Refrigerators....Ugh!

[kwerges]

Have a 1975 42c, with the original interior in excellent condition. Need to replace the refrigerator, and would like to do so without having to modify the original cabinets. The current fridge is 66" tall, 30" wide, and 29-30" deep. Its a side-by-side, which works well for the boat as it is the "galley down" model. Anyone worked with or replaced a fridge with similar dimensions? Would like to know what brand, etc., as I haven't been able to find one.

 

[MikeP]

I can't help with the specifics for your particular installation but having gone through all this for our 53MY earlier this year, one thing I discovered which is decidedly NOT helpful...

In the past 10 years, fridges have increased slightly in size due to increased insulation due to energy-saving requirements. This slight size increase is meaningless in a house but can be very critical in a boat. The side-by fridge that came out of our boat was about 1.5 inches shorter than the new side-by. The wheels had to be removed on the new one to gain the clearance to fit under the cabinet. At that, it was still an interference fit and no additional clearance could have been gained short of removing/reconstructing the cabinet. There were NO "standard" side-by home fridges available with the old height dimension except for "apartment" fridges which were decidedly too small for us.

I did a lot of internet searching and then, after finding a fridge that seemed workable based on its dimensions, visited one in person at the store armed with a tape measure.

 

[TedZ]

MikeP is right about the size changes that have occurred. If you are ok with a top or bottom freezer, there are many that fit your opening. (Not sure about the companionway!!)

Lots like this on the same page
http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/GTH18KBR.html

Good luck.

Ted

 

[Docrockit]

I have a 1988 41C with galley down and I replaced the fridge last year. Dimensions for mine are the same as yours. I settled for a Summit Frost Free in Stainless Steel. It looks great, has got the curved Euro style doors and it fit great. It is a little short and I built a platform for it to sit on and covered it with a piece of teak. It is freezer above. Model # FF975SS and I got it from Summit Appliance in Bronx, NY. # 718-893-3900. They were very knowledgable and delivered it right to the boat. I would send you a photo but I can't get this program I have to resize it properly. Hope this helps...