[C320-list] Refrig

[jackbrennan]

(I sent a similar version of this msg that I think failed because of crappy WiFi here in Boot Key Harbor in the Keys. Sorry if it's a dupe.)
I recently installed a new Adler Barbour Cold Machine. Since I'm a week into a long cruise to the Keys and the Dry Tortugas, I've had a chance to see how it eats the amps.
My best estimate is it uses 40 amps a day. My CPAP machine uses another 15 amps, plus we have anchor light cabin lights, various pumps, etc.
I have a house bank of three group 24s (there when I bought the boat) and a 160 watt solar panel. I can go two and possibly three days without running the motor.
You won't find better efficiency than that in a fridge in our boats.
Jack BrennanSonas, 1998 Catalina 320Tierra Verde, Fl.Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android 
 
  On Thu, Mar 28, 2019 at 7:43 PM, Dick Walker<dickwalker at att.net> wrote:   That is all very good dope. The blanket on top really works.  

Cheers



Dick Walker
740 Olive Ave.
Coronado ,CA 92118
619.435.8986



> On Mar 28, 2019, at 4:34 PM, Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Be careful on those low current draw refrigerators.  Last time I checked
> the thermodynamic laws that govern the efficiency of the compressor and
> condenser hasn't changed.  What you generally end up with is a
> refrigerator taking twice as long to get your beer cold. What you actually
> care about is total amp hours consumed and that is going to be much more
> heavily weighted by the amount of insulation you have and by the habits of
> the captain and crew.  There are many many great techniques that can be
> employed to minimize the duty cycle.  A simple google search or search on
> cruiser forums will yield many great ways you can obtain incredibly low
> duty cycles.  The ones I think are the best are: Freeze food and water the
> day before a long cruise.  Carrying extra frozen jugs of water in the very
> bottom of the fridge.  Never load warm items into the fridge, unless it is
> beer or wine of course.  Use an insulating material as a blanket.  Plug
> the drain to prevent cold air escaping to the bilge.  Bump the thermostat
> to its coldest setting when the batteries are charging via alternator or
> shore power then bump it back to 3 when running off the house bank.
> (Warning this technique is not recommended for forgetful sailors...)
> 
> Troy Dunn
> Hull#514