frigoboat evaporator vs. vitrofrigo. What's the difference?

[sailingcamelot]

I have a frigoboat refigeration kit installed in the icebox on my 9M Catalac. no keel cooler. Air only. The evaporator is model 160F. I messed up and put a hole in the aluminum evaporator and must replace it. Frigoboat list price for the replacement is $388. I have found a vitrofrigo evaporator online with the same dimensions for half that cost. I believe they are both manufactured by the same company and are identical. The measurements are exactly the same. Both units are precharged for DIY installation. Anyone have any first-hand experience with these evaporators? Thanks in advance.

[senormechanico]

That's exactly why I went with a Vitrifrigo system.
I saved nearly half over Frigoboat's system and I can't see any difference.

AFAIK, if the fittings are the same, there's NO difference.

Steve

[sailingcamelot]

Thanks Steve. You are correct. Everything about the two evaporators is identical except the price. I strongly suspect the fittings may be identical also but would really like to know for sure before committing to buy the vitrofrigo online. Any info regarding thread type and size of the vitrofrigo would reallybe appreciated. I have the old frigoboat connectors to compare. Thanks again for your reply. Steve (in Florida).

[Anna Sail]

The Vitrifrigo and Frigoboat evaporators are made by different manufacturers with different fittings - they are not compatible. Please note that Vitrifrigo uses a single painted aluminum tube for the refrigerant flow, whereas Frigoboat has redesigned theirs to use two independent copper lines.

If you can fit Frigoboat's 200F plate into your box, it costs less, even though it's a bigger plate. Can't explain this.

Bear in mind, if you shut your system down immediately after the plate was punctured, then you may be safe to install a new evaporator without also installing an in-line filter/drier, but it would be prudent to install one anyway as one doesn't really know what could have been sucked in through the puncture. And a filter/drier is less costly then evacuating and recharging the system.

Hope this helps, Anna

[sailingcamelot]

Anna,

Thank you so much. I was just about to order the vitrofrigo evaporator. You saved me a major headache. Guess I will just bite the bullet and pay the piper at frigoboat. I also will throw my icepick overboard!

Steve

[rob2hook]

I must disagree that your system may still be OK. If you make a hole anywhere in a pressurised system, it will leak out its content - in this case refrigerant gas and the matched lubricant oil. The system, once repaired, will need to be flushed out, evacuated and recharged with both gas and oil.

Rob.

[sailingcamelot]

Thanks Rob,

Yes, I am aware that the whole system must be evacuated and recharged. Luckily, I have a friend that can help with that part.

Steve