Need a new fridge for my 86 268 searay

L

lime4x4

Member
Jul 24, 2007
341
Palmerton,Pa
Boat Info
1986 268 searay weekender
Engines
5.7 vortec alpha
Well the factory fridge finally died last year. So i'll be looking for a new one that works on 110 volts and 12 volts. Has anyone replaced theres? Looking for one that will just drop right in
 
I have been looking for one for our 270 dancer. The Norcold TEC II unit that was original is not made anymore, and the unit that replaces it is a bit different in size, so I might have to modify the opening a bit. I haven't purchased yet because i'm trying to find a good deal. It's a 2.7 cubic foot model # DE251E the number is different for the new model, I believe it's DE0751. I would bet it is the same unit in your boat.
 
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2 things come to mind.

1. If you must have 12/120, Tundra used to draw less amperage than Norcold & was much quieter.

2. If you can get by on 120VAC only, consider a dorm size fridge. For $150 or so, if it lasts 3 years, throw it out and get a new one. I know a lot of folks going that route.

my 2 cents!
 
I think that once you start to look around you might find that size will dictate what you can get. I looked at replacing mine this past summer, but opted to try having the old one charged with freon. It made a little better so I was able to put off spending a thousand bucks on a new one. Not sure how long it will last, but that might be an option for you to consider.
The cheapo 110 only is a good choice for some, but not for me. I like to have use of the fridge on a day on a hook in a cove, or while cruising around, and I have no genny.
 
The door seal just fell apart on mine. I need a 12 volt version cause we spend a couple of days a year over nighting on the hook far far away from 110 volts...
 
You may be able to but a new seal from a newer model that will work.
 
I've looked at a newer model at west marine. It appears to mount different then mine
 
I'm replacing my ice maker with a fridge MM says he has one for $1800. (Bargain) I don't want to put something on the boat that looks ridiculous, but $1800? Really?
 
1956olds said:
You may be able to but a new seal from a newer model that will work.
Click to expand...

I agree! Do a little research online and you might come up with something. I think I remember reading something on this site, or on ******** about someone who found a place that makes and sells replacement seals.
You might be able to take the door to a local appliance repair place too and see if they can order something for you.
 
Mine didn't work when I first got the boat. I figured I would just replace it.... until I looked at prices. There is an abundance of them (for the 268) for around 650 if I remember right. It is without doubt a price gouge to buy a "marine" frig. If you go to Wal Mart a little office frig is like 50 bucks.

I suggest exhausting all efforts to repair. RV repair is a great resource if your not the kind of guy that can tinker with stuff and figure it out.

Good luck.
 
Another thing,we had a guy bring in a 1930's fridge for restoration and a repair guy made or found a seal for it.Also i bought a 3000 watt inverter for my pdr bussiness to run my computer,printer,pancake compressor,4 ft flourecents light etc.in my van.for about 89 dollars at harbor freight.I am sure it will run a small 110v fridge.You may have to wire a manual switch for shore power and battery power but it would be a subatantial savings vs a new marine fridge.You might try the beard marine vendor forum on this site .Glen
 
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Some at our marina have put in small inverters behing 120 volt fridge. 300 Watt I think. They leave it on all the time. No fires so far.
 
My last boat i had a 1,500w inverter and a dorm fridge, worked great.

LK
 
How long would the refrige run off the inverter? I have a 2700 watt inverter that runs the general stuff like main cabin outlets, coffee maker, microwave. I'm wondering if I could get away with how you have your refrige set up.
 
Never stayed "on the hook" over night, We would spend the day at the beach and the battery would still be up.

LK
 
I plan to remove my Icebox and install a 12 volt frig. ( http://www.rvpartscenter.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=28523&SID=11&DID=13&CID=150 ) If you have a slip with shore power you could use your converter to power this frig. I plan on just using 12 volts from the battery. I also will be adding a small microwave plus plan on having my laptop on board as well. This will call for a Honda generator. ( http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Honda-EU1000IKC-Portable-Generator/p6548.html ) This one should do the job. Also these generators can be used to charge the batteries should something get left on that drains them. I'm retired and plan on spending 4 to six days at a time on the St. Croix River and the Mississippi in my 1977 SeaRay srv220 Hardtop.
 
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