Inexpensive Ice Maker ?

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by capngeo

The engel will not make cubes in ten minutes! These will!

True, but I found the first batches from the ice maker are Mickey Rooney sized ice cubes. So thin they just about melt before they hit the glass. Until the supply water starts to get cold it takes a couple of cycles before you get any decent ice cubes. I agree at the dock with power they are great once they get going. But, I'm not often at a dock. So I found it not useful enough to take up the space on board.

[Free Agent]

Our new boat has a built-in 12V DC ice maker and we'll post a thread this summer on how it works.
Being in the business for decades I can tell you filtered water, or even if possible distilled water will help with it's performance and reliability over the years.
Especially with the re-circulating systems.

The more money you spend on a water filter, the better the filter. The excellent water filters that were for decades $100 U.S., now can be found for $25, they are a bargain IMHO.

[Intentional Drifter]

Originally Posted by doug86

Can't imagine you bought a U-Line for under $200 ...

We didn't! I said it wasn't cheap. However, there's also something to be said for spending $800 once and have it last for many years, versus spending $200 every year or so. Plus, it can make large quantities in fairly short order and then gets turned off.

No matter which way someone ends up going (and I'm not criticizing the cheaper ones), they are great things to have. Enjoy!

ID

[doug86]

Originally Posted by Intentional Drifter

I said it wasn't cheap. However, there's also something to be said for spending $800 once and have it last for many years, versus spending $200 every year or so.

I don't know why you think the $200 ones need yearly replacement. I have had mine for 4 years, and it continues to perform the same as the day it was new.

Anyway, the OP asked about the icemakers in the $200 range. The responses so far indicate that most of us who own one are happy with them.

[Intentional Drifter]

Originally Posted by doug86

I don't know why you think the $200 ones need yearly replacement. I have had mine for 4 years, and it continues to perform the same as the day it was new.

That's great, I'm happy for you and didn't mean to step on your toes. I got the notion from one of the early posters who said they've replaced their inexpensive one, several times. That's all.

ID

[SaucySailoress]

Originally Posted by mbianka

Unless your boat lives at a dock or you run a generator a lot I'd say save your money and put it toward a good reefer/freezer like an Engel and make ice with it.

We have a little freezer. We fill it with water bottles filled with ice, which freeze, and we use them as ice blocks in the bigger fridge, so we can reduce power usage whilst sailing. Regardless, the freezer still works on battery power (the solar panels should take over that job soon), and it is multi-purpose, which an icemaker isn't!

[Sailor g]

Thanks for all the great feedback. It really helps me see the pros & cons. My second question is where do you keep it? Mounted permanently or stored away until needed?

Thanks again!

[rubyjean]

I hide mine in the v-berth, that's my storage area. Michael

[Sailorman1249]

Thanks for all the great ideas! More than I expected, all very helpful.
Best wishes for fair winds,

[capngeo]

@Doug..... If I run it 24/7, mine crap out about 1x a year. The motherboard goes south and the replacement is $150, so I can the whole machine and buy new. I have salvaged the compressors and condensers, with the thought of an el-cheapo ice box conversion, but have yet to find the el-cheapo holding plate!

@Sailor g..... Under the salon table, strapped to the compression post

[Sailor g]

@Sailor g..... Under the salon table, strapped to the compression post[/QUOTE]

This is a real help! This is I'm sure a silly question  Then when you get in port you put it on a counter and let it work? Or in the freezer? or in the cockpit so you don't have to get up for a cocktail? 

[capngeo]

Originally Posted by Sailor g

@Sailor g..... Under the salon table, strapped to the compression post

This is a real help! This is I'm sure a silly question  Then when you get in port you put it on a counter and let it work? Or in the freezer? or in the cockpit so you don't have to get up for a cocktail? [/QUOTE]

I’m sorry I missed your question the last time this thread went through. The unit has its own refrigeration built in. It just sits on the deck and merrily churns out ice cubes as long as it sees power. I have no solar or wind generation, so I run my little Honda 2x a day for a couple hours. Every time the unit is full, I dump ice into a little bin in the icebox. Usually I have plenty of ice for my needs unless we have guests. While in port, it just runs all day (we turn it off at night as it is noisy when the ice drops into the tray.)

[Sailor g]

Originally Posted by capngeo

I’m sorry I missed your question the last time this thread went through. The unit has its own refrigeration built in. It just sits on the deck and merrily churns out ice cubes as long as it sees power. I have no solar or wind generation, so I run my little Honda 2x a day for a couple hours. Every time the unit is full, I dump ice into a little bin in the icebox. Usually I have plenty of ice for my needs unless we have guests. While in port, it just runs all day (we turn it off at night as it is noisy when the ice drops into the tray.)

No problem  I appreciate your response. We did get an icemaker & love it! It makes ice quick & in nice quantity. We pour a pitcher of water in & it makes enough ice for a few days (for us). I think it is my best buy for the boat!

[Amapola]

I found U-Line in the local classifieds and got it for only $125. It was in like new condition and works great. Before that we had a portable like Capngeo's pic. It was OK but less than optimal since it does not have a freezer compartment. So, you have to move the ice to a freezer once made.

[StringBimini]

I bought online a Walmart special earlier this year for about $149 before tax (and no shipping if picked up at the store). It was a Magic Chef model MCIM22TW, but it looks basically the same as the one listed below (for even less money!):

Igloo Ice 102 Portable Ice Maker - Walmart.com

I agree with previous comments that it will keep up with your gin tonics, but you won't fill an ice chest. it takes close to30- 45 minutes to get enough ice for one drink, then it does better, once it gets going. It was quiet, but the biggest issue I had was the heat rejection from it; I had it sitting on the galley counter, inside the boat. This summer I tried it on/off, with my AC on, and it made a difference. Maybe on larger boats (with more air space/circulation, or AC) it wouldn't matter.

Bottom line, I still find it useful (when on shore power), as I don't like to run short on ice, and it saves multiple trips to the store for bags of ice. It will keep two people supplied with ice. I have a Honda 2000i (about 1600 W max delivered) generator, but haven't tried it with the generator connected. But, the icemaker is rated for 160 W, so it should work easily under generator power (even with starting load).