Built in Cooler in the Galley

[2bits]

So I was thinking of doing a modern cub style where the hatch is extended all the way down and under, but I had a thought last night about doing it the old style and having the space underneath the counter be a built in cooler. I have seen these on the older models, and I was thinking with all the new advancements, there has to be a better way to keep the thing from sweating. If I am just inviting rot, I would rather skip it, but if it can be done I think it would be cool, not to mention simplify construction, and maximize space utilization. So what are some suggestions for this? I would like to wall in all the open space below the countertop and insulate it somehow and build a custom cooler that follows the shape of the rear of the tear. Here's some pics that inspire me. Any construction, insulation suggestions?





Just like this, but there's got to be a better way to insulate...

[Bigwoods]

Thomas,

dakotamouse really did a nice job on their "ice box." It's a top loader too.

Here is s picture of the cooler and there are more in her album.

[Esteban]

Here's a 4 page pdf for building your own efficient icebox from plywood, rigid foam, epoxy, and fiberglass.
http://members.aol.com/juneaudave/icebox.pdf

[48Rob]

Another option is to use a regular cooler, and add a top loading door, and drain with shut off valve.

The wood cutting board is the door to access the cooler.
It has a sliding shelf at the top to keep things out of the ice/water.

Rob

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/1948rob/awning/ins1.jpg?t=1201786711">

It was my plan to build a custom ice box, but after calculating the space needed, and the expense, using a plastic cooler made more sense for my application.

<IMG SRC="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/1948rob/awning/aaacooler.jpg?t=1201786874">

[doug hodder]

Great idea Rob...and a wonderful galley to boot!!! I wonder where I got the idea for the color of the wood that I'm using??? Doug

[Miriam C.]

Boy I really like the whole counter lifting but think it would be better in sections. That would allow you to use more than one cooler or a smaller one depending on your wet/dry needs.

I would definitely epoxy every surface a few times.

[48Rob]

Thanks Doug!

Um, lemme guess...



Rob, who hopes to make the 2009 gathering!
Lots of people to meet!

[Airspeed]

My hatch wraps all the way around, I just mounted my cooler in the center . I think you would lose a lot of storage space if you wall up the rear end, you would have to pile stuff on top of everything to store anything below the counter. It didnt take much to get the entire rear end open, even with the hatch wraping around.

[2bits]

Airspeed, your Teardrop makes me salivate especially since I drive a 71 Chevy truck!

One question. I cant tell now it seals in the middle, it looks like there would be an open space there in the middle unless those are two slide outs on the sides. How is your lower section constructed? I am thinking again of doing the wraparound, and having two slideouts on each side with a cooler on each one. One for can drinks and one for food.

[Airspeed]

Thanks Thomas, There is a removable panel that slides into a pair of aluminum tracks, when the hatch is down it holds it in place, when I open the hatch I just slide the panel out. I was going to make the panel slide under when the hatch opened and had a simple mechanism designed but I got in a hurry to go camping and wanted to finish. The stove and sink both slide out for use, the cabinets below stay in place.
Thanks again! Aaron