New refrigeration and insulation on a 47
Dear fellow members,

I am seeking knowledge about conversions to a newer frig/freezer system, our original Grunert unit is tired, and worse, it runs on R12.

We are also in need of info reguarding replacing original cabinet insulation which we suspect, even if new, is far below today's better materials.

Thanks for any advice you can share.

Cheers,

Robert Way (email: rlway41@aol.com)
s/v Quest, lying Finike, Turkey

Dear Robert
A proper insulation material has closed cells and a tight radiation and vapor retarder like aluminium foil on the outside, see for example www.insulation.org
http://www.kollmann-marine.com

For the machinery www.iceberg.dk is recommended, they have extensive experience with Swans.
Pls note that there are many competing companies on the web using the same name.
Kind regards
Lars

We have fitted a Frigoboat system with keel cooler about 7-8 years ago. Does what it says on the tin! Uk supplier in Penguin Marine were and continue to be very helpful.

Cant comment on insulation; other than sounds like a big job, good luck.

Cheers
Adrian

PS
It could be pointed out that most refrigeration systems are battery driven now, while in the old days with smaller battery capacities there were engine driven compressors, which are much more powerful and charged the hold-over plates in about one hour for keeping the boxes cold 23 hours.
Such a system can still be recommended, and for Swans it was normally sized for tropical conditions, i.e. 35 deg C water temp.
Additionally there could be a smaller AC-driven compressor for harbour use.
Kind regards
Lars