Aft Deck Wet bar: Ice maker vs freezer

[Vincentc]

Two years ago U-Line very graciously replaced the compressor for the ice maker under warranty. The ice maker is now 6+ years old and the coils corroded through. I don't think I will be so fortunate this time and I have given thought to just how much I use the ice maker.

My conclusion is not that much. OTOH, I use a freezer quite a bit. I have an ice machine at the house and usually take gallon zip locks full of clear ice to the boat. The galley refrigerator is only 10 cf and has a pretty small freezer. After studying the dimensions of the wet bar, I believe I can put a 2 cf chest freezer in the space. I just ordered an Avanti CF63 and will see how that works out.

I will have to rework the top of the bar to allow access to the freezer from the top and will cover the old opening with a louvered panel.

The chest freezer is about $200 vs $1000 for a new ice maker. Boat water = boat ice, so ice from the ice maker is only used to make beer and wine cold. Block ice from the freezer can do that and can also store good ice from the house.

Once I get the freezer I will let you know how it works out.

 

[MikeP]

I removed the Uline last year on my 53 and installed stand alone "portable" ice maker that you pour water into to make ice. It's great and if you use distilled water, the ice is clear. I much prefer it to the oem icemaker and it will produce it's first ice about 6 minutes after turning it on. Cost about 250 bucks and is worth considering if you are concerned about using "boat water" ice.

I installed the icemaker in the U-line's spot, using a roll-out shelf and a cabinet door for it.

 

[34Hatt]

Good Idea

Key thing you said you don't use it much nothing worse than Old Ice!