Gas powered fridges

[PaulJS]

Although this has probably been discussed here in the past, I'm going to ask if anybody remembers gas operated fridges as fitted to caravans, etc., and if anybody knows if they would be suitable for onboard a yacht. If not, why not?

 

[bendyone]

Used to have one in our Catalac, worked well but no heeling over /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[PCUK]

Had one for 20 years and never a problem (or a flat battery!!!) Ok for general rolling but not when heeled for long periods. Also the 12 volt side isn't thermostatically controlled so everything freezes.

 

[bedouin]

I've used them on inland waterways. They work very well, but they do not tolerate heeling. You may also have an issue routing the "exhaust" in a way that is not liable to immersion.

 

[vyv_cox]

I have one in my camper, where it is excellent and economical. They are still widely used in a variety of campers, caravans, etc. However, they are very sensitive to being level. Mine will not run unless we are level to within a few degrees and I have a friend whose fridge is far more sensitive than mine, it sometimes takes him 30 minutes to get perfectly level so that his will start. I doubt very much whether the one in my camper would operate in a mildly rolling anchorage that would be otherwise perfectly acceptable.

 

[Leighb]

I remember one on a chartered Broads yacht 20 years ago, we were instructed to turn it off before sailing /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

It did work better than just a coolbox though.

 

[johnalison]

A couple of years ago we witnessed the crew of a Lithuanian boat trying to mend their gas fridge which had caught fire in the night while on passage. I think that sums up gas fridges for me really.

 

[PCUK]

One bad apple etc. etc!!!

 

[captainhaddock]

I have a Dometic gas fridge on a Gemini Cat and I think it is wonderful. It also runs on 240 volts, so we can cool everything down whilst "plugged in" at the marina then switch to gas operation when we set sail. It seems to have an effective thermostat and also has a useful freezer section.

 

[lw395]

Also consider carbon monoxide, as the ventillation in a boat is worse than a caravan, which tends to have a hole in the bottom for the purpose!
Damn clever though, that Einstein bloke?

 

[rogerdog]

One -it's an ignition source that's constantly there
Two - most of the small caravan types need to be vertical (or almost vertical)
Three - ventilation - essential for effective cooling and safe combustion - hence on caravans the large side vents

I don't think it's a great idea

PS fit a CO detector - how much is your life worth

 

[alant]

Remind us 'how' these things actually work /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[pyrojames]

15 years ago I was anchored in a bay with my sister and brother in law in their boat, waiting for Mum and Dad to turn up and join the fleet. They never arrived. The gas fridge leaked and the boat exploded. All survived, of a manner, Mum had mild burns, the boat spent 18 months being repaired, and Dad was badly shaken by the whole experience.

Apart from that, they only work near level, so don't try sailing with them.

 

[maxi77]

I have a mains gas and 12v one in my caravan and it is excelent, but it has proper ventilation for bot the cooling mechanism and the gas exhaust, not so easy to achieve in a boat. Also in caravans they advise addditional forced ventilation in warmer climes. I would stick to compressor fridge/freezers in a boat.

 

[PaulJS]

Thanks everyone, the general consensus seems to be that they are effective but can be dangerous.
Maybe due for a rethink with regards to safety features and ventilation and cooling requirements, e.g. ignition failure, gas leakage, and temperature control, and perhaps a more efficient heat transfer such as seawater cooling.
Also something to allow them to operate if heeled...
Did/do they use a lot of gas?