Fridges and Boats...

[TheMerryFisher]

Hi all,

I have a slight quirk in that the previous owner kept the fridge on board, but to my unpleasant surprise had removed all of the gubbins from behind (compressor, pipes etc) so it is effectively useless!

Has anyone got any idea where I can buy a standalone compressor etc or should I just invest in a new one?

If the answer is getting a new one, would that be a 12v fridge or a 240v on an inverter? I want it to run both on battery and shore power, not that fussed on gas.

Thank you!

 

[Clancy Moped]

Have a chat with these guys.

Marine - Penguin Refrigeration

 

[TheMerryFisher]

Have a chat with these guys.

Marine - Penguin Refrigeration

Thanks Clancy Moped. I was hoping to definitely get something second hand to keep the price down as low as possible...it only needs to cool my cider!

 

[rogerthebodger]

All 12VDC fridges use a danfoss compressor as they are bulletproof very few second ones by you could try Ebay, gumtree, etc

I would also go for a water cooled condenser for efficiency

 

[jrudge]

Isotherm sell a GE 80 fridge kit for some £350 but I suspect you are better off buying a new fridge for about the same price.

I would also send an email to the prior owner. Lets face it he knew what he had done!

 

[pvb]

I was hoping to definitely get something second hand to keep the price down as low as possible...it only needs to cool my cider!

I'd guess your fridge may be a Waeco or similar, and it wouldn't really be an economic proposition to rebuild it with new compressor, etc. You could look for a similar-sized used compressor fridge on eBay, etc, but be very careful to avoid "absorption" fridges - these are power-hungry and not good for boat use. Although many small 12v fridges use Secop compressors (formerly known as Danfoss), there are other makes of compressor out there. The Engel fridges use a Japanese "swing motor" compressor which is very quiet and reliable, but less efficient in warmer weather.

Your best bet might be to buy a portable compressor coolbox, which you could plug in to the car on the way to the boat, so it's cold to start with. Probably £200-£250, but a bit cheaper than a new fridge! Again, be sure that it's a compressor model.

 

[Jamie Dundee]

I recently got one of these Dometic (Waeco) CRE50 Coolmatic 12v/24v Compressor Fridge Freezer Slots straight in and works. I suspect that trying to revive your current fridge won‘t be much cheaper and will certainly be more hassle.

 

[ST840]

If it’s just for your beverages then buy a Coleman Ice box, fill it with cider and ice . Will last for 3 days at least if pre chilled with a couple of ice blocks before hand.
I use one on my boat as well as the fridge. Also keeps fishing bait nice and fresh if that’s your thing!