[C320-list] C320 Refrigeration Power Sources and Daily Usage Estimates

[Utility Email]

Fellow C320 Owners,

I have been following this C320 list server now for a couple of weeks and I am impressed.  I now have a couple of questions that I wonder if anyone has answers to.

I am a relatively new owner of a 2007 C320 MK II (Hull No. 1107) and I am getting ready for an extended cruise (say 2-3 weeks) with my family at Catalina Island and the Channel Islands in SoCal. 

I recently installed a LinkPro monitor and a group 24 auxiliary battery with an echo charger to ensure that we have power when needed to start the engine after drawing down the 2 4D house batteries.  I received and followed lots of the good advice on this through the C320 IA website and the C34 Wiki website.  

Our boat has both the front loading fridge (SS Waeco) and the refrigeration option (Alder Barbour) installed in the top loading ice box.  Hence, we have two refrigeration compressors.  I have a couple of questions on the refrigeration and it's power consumption. I plan on testing the  refrigeration amp-hour draw with my LinkPro prior to departure, but I thought that I would see what others estimates or amp-hour usages are.

1.  Does either of these refrigeration systems in this late model C320 utilize 120V shore power when the boat is plugged in at the dock?  It doesn't seem like they do based on how my electrical panel is designed and (refrigeration on 12V switch) and the minimal owners manual documentation, but I just want to be sure.

2.  Does anyone have any rough idea on expected amp-hour demand for each refrigerator?  I know it depends greatly on use, ambient air temperature, etc., but I though that I would see what others experience is.

3.  Do cruisers generally shut down the fridge and icebox during the night (say 10P to 6A) to save on power and reduce the noise of the units cycling?  Have you had pretty good luck with this?

Anyway, thanks in advance for your input.  

We have had our boat now for about a year and we love it.  We have it moored in San Diego and will be trucking it up to Seattle later this summer for subsequent sailing in the San Juan's, Canadian Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound).  I have installed removable Weaver davits for our inflatable (similar to a previous H30 we owned) that I am going to try put that information in the Mainsheet magazine.          

Dave Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107


David B. Swanson, P.E., S.E.
Principal, LEED AP
Director, Structural Engineering

Reid Middleton, Inc.
(425) 741-3800 office
(425) 741-5011 direct
(425) 508-7971 mobile

www.reidmiddleton.com