Microwave cabinet

[Nancy]

We've decided that the microwave that came with our boat isn't very useful. It's not tall enough, it's rusty, and we don't have a generator, so it can't be used on the hook.

I've been lusting after the storage space of that compartment. So we've removed the microwave and now the question is what to do with the space. I searched the forum, and came up empty. I'm looking for ideas on a door, hatch, or fiddleboard. My current thought is to make a surface-mount door out of wood hinged at the bottom with a latch at the top. The door would be slightly larger than the opening rather than fit within the opening like the door beneath the sink. That would be a lot easier to fabricate. I'm thinking of a plain recessed panel.

Ideas, suggestions, photos?

[DougSea]

Personally, while I agree the overlapping door would be easier to make, if I'm adding something like that I'd want it to look like it was original. So I'd try and mimic the look of your existing cabinets. JMHO.

If you do go that route I'd make a strap to keep it from swinging down too far and whacking into items below.

What do you want to store there? Does it need a door? Could you do the acrylic sliding panels like the other cabinets? (I'm assuming these existed on the '95s. Our '97 had them)

[Nancy]

I'm not sure yet what I want to store there. Probably dishes and frequently-used food. I'm going to experiment with a large basket in the space to see what works. I have a fantasy that a large basket wouldn't fall out. Until it does, of course.

Sliding doors are an obvious choice, but I don't like them because you can only access half the area at a time. Swinging, fitted doors would probably be best.

[DougSea]

I'm not sure yet what I want to store there. Probably dishes and frequently-used food. I'm going to experiment with a large basket in the space to see what works. I have a fantasy that a large basket wouldn't fall out. Until it does, of course.

You could put a small lip, say a 3/8" piece of teak, on the lower edge to keep the basket from sliding out.

[RobS]

When I was chasing down a leak a couple seasons ago I had the microwave out for a month or so and found that space to be quite useful, especially with the outlet there. There is already a starboard strip along the front edge that secures the microwave. Lay down a rubbery sheet of drawer liner and between that and the existing strip I do not think your basket will move. I like the basket idea. We use wicker baskets on the forward ledge for all cooking supplies, dishes etc., Very handy, accessible, etc. Pottery Barn has an excellent selection, just don't tell them it's for a boat or there may be a 50% surcharge

The microwave went back on for us, my first mate does quite the cooking aboard, no Hot Pockets (sorry Matt) or Chef Boyardee (sorry Doug) on my boat!

[DougSea]

The microwave went back on for us, my first mate does quite the cooking aboard, no Hot Pockets (sorry Matt) or Chef Boyardee (sorry Doug) on my boat!

That's just mean man...just mean...

[Nancy]

Pottery Barn?! How about the Dollar Store? lol!

Do you have a generator? Or do you do a lot of cooking at the dock? I've been known to do a fair amount of cooking on board, but it rarely involves a microwave. I'm partial to the stove and the barbecue grill. No Hotpockets or Chef Boyardee for us either.

Our cabinet has the air conditioner controls installed on the left side. We've secured the wires for the moment with electrical tape. I took this photo the first time I pulled the microwave to see what the opening looked like:

microwave cabinete-1-060712-1200.JPG

I had a basket on board that I stuck in there to get an idea of the possibilities. Maybe this isn't quite the right basket, but it's a start.

microwave cabinet-3-060712-1200.JPG

Our cleats have cut-outs for the microwave feet, so not ideal, but probably good enough until we figure out what we really want. We might also be able to use the cleat from the top of the cabinet after cleaning or sanding off the nasty rust stains.

Our boat has a cupboard forward of the dinette. It holds an amazing amount of stuff: pots & pans, clothes, extension cords, vacuum cleaner, handheld spotlight, spare parts, etc.

cabin forward-1200.JPG

[RobS]

Pottery Barn?! How about the Dollar Store? lol!

That's exactly what my wife said when I bought those 2 baskets. She looked for a week or 2 and could not find what she wanted, I found those in 1 night. She said well of course I knew PB would have them but I was trying to find something a little cheaper. I said hey I'm used to geting raped in the marine industry, PB was like they were giving it away!!

I bring the Honda genny on our annual 1-1/2 to 2 week trip but it barely gets used, it's more of a pc of mind thing to have aboard since most of the trip is on the hook/moorings. Mostly the butane burner and the magnum grill here too. This summer we kept the boat in a vacation area for the month of Aug and lived aboard 4 days a week so the micro was used more than usual. Microwave popcorn and netflix on the iPad was enjoyed regularly by the the kids. But jiffy pop on the burner has worked too. Our trips used to always include transient dockage so the micro seemed to get used regularly but the last couple seasons we have brought the dinghy along so rarely do we get a slip now. The micro would certainly be the first to go over the burner or grill.

I have seen the boats with that fwd cabinet and wondered if it was more of a constraint with storage rather than the big open ledge but it sounds like it works out real well. It probably keeps the cabin neater looking.

BTW, do you use your boat or just clean it, modify it and improve it , let's see some cruising and/or fishing reports & pics

[Froggy]

I'm going to pull my microwave this winter as it has never been used in the entire time I've owned the boat. Still working on ideas for the space but I like the baskets.

[RobS]

I recall reading prior threads where a new replacement microwave of proper dimensions for that opening was not easy to find. So don't discard these units being pulled out they may be in demand.

[twenham]

Nancy, I have a Formula currently and the hinge their doors on top with a locking lift guide and a catch at the bottom. If you decide to put a door on I would do that because the weight of the door keeps it closed and the lock holds it open then a quick raise and it releases to close and stay latched firmly. The doors also overlap the frame. I hope this helps. Tim

[jcollins]

I recall reading prior threads where a new replacement microwave of proper dimensions for that opening was not easy to find. So don't discard these units being pulled out they may be in demand.

Great idea Rob. Let's get those old microwaves in the For Sale forum.

Thanks!

[D.Gideon]

This discussion has made me wonder what would be needed, short of a generator, to be able to use the microwave on our 28TE away from shore power. I assume another battery, bigger alternator, and an inverter. Anyone gone this way? That would be pretty expensive popcorn.

Thanks,

D. Gideon
28TE
Camden, me.

[jcollins]

This discussion has made me wonder what would be needed, short of a generator, to be able to use the microwave on our 28TE away from shore power. I assume another battery, bigger alternator, and an inverter. Anyone gone this way? That would be pretty expensive popcorn.

Thanks,

D. Gideon
28TE
Camden, me.

We have run our microwave via the inverter a couple times for popcorn, to heat water. It works but I'll bet it'll kill a battery quick.

[Nancy]

It would be a lot more efficient to make popcorn the old-fashioned way - in a little oil in a pot on the butane stove!