450: Best use for the cockpit draining locker?

[exitstrategy]

Hello All,

What is the best use of the cockpit draining locker? Obviously I have tried it as an ice chest. It seems to be great at turning ice into water, but any old igloo ice chest keeps ice better. I love the idea of a top-opening freezer - anyone put one here?

I am curious what have you guys done with this space? Seems to me the least useful of the L450 storage spaces.

Related - what are the ice making solutions have you tried and where have you put them in the L450? Currently I have 2 of the standard fridges and they work well as fridges but their ice box is way too small.

Context: we are just beginning full-time cruising in the Carribean and enjoy cooking our meals. But I love ice, for our drinks and I can see leaking a bunch of cash buying ice every other day...

Thank you,
-Erik

[Scottster]

I have a Dometic ice maker, starts making ice in 7 min. and makes ice all day long.
When your done I plug and forget it until the next time, no need to store bags.
We love it.


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[Jim Woodall]

Scottster:

What is the make/model of your countertop ice maker?


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[Shrew]

Originally Posted by Jim Woodall

What is the make/model of your countertop ice maker?

Dometic

https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-HZB-1.../dp/B00EVIIBGC

[Shrew]

Draining lockers are not typically insulated. Can you get underneath it? I've heard of a few guys insulating to make coolers out of them.

[Scottster]

Your ice maker is a

Dometic

Model: HZB-12SA


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[feebs]

Previous owner of my 400 had this converted into a freezer - compressor located under helm station & locker insulated with spray foam from outside - I gather he removed locker insert, sprayed in foam & reinstalled insert before foam set. Works well.


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[Scottster]

In my draining locker I store my propane


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[PaulinOz]

I think this is the locker of which you refer to. I use it as a handy wine storage, most supplies are kept buried deep in the bowls of the boat, but this I keep topped up with White and Bubbles to replace in fridge as used. It is also an easy arms reach for another bottle of red when in the aft cockpit.

[Scottster]

Oh, L450!
One of the big boats.
Me BAD!


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[PaulinOz]

What is the purpose of this so called draining locker, what was the original idea to put in said locker to drain.

[Emerald Sea]

Lagoon say its for beer, wine storage and you throw ice over it for charters or parties. Its a bit awkward to access but we use ours for storage though Im interested to hear of any innovative ideas ??

[PaulinOz]

Brilliant idea, if only they had put some insulation around it.

[warren460]

A drain plug to stop the cold from going down the drain might be nice too.

[MissKitty]

Hi Erik,
My husband and I have a 420 Lagoon and live in Maryland. We are hoping to get out of Dodge in November and head to the Caribbean. I too am an ice lover! I keep trying to figure out ways to have the luxury of the ice. One thing I do now is fill bowls of water and put in the freezer to make ice. I know you are probably limited on freezer use. But you can make and store in zip lock baggies in the freezer. Maybe we will see you this winter out on the High Seas.
Kat