[C320-list] Fridge Lid Soft Close Solution Needed

[Charles Holbrook]

 This has happened to only one of my guests in my 5 years of sailing.  Every time a guest comes on board I run them through a quick safety briefing about fridge lids, fire extinguishers, engine kill switch, someone overboard, how to flush the toilet, and PFD's.   I know this does not solve the lid issue but it has helped my friends unfamiliar with how the lids close and saved some fingers.  Be sure to carry some cold packs.
Charlie"Nautigirl"
    On Monday, August 17, 2020, 09:27:14 PM EDT, Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> wrote:  
 
 Living in steamy Florida, our big challenge is minimizing the time that the fridge lid is open. I wouldn’t put in a hook because I can visualize all of those Cold Machine amps disappearing into the cabin while someone pokes around in the fridge.

We removed the wire shelves and store food in labeled Tupperware boxes for quick and easy removal. The lid only stays open for a few seconds. We bought a Yeti to store drinks in the cockpit so we’re not opening and closing the fridge all of the time on trips.

We found that opening the fridge only before meal time cuts way down on the battery drain. We also have an insulation blanket to place over the Tupperware and insulation in the center, so the left side is very cold and the right side cool.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.



Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Age Of Aquariums
Sent: Monday, August 17, 2020 8:47 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fridge Lid Soft Close Solution Needed

Same thing Happened to One of my passengers two weekends ago . I was thinking of installing a hook to keep it open . 

> On Aug 17, 2020, at 5:26 PM, Gary Guilbeaux <gguilbeaux at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> A friend almost lost the tip of her finger when the fridge lid slammed down
> on it.  Does anyone have a good solution for adding a soft close hinge or
> gas spring?  My ice box is on the left side of the fridge and is a little 5
> inches below the cabinet lid top.  I'm thinking a gas strut could be a good
> solution, but want to make sure I explore all options and understand the
> best placement location to ensure I still get a good seal on the gasket
> when closed.
> 
> Thanks in advance for your help.
> 
> Gary Guilbeaux
> Lil' Bit of Paradise
> Hull #634
> gguilbeaux at gmail.com