NEWCOMER

[DAVE S]

I AM STILL CHECKING OUT THE SYSTEMS ON MY 85 CAT 30. IT CAME WITH A ADLER/BAROUR SYSTEM. SOME SIMPLE QUESTIONS I'M SURE SOMEONE HAS ANSWERS TO1. HOW LONG SHOULD IT TAKE FOR THE SYSTEM TO GET TO OPERATING TEMP . I REALIZE THAT THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMP WILL PLAY A FACTOR 2.I HAVE NO MANUAL. WHAT DO THE NUMBERS ON THE DIAL INSIDE THE ICE BOX CORRESPOND TO?3. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT RUNNING THE FRIDGE WHILE THE ENGINE IS ON WILL NOT DRAIN THE BATTERIES TRUE?THE SYSTEM HASN'T BEEN RUN IN MAYBE TWO YEARS OR SO. WHAT PROBLEMS SHOULD I EXPECT?ANY ADVICE IS APPRECIATEDDAVE

 

[Debra Blatnik]

Batteries need to be sized to your needs

Your battery bank should be sized to your needs. Figure out how many amp hours you will use in a 24 hr. period. (There are several good books on electrical stuff, also there may be some info in the archives) Then size your battery banks accordingly. You also need to replenish your batteries. This can be done by running the engine, but it is generally hard on the engine to run it in idle to charge the batteries. If you are going to be doing extended cruising you may want another power source -- solar, wind, or a 12-volt genset are all good options.In general running the refrigeration can be done without running the engine. You really won't want to run the engine for more than an hour or 2 if all you are doing is charging batteries. It will drain the batteries, but that's what they are there for.Good luck (and turn off the ALL CAPS!)

 

[gordon2@ospreysguide.com]

Refrig Catalina 30

Frig opening tops should be insulated. Most of the orginals in that year where not. Plug the drain in the box to prevent the cold air from going to the bilge, (removalable type plug) . You want to look at your total energy system and determine what type of cruisier you are. Is the unit water colled? or air cooled? Do you have a power blower to remove the warmer air from a sail locker? Is the unit evaporator type or cold plate? Do you dock regularly or moor. There are many solutions for each type of installation.We are developing a new waterway guide for the boater for the eastern end of long island www.ospreysguide.com Any other questions direct them to us.

 

[Guest]

Same Year, Same model

The numbers on the thermostat knob are just a reference for your setting, they do not correspond to any temperature as the box type and insulation vary.If I set my thermostat 1/2 way I get ice in the freezer compartment in about 36 hours. After the first freeze I can freeze cubes in less than 20 hours.Do not let the evaporator/freezing compartment develop a heavy layer of frost. Remember the unit removes heat from the box, it does not produce cold! So frost insulates and slows down the cooling. I set my box so a light layer of frost develops right near the end of the run cycle. The frost is gone at the end of the rest cycle. This setting usually does not produce ice but is the coldest most efficient setting.Keep the box full so warm air does not enter every time you open it. Don't add a whole six pack of warm sodas at once. Add a few at a time over several hours.The batteries will not drain while the engine is running. Alternator supplies about 45amps, your unit uses just under 5 an hour.I keep the lazerette hatch open to give the compressor unit cooler air while motoring or at anchor. Bungy cord keeps fingers safe. I do not pack the lazerette full of junk and I crack the trash door to promote venilation.You are going to need good, strong batteries. Small group 24 batteries wont' last long. You anchor around 3 in the afternoon and your group 24 will be nearly dead when you wake up in the morning. Try to use batteries only to 50% discharge level (about 12.2volts at rest. I have two group 30 batteries and a third isolated starting battery. I also have twon3 amp solar panels. Basically you want to seriously use your fridge, you need to seriously plan a supply of amps. Motoring an hour to an anchorage and an hour from an anchorage will keep you just under even if you consider the drain of the fridge alone...kind of sobering.Good luck, I have had the system and boat for 15 years. Have replaced two cooling fans...there are better alternatives than factory replacement from DigiKey corporation by the way.