Fridge too big

[John Visser]

I have an '84 C36, and the ice box was converted to a fridge with and A-B cold machine. Works great for long trips, but its really way too big to be useful on weekends - takes too long to cool off, and uses too much power - about 4.5 Amps on a 50% duty cycle, once its stable - which can take a day! Has anyone considered making the fridge smaller? Done it? Results, comments?Thanks,jv

 

[Steve Dion]

Can't you leave it on?

John:Can't you leave it on during the week? We haven't ever turned ours off (Technautics unit) in 4-5 years.The other option is to add some of that expensive insulation on the interior. That will take up a lot of room and provide better insulation too.

 

[John Visser]

Mooring

I keep the boat on a mooring - so no AC power.

 

[Bert]

Power requirement

Steve,Are you at mooring or on the grid?What auxiliary power do you rely on, while at sea, to feed the thirsty fridge unit?

 

[Steve Dion]

On the grid!

Bert:We are on the grid. We have 2 - 100 amp batteries just for the refrigeration unit. We have not been without engine or shore power for more than 2 days at a time. I estimate that we have about 3-4 days of battery juice, depending on the heat.