who happens to be a wood worker, we were able to get the new fridge installed with clearance for the Wallas Diesel cooktop. Time to fill it up! (Now sure why every pic rotates 90 degrees!)

Anthony Warren
1999 28' Albin Mad Money

[REBMystic]

Very very nice!

[jms02050]

Looks great!

[Ben423]

Excellent!!

[GSSeattle]

Nice install!