Whats the preferred DC refridgeration unit?

[Bob4203]

Okay, so we are tired of lugging ice and we want to finally udate that old poorly insulated ice box into a decent refridgerated unit, so whats the best, cheapest and easiest to install with the least drain on my precious amps?

The majority will probably say Adler Barbour................$$$$$$$$$
Any alternatives?

Where is the best place to install a compact unit (both cold plate and compressor?). I was thinking the lower drawer area near the ice box, just above the drain pump pedal.

Anyone?

Thanks

Bob
'88 Mark II

 

[malexander]

We installed a Fridoboat unit 2 years ago on out 1984 Cat 30.
Works like a charm.

Mark Alexander
Kerr lake, NC
Catalina 350
Catalina 30

 

[Bob4203]

Thanks Mark.

I read the Fridoboat Practical Sailor reivew (2009) and it looks like a very nice unit, which I have to say, beat out Adler Barbour! Man these things are all expensive.

Where did you instasll the unit? How about battery drain?

Bob
'88 Mark II

 

[malexander]

The condenser is in the laz on a shelf as forward as possible. It is shown in one of my pictures. There was no stove on our boat so I installed 2 -6 volt batteries dedicated for the frig and made a cabinet and counter to hide it all. I have a Victron combiner that recharges the batteries while motoring and a 3 bank charger at the dock. I figure I can go 3 days on a full charge. BTW, the refrigeration on my Catalina 350 sucks big time. It's all relative. It was quite easy to install too. The boat show is a good time to get the stuff and lots of info too. Definitely get the digital thermostat.

 

[Bob4203]

What about those direct plug in portable Norcold units that run half the price of a permanent unit?

I will need to clarify something..................our plan is to take our 30 for a year around the Great Loop. This was decided after reading dozens of articles and talking to folks about the HUGE cost of fuel for large trawlers and cruisers when compared to the smaller diesels in sailboats. We want to undertake this adventure on a budget.

So we lack a few amenties to make the cruise more comfortable and one is refridgeration. We do not necessarily have to install a permanent unit in that small poorly insulated ice box on the C30.

Has anyone used one of these Norcold plug in self contained units onboard?

Thanks

Bob '88 Mark II

 

[sunwindsea]

I just got a 12 volt P85 Koolatron cooler from Home Depot website a month ago. It is NOT a refrigerator and there is no freezer, but I am very pleased with it. It does keep stuff cold. I also got the AC adapter so it can be plugged in at the dock. The two advantages of this over the fridges is that is uses a lot less electricity and it is way cheaper (costs about $150). Depends what your needs are and what you want.

 

[Bob4203]

Thanks on the P85 Koolatron

I just looked it up online at Home Depot. Unfortunately in the specifications it did not specify how many amps it draws. Has this been any drain on your batteries, while under sail? It appears that it might do the trick to keep food fresh for several days.

Bob

 

[sunwindsea]

This site says 4.5 amps. http://www.koolatron.com/test/images/thermoelectric.html
I have not used it for any extended period yet, but will try it out on a couple trips to Santa Cruz in August.

 

[jrowan]

Our newer C 30 came with a 110 volt fridge, so we use it a lot. It stays cold for an afternoon or a lil longer if the door isn't opened much. We keep ice in the standard ice box as well to keep drinks & water cold as well - good for 24 hours till the ice melts. Another sailor recommended blocks of ice instead of bagged pieces as it lasts longer. We also have a 12 volt cooler similar to the one mentioned above. It's made by Coleman & pulls a suprisingly large amount of battery power. It killed one of my fully charged deep cells overnight on my old S 2. Haven't used it since then. Will try agin for a week's cruise this summer. Let U know how the Coleman works on a bigger battery. Its all good as long as the drinks are cold. Cheers.

 

[Twice Around]

.... just above the drain pump pedal. ....

The what?

jrowan, The problem with those stupid Coleman's is they expect to be attached to a Suburban 12v accessory plug with the engine running and that thing humming away behind the back seat on your way to the beach. Efficiency is probably not high on their list. My $0.02.

OldSkoolNeil did a nice install of his frig unit..the search tool is your friend!

edit - hang on..the problem was due to a spelling issue..this topic would have never shown up in the search engine with refregirator in the title...
here is a link - http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=125879

 

[jrowan]

Shawn,
I agree about the Coleman - I think it was designed for a monster battery the size & amp output for a Mack truck!