Tim: We now have a Norcold model DE 461 purchased from Boat US in January 01 for about $930. The unit was a near identical replacement to our original Norcold unit that had a compressor die on us. The old unit was about 9 1/2 years old when it died. I was told that the old unit probably died prematurely because the original installation had inadequate air circulation. It was built in with only 2 small grills at the top of the cabinet that it was in (approximately four 2 1/2" dia holes under the grills). When I put the new unit in I added lots of air circulation both at the top of the cabinet, behind it and to one side. We have never used the unit to make ice in the small cube trays that came with it. We normally take a big bag of ice and keep them in the freezer. The ice stays solid. It will keep ice cream but does not keep it as hard an our house freezer. We could set it colder but we feel that it is cold enough. The unit draws close to 6 amps by my link 10 battery monitor. The manufacturer quotes 5 amps but I have not seen current that low. When it is not too hot (we do not use AC in the boat when at anchor) I believe that it has about a 50% duty cycle (on about as long as it is off). I admit that I have not taken accurate data on this. The new unit is quieter than the old unit. Our problem is that our bed is right next to the unit. Only a portion of a wall separates it from the bed (my side). I only notice the unit when it cycles on at night and then only rarely. If we are up and about, even in the kitchen, we barely notice it come on or running. Hope this helps, Bruce Webster 37' Gibson Sport "Waterfront Property" Annapolis Maryland Hi Bruce, If I may ask a few questions. 1) which model norcold do you have? 2) will it make ice and keep ice cream ? 3) what are the dc amps used when on? how long does it cycle. 4) is it quiet? Thank you, Tim