Refrigeration
Since the Triton has such a terrific ice box (quick access to beers from the cockpit is key) we decided it would make an even better fridge. But with conversion systems costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars, we knew there had to be a better way. We knew the insulation was solid since it kept a bag of ice for at least a day. I figured the icebox on the Triton was of comparable size to a small dormitory refrigerator. So I picked up a used one for $50. I carefully dismantled it to remove the "guts." A good deal of care must be taken not to compromise any of the tubing or else the refrigerant will leak out (then you're screwed). After a half hour of gentle prying and cutting with tin snips, the compressor, coil, and cooling grill were freed from the enclosure.
The compressor was already attached to a metal frame and after a little bending was bolted to a piece of plywood. The plywood was notched to fit the metal tube from the compressor to the coil. Four holes were drilled at the corners of the plywood, so it could be bolted on to the back of the icebox.
On the boat, the hoses for the cockpit and toerail drains on the port side were removed (needed to be replaced anyway). The foam insulation was removed from the back of the icebox and a hole (approx. 6"x6") was cut to receive the coil. (This piece was saved so to could be glued back into place later.)
The refrigeration unit was carefully maneuvered into place through the lazarette. Four 2" pieces of electrical conduit were cut to be used as bushings behind the plywood to leave room for foam insulation. The refrigeration unit was through-bolted to the back of the icebox (except for the lower-left which was fastened with a lag screw.
Here are a couple of pictures of the unit after installation.
