Refrigerator condensation in cabinet

[sam]

I have the rear galley model of the 43. The locker immediately behind the refrigerator ( access gained from the top, counter) weeps condensation on the wall. The wood is showing signs of degradation /damage from staying damp. I leave the refrigeration on all the time. Anyone experienced this?

[Mike Brown]

Sam, we have the same galley. Where are you seeing the condensation? Is it visible from inside the cabin? Or is it seen from inside the port cockpit locker? Once we're commissioned we'll keep the fridge on all the time as well. Sounds like it will need more insulation behind the unit.
Mike

[sam]

The moisture is evident on the forward vertical wall inside the bottle cabinet behind the refrigerator. It is not visible from the cabin, but you cab feel it on he wall when you lift the lid and stick your hand in.The freezer side has an opening in the wall and I have never encountered condensation there. My local dealer is looking into it and I have copied Beneteau on the concern. More as it becomes known.....

[Mike Brown]

Thanks, now I know where you mean. I forgot about the bottle cabinet. Definately let me know what they suggest as we no doubt will have the same problem.

[sam]

I received a recommendation from Beneteau to cut a 3 inch hole in the bottle cabinet in a specific location. I'll try to get their photo and idea posted.

[Mike Brown]

Sam, any ideas on how you'll cut the hole? There's not much room in cabinet. Not sure you can do this but I used a Dremel tool with a right angle attachment and drilled a series of small holes to form a circle when I installed the TV wiring in the forward bottle cabinet. I used one of the bits made for routing and ran it from hole to hole. I finished up using a sanding drum to smooth the edges. Let me know how you make out.
Mike

[sam]

the tech crew at my local dealer cut the hole for me. That's the good news. The bad news is that they did not place it as shown, and now they (we / me) may wind up cutting another. I believe they used a right angle drill and a three inch round hole bit (much like the one you used on the stern )

[sam]

It is now November. The moisture problem in the bottle cabinet behind the refrigerator has caused wood damage. Beneteau is aware of this issue and is working on a durable fix. They have heard of reports from other owners also. If you have the issue, let Beneteau know soon.

[Mike Brown]

I'll have to remember to check on our next visit to the boat. Guess I better add it to my To Do list.

[Mike Brown]

Sam, I checked ours this past weekend and didn't see any evidence of moisture damage. I'll keep an eye on it come spring time though.

[John Hanrahan]

Hi Mike or Sam,

I know this post was a long time ago but I'm hoping you are both still around to help.  I was having condensation problems as well and I just cut a hole to aleviate the problem.  Cut too far cut the refigeration tube.  which of course is under pressure and all the gas escaped.  Not a good day!.

Can you tell me how to get the fridge out it is solidly in place and I don't see where it is attached.Help.

John

[James Taylor]

Not 100% sure of this but I think there are screws just inside refrigerator door that secure refrigerator to cabinet. Once you open the refrigerator door you "may" see a few white tabs on bottom/top/sides. Under these tabs is where I think the securing screws may be located? Once these screws are removed refrig might be pulled out if cooper lines to compressor are removed? Like I said, I've not had to remove our refrig but, I did look to see how it might be done if need be. Ours is the Vitrifigo brand

[Mike Brown]

James, thanks I didn't think to look under those tabs. Once we get back to the boat I'm going to explore as I'd like to check on the condensation issue as well as insulate the freezer box better than it is.

Mike