Boat Fridge

People have all sorts of reason why they use a boat. Some use it as part of their everyday work like a fisherman. Some live on a house boat while others use it for leisure and pleasure. A boat fridge is a desirable item to have on a boat for the comfort it provides. The similarity between a domestic fridge and a marine refrigerator is the use of a motor known as a compressor. Its an important element that helps to create a cold environment.

In a typical boat fridge a refrigerant is passed from the compressor to the condenser. From here it travels to an evaporator or holding plate. This creates the environment suitable for cool storage. Whether an evaporator or holding plate is utilised is a consideration as the former needs constant power supply creating a burden on the battery. Holding plate on the other hand is more efficient as it only requires recharging of the battery a few times.

Why A Domestic Fridge Should Not Be Used As a Marine Fridge

As a boat refrigerator, some people consider using a fridge from the domestic home especially considering the lower prices compared to a marine refrigerator. While domestic fridge can work on a boat, in the long term, not a cost effective solution. A fridge operating in the seas need to withstand harsh environments with the movement of the boat in the sea and the waves. A regular fridge will not have the stability to be still leading to movement of the fridge and constant opening of doors (unless heavily bolted bolted and measure are taken to ensure doors remain closed). Since the area of operation is so different from the stability provided by land, it brings about other problems too. Water aids to rusting, though the fridge may not touch the sea water itself, exposure to moisture and air leads to rapid decay and the deterioration of the metallic parts. Thus the need for new a fridge on a regular basis. Also domestic fridges only operate through electric AC power. For a boat given the power restrictions its important to have a number of power sources for operation. Its possible to purchase boat refrigerators operating on AC mains, battery, Engine Power, Shore power, and systems based on combination these sources.

Boat Refrigerator Power Consideration

How the compressor is to be powered is the major consideration in the choice of a boat fridge. For people that spend lot of time in the dock shore powered is ideal as it provides the adequate time for battery to be charged while at the dock.

If the boat has a generator, its then possible to use an AC source like in the home.

If the boat is sailing on a constant basis, engine power is suitable since a few hours of power from the engine will allow the fridge to operate for at least 12 hours.

Further Information

With boat fridges, along with the power source, the size of the fridge also needs to be accounted. A boat fridge is a highly delicate appliance. Before purchase lots of consideration need to be given taking into account the features of the fridge and the boat itself. For an in depth look at the boat fridge check out this resource.