[C320-list] Refrigerator question

[Jack Brennan]

Ultimately, I solved the problem with 120/12 volt by adding 320 watts of solar. Of course, I’m in Florida, so I have an abundance of sunshine to power the panels.

I run my fridge 24/7 so that I always have cold drinks when I go out for a day sail. Since I installed four Duracell golf cart batteries, I have not seen the bank go below 12.4 or 12.5 overnight even with an anchor light, random charging, fans, CPAP machine, etc.

I grudgingly pay for dockside 120 so I can run the dehumidifier on my AC unit in the summer, as well as running AC when we want to stay overnight occasionally at the dock, but it’s really not worth the money I spend on it. The solar panels meet most of our needs.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.




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From: Bruce Heyman via C320-list<mailto:c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, May 22, 2023 9:48 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com<mailto:C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Cc: Bruce Heyman<mailto:BruceHeyman at cox.net>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Refrigerator question

HI had the same problem and replaced the thermostat as Jack says and it
fixed the problem, that time.
I'd like to find a replacement that would accept 120V and/or 12v so that
when plugged into shore power it doesn't even load the batteries/charger.

Bruce Heyman
Somerset #671   San Pedro (LA) California

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Jack
Brennan via C320-list
Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2023 7:27 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Cc: Jack Brennan <jackbrennan333 at outlook.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Refrigerator question

Try replacing the thermostat. Not expensive at all.

If the fridge won't cycle off and on, that's usually the problem.

On the other hand, if the money is there, a new unit is much more efficient.
After 24 years, your current unit is likely nearing the end.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Toerra Verde, Fl.




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-------- Original message --------
From: "surprise thompson87.com via C320-list"
<c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Date: 5/21/23 9:58 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: C320 List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Cc: "surprise thompson87.com" <surprise at thompson87.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Refrigerator question

My 1999 Alder Barbour cold machine seemed to be running a lot last season,
which I took as a sign that it might need refrigerant. I asked the yard if
they could help and they told me that they charged it and tested everything.
But out on our first cruise of the year the thing runs continuously and
won't cycle off. It is getting cold enough to keep ice frozen, but I have to
turn it on and off manually to prevent depleting the batteries. It's drawing
about 85 watts when running. There is a sound of running water at the
evaporator. Adjusting the thermostat makes no difference. Any ideas out
there as to what might be wrong?  I'm wondering if I should retire it.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, 653 (1999)