Replaced Norcold w/ Vitrifrigo Fridge 01 380

Novakool is another good option. got rid of my never cold and bought a nova kool and has been a great unit.
 
Hi, Philly -

In the process of doing the same thing on my '01 400 Sedan Bridge. The "NeverCold" DE-561 has quit - it was never a very good performer - and my mech has recommended the Vitrifrigo DP2600, as well.

About 1.8 yacht bucks, installed. Large increase in storage capacity (due to slightly reduced insulation area) and whisper-quiet and more efficient compressor.

Was intrigued by the Vitri DW-250, with the pull-out freezer drawer on the bottom, but had spotted some comments about weak pullout drawer rails...

Good luck! Seems to be the right choice!

Mike
 
We just bought the stainless DP 2600. How much do you need to disassemble to get it through the door way of the 380? Any tips would help. Unit should be here in 10 days !
 
I did the same on my 410 Sundancer and replaced old fridge with NovaKool. The nevercold came out with the doors removed but the Novakool would not go in. We had to disassemble the cabinet to get the new fridge in and it was stripped to its smallest size.
 
Does any one have any suggestions for making the spacer or trim needed to make up the 1.5 inch gap left by the new fridge? We did the all Stainless fridge.

Any suggestions welcome.
 
You have a picture of that gap?
 
rondds said:
You have a picture of that gap?
Click to expand...


No... Looks like most pictures on here show some sort of spacer. I will go to the boat tomorrow and get a picture. I was so excited we got it in the door I forgot
 
Is it on the sides or on top? Or both?
 
Can you push the fridge to one side or the other and have a gap only on one side?
 
Rondds,
The Vitrifrigo DP 2600 is a tight fit. There is not enough side movement to get it in the cabinet flush. I just did the install myself last week and made up trim pieces. I got some 1" X 3" X 8' wood and put it on a table saw to cut the width to 1 7/8" on my install to fill the gap. I cut one piece for each side (approx. 53 1/4" each) tall and one piece for the top (approx. 25" wide), no trim for the bottom to let air move under the frig since I was able to leave the rubber legs on the frig for an air gap. - these measurements are from memory, check your measurements first. These pieces get installed on the metal trim on the refrigerator (not the cabinet). I also cut 45 degree angles to put the top piece on the side pieces with screws. The reason to make the top trim piece removable is because there is a screw that is behind the metal trim ring which is the top hinge pin for the freezer door which you need accesss to for removal of the door. I attached all three trim pieces to the refrigerator metal trim, not the wood cabinet. The reason to attach them to the refrigerator is because it makes the install much easier since you are not trying to slide the refrigerator in the opening with another obstacle (the trim pieces). Once you slide the refrigerator in the cabinet, I took the middlle screw out of each side metal trim ring and put a 3" screw in that goes through the metal trim/wood trim filler right to the cabinet. You'll see what I'm talking about after you try to install the trim pieces. I'll gladly answer any questions about the install, door shroud removal ( fasterner locations), sliding doors removal, rubber gasket removal, what position/how to slide the frig through the opening, etc...

I've not been able to get your email to send the pictures I have. If you decide to do the install just give me a call. I sent my home number to you on a PM.

Al
 
Hi, Al.

Very nicely done!

I'm on the verge of the same project, except with the NovaKool unit. I have two questions:

(1) Other than removing all detachable parts from the fridges themselves, and removing the sliding companionway doors, was anything else required to get them through the door? I've seen references in other threads and sites about removing the "muff" around the doorway, for example. Seems like the grab handle will also need to come off (which is easy). In another thread, folks even talked about removing the left side of the fridge enclosure (on a 400EC - maybe it's different with the 380?).

(2) I'm leaning towards the NovaKool because I've read it will fit without modification into the boat's cabinetry. (I need to double-check the dimensions, but I recall the NovaKool was actually just a touch shallower.) Did you consider this option, and/or have any useful guidance in terms of NovaKool vs. Vitrifrigio?

Thanks!
 
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Is either of these replacements any quieter than the NotCold? Man that thing is NOISEY.
 
You cannot tell the Vitrifrigo is running...even if you were to get drunk and fall down beside it. You can listen to mine in AC.
 
I can't wait to get drunk, fall down the steps in your boat and listen to your refrigerator.
 
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