engine driven refrigeration

[rigpigpaul]

Hi all
I am thinking about buying an ex charter boat jeanneau 42.2 for long summers in the Med. It has a 62hp Yanma driving the refrigeration compressor. Are these systems any good. I am assuming at anchor the engine has to be run regularly. I am used to a 12volt danfoss which very power hungry. The boat has not been modified so it will have the manufacturers standard equipment on board. The advert says the boat comes with a fridge freezer. Any advice is welcome.

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[Sunnyseeker]

We had an engine driven system on a boat in the Carib for a season. They are very efficient in that they can instantly (almost) freeze every thing, but it does mean running th eengine for an hour a day or so depending on how well insulated the box is. Last boat we had a 12v isotherm that sensed when the engine was running and then worked harder (I prefferred this option) Get the box sorted, and a good drain/water collection system and it should be fine. All that ice produces lots more water when they thaw a little. If the engines your main/only method of electric generation then they're good as you have to run the engine, last boat we had towed and wind gen's so never had to run the engine.
Keep an eye on drive belts the compressors are quite powerfull and can wear out belts if not adjusted quite quickly, much quicker than alternators.

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[boatless]

Had a Frigoboat, ice cubes within 30 minutes of engine start... good enough for you? Would never specify an electric pump type again.

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[Gerry]

we have a frigoboat. It has proved magnificant in temps that have been up to 43C this summer! Can be a pain to run the engine but when it is a little cooler we can run every othjer day and if I can we top up with ice where it is available. i wouldn't have anything else.

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[rigpigpaul]

Thanks all,
for the advice, especially the wear and tear on the drive belts. No more sweet talking the local barman for a few cubes of ice for the G&Ts or having to buy bags of drinking ice to watch it melt away in no time
Paul

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[trouville]

Best is to run your engine driven fridge (deepfreez if not careful which can freez the holding plate!! then youll need longer screws to refix it) when moving, but just like charter boats you wont be populare running your engine for no reason(as the other boats will think)so add an electric fridge for long stays,including at anchor, and two solar panels, or if you prefer run your silent 1kw generator in place of the engin,
When using the engin compressor check that the thermostat s working as it freezes very quickly,

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[Sea Devil]

Absolutly agree - I think solar panels are the way to go - in the tropics my two 750w Siemans solar panels will keep the fridge/freezer going - The wind generator is good also but if I started again I would only install solar panels

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[ccscott49]

750 watts!!! wow! you must have a very big boat! and a lot of money!

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by ccscott49 on 06/10/2004 15:07 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Sea Devil]

Oops sorry 75w!!!!!! finger trouble!!!

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