Refrigerator

[Superiorboater]

What is the best refrigator for long range cruising ? I have a carrier on honda generated and a inverter. In August I plan on leaving Duluth, MN and head down the river to the Gulf of Mexico and maybe do the loop.

[crowra]

I don't know about 'best refrigerator' since they most likely all draw about the same voltage per cubic inch. IMO, the best for long range cruising would be the largest you can fit in the available space. Then size your house bank accordingly and possibly supplement it with solar and/or wind generator. My preference is 12-volt only (you can get 12/120 volt combo). Let's say you're at the dock, away from your boat for an extended period of time and lose power, it won't automatically switch to 12-volt. A small portable icemaker and cooler will also extend your refrigeration for important things like cold refreshing beverages!

[rcwhite]

Depends on how you cruise. We anchor for the most part and for day trips or overnights the refer is fine. For longer trips, especially when not running every day, we use a cooler primarily. A good one will hold ice for a week, holds more than the small refer, and doesn't require running the generator.

[DougSea]

Just to clarify - some 12/120 refrigerators WILL switch to DC if they lose AC power. And will switch back when the power comes back on. My Isotherm does, quite reliably.

Do agree on the biggest you can fit, at least up to the point it meets your needs. Another possibility is to split your capacity and get a freezer. Dometic makes a nice unit - looks very much like a cooler. Keep it full and out of the sun and it should hold temps well.

[Superiorboater]

I have room for a 4.4 Q.F. I have a 1978 Albin aftcabin trawler 33'. I am hoping to leave Duluth, MN by water around mid August. And do the loop.

[glk34]

rcwhite, just wondering what type of cooler you have that will keep ice for a week? Is it an AC/DC type? We have been using a low end AC/DC cooler but only get a couple of days to a block of ice. Maybe the high end ones are really that much better.

thanks
Iron Jack

[MadMoney]

I keep a 75qt Yeti in the cockpit of my 28' for additional fridge space, cocktail ice and with the optional cushion, it makes a great seat. All coolers will "burn" some ice as you get all the contents and the inner parts of the cooler down to temperature. To do this more efficiently, I use a dump a 10lb bag of ice in the cooler and salt it before adding the rest of the contents. Options like block ice or Freezer Pak's ( I like the Engel 0 degree) will make a big difference. Last year, I ran from Seattle all the way up to Tofino BC with a group and had no problem keeping ice for a week.

Oh yeah, passing on another tip this old timer shared with me. Before your trip, freeze a bunch of water bottles or jugs and use them as ice in the cooler. When they melt, drink the water or splash some in your brown liquor of choice!

[jleonard]

rcwhite, just wondering what type of cooler you have that will keep ice for a week? Is it an AC/DC type? We have been using a low end AC/DC cooler but only get a couple of days to a block of ice. Maybe the high end ones are really that much better.

thanks
Iron Jack

Well I DO NOT recommend a Yeti. I bought one and am NOT impressed. An Igloo is better.

[special k]

most of the super coolers are similar. we have a pelican, locally made guaranteed for life. yes, good idea to cool it down first before loading food and ice.

also i use it for food only. constant opening to get beverages defeats the purpose. will hold ice and frozen foods for days with minimal opening in hot july sun.

easily four days in my experience but that is about the extent of our mini vacations. good luck with the "loop"!

cheers!