31CB fridge supported by only four screws in faceplate?

[WT1J]

Hi all,

Just wanted to ask if anyone else has found their 31CB Ranger fridge is only supported by four screws on the faceplate with a void underneath?

I took out the fridge today to access the sonar transducer. It seems the factory forgot to put the O ring into the transducer causing the coolant to evaporate/leak. I was surprised to find that the entire fridge weight is supported by only four screws. It would be easy to put a plank or something underneath and was surprised the factory didn't do this. I'm wondering if it was an oversight because I saw another post here where someone described a different tug model's fridge had rails where it just slid out.

Also wondering if anyone has customized the supports for their fridge to make them a bit more robust. I want to fix this because I'm going to have to get behind that fridge every now and then to access things like the transducer for maintenance and I don't want to put that much wear and tear on the screws because they support a lot of load as you're loosening them.

Regards,

Mark.

 

[Gin]

Mark, yes, that’s consistent with how the refrigerator was mounted in my R31s. Nothing under the fridge supporting it. Held in place (surprisingly firmly) by four corner screws that are recessed slightly in the faceplate and accessible when the door is open. The bottom edge of the fiberglass opening provides the support for the weight of the fridge. When the fridge is in place, the support provided by that fiberglass edge seems stout enough.

The problem for me was getting the fridge out and back in again. When I would begin to slide it out, the fridge is very unbalanced, because the compressor sits in the back and is much heavier than the front end. So it tilts to the back and there is nothing back there to support it. Sliding it out of the opening requires keeping it level and sliding it out with only the bottom edge of the opening for support. I found it challenging (and I’m finding it even more challenging to describe the problem of getting it in and out).

To make it easier (and avoid damaging the fridge or the opening), I decided to do what you’re contemplating — build something to provide some internal support in that area for the refrigerator. I cut two lengths of some scrap of boards I had around (1” x 4” or so) to run under the fridge from front to back. To support them in front, I glued cleats inside the opening. In the back, I was able to support them with some of the hull-liner structure. I then screwed the boards on each end into place. I fixed them at height so that, when I slide the refrigerator in, the compressor is supported and the refrigerator is level. They act like flat rails of sort. I lift the refrigerator into the opening, sit the back-heavy compressor onto them, and slide the refrigerator back without any drama. The opening supports the front of the refrigerator once it is fully in place, while the two “rails” are still providing support under the compressor. The screws around the face of the opening do not have to bear any real weight. They are just securing it from sliding back out. I wanted “rails” and not a solid shelf-like surface to make sure I was not cutting air circulation around the fridge or in that entire area more generally (the Webasto pulls air as well).

If I need to get to anything in that area of the boat, it is an easy task to pull the refrigerator, back out the screws from the boards, and remove them entirely for unobstructed access to things like the Webasto heater, the heat ducts (I added insulation to them), the holding tank sanitation hose and vent line and thru-hull vent, etc. And access to that area has been a help a couple of times when I’ve run wiring from the stern up to the NMEA backbone or the connections behind the helm.

A couple of pictures would be worth a thousand words or two here. Sorry. I didn’t think to take any, but I will the next time I have any reason to pull the fridge out. If you have questions, ask away.

Gini

 

[Mr Ben]

I can confirm the 25SC is built that way as well. I had to remove it to get to the water tank suction line. I never could get it back in properly like its a little out of square now. Just another boat project that needs more attention.

 

[JeffreyAC77]

WT1J - is your sonar transducer under your refrigerator? We have a 2015 R31-CB (LE) and ours is located starboard of the keel apparatus, under the rear seat, about 2 feet from the rear bulkhead.