1998 400DA refrigerator replacement

SundancerChris

SundancerChris

New Member
Jun 22, 2020
6
Lakesite, TN
Boat Info
2006 Sundancer 260
Engines
6.2L
Looking to remove the NeverCold DE461 and replace with a nicer, more efficient fridge. First and foremost I’m looking for input as to how to remove and replace as well as which model fridge is best to put back in. I’ve heard some people say you can disassemble old and new fridge into pieces. I’ve also heard some people say you have to remove cabinets and steps. Just looking for real world input.
 
Replaced mine with a Vitrifrigo from Defender. Fit perfectly in the hole and the interior cu ft was one foot bigger I believe.
The fridge unscrews and comes out of the hole easily. Getting it out of the boat and the new one in is the problem.
The cabinet must come out. To get the cabinet out the stairs must come out. It is not difficult. One step at a time. No pun intended.
That is “Real world input”.

also post 261 in the 400 410 forum is a good place to start.
 
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It looks pretty traumatic when you see the photos of the cabinet and stairs removed, prepare yourself :)

Your signature says you've got a 260. I imagine you've moved up?
 
Our P.O. installed the Vitrifrigo in '06 and knock on wood, it's still running strong !
 
Try searching for my old posts. I did the vitrifrigo. It wasn’t the worst project but not fun.
 
Sure. Out of the cabinet but not out of the boat without cutting it up or damaging boat.
 
Not sure how...Correct, you can't get around the cabinet & out the hatch w/o moving it out of the way....Not to throw a mess in the mix, but I'd go back to the Norcold personally...A little more room and storage bins and door trays were better...But, I use the kitchen heavily when aboard. So, it can be full....
 
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You have to take cabinet out
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Boat Guy said:
Not sure how...Correct, you can't get around the cabinet & out the hatch w/o moving it out of the way....Not to throw a mess in the mix, but I'd go back to the Norcold personally...A little more room and storage bins and door trays were better...But, I use the kitchen heavily when aboard. So, it can be full....
Click to expand...

Do you mean you can’t get it out the cabin door? Hatch is the window on the deck that opens.
 
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I had to remove the cabin doors and remove the doors on the Refrigerator to get Refrigerator out and back in. I went with the norcold.
 
SundancerChris said:
Looking to remove the NeverCold DE461 and replace with a nicer, more efficient fridge. First and foremost I’m looking for input as to how to remove and replace as well as which model fridge is best to put back in. I’ve heard some people say you can disassemble old and new fridge into pieces. I’ve also heard some people say you have to remove cabinets and steps. Just looking for real world input.
Click to expand...

Had a 97 400DA. Changed out the frig. The stairs and tv enclosure have to be removed. As I recall the door on the frig also was removed. Not a super difficult task, just fiddlie. Remember having a heck of a time finding the screws holding the stairs in place.
Good luck with you project.
 
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