Frigoboat Refrigeration

[obelisk]

I know there has been a lot of discussion recently about marine refrigeration, but I'm not looking for a lot of technical advice. I am winding down my list of projects for an extended cruise yet refrigeration remains one of the few projects I haven't tackled. My 1982 AB system is shot. I have met with a guy that installs Frigoboat systems--he came highly recommended and he seems like he knows his stuff.

He has put a system together for me with:
-Frigoboat W50 water cooled compressor
-Mod. 380F Evaporator
-Smart Speed Control

1. Is a Frigoboat system the way to go? (I read a some negative posts at Cruisers Forum Frigoboat - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

2. positive/negative experiences from here on the boards?

3. Is $3185 inc. labor (out-the-door) too much?

4. Is it worth installing a new system w/out overhauling my 26 year old boxes (He seems to think they were built really well and should be fine)?

Thanks,
Jesse

[sorcerer33]

I am getting a frigoboat system installed. One of the guys in my club with an old system found frigoboat to be helpful with support. Another installed it himself - said it was straightforward - but cautioned me that the keel cooler needed to be within 5' of the compresser. He felt it was more efficient than his friend's sea frost system that was installed at the same time. I will be looking forward to other responses you get.

[badsanta]

I know you are in a hurry. But this guy sells the best books. He explained it very well. Gave me a better understanding on what system to look at. I feel much more informed, than just a pitch from sales guy.
Great info on trouble shooting, buying or building your own

KollmannMarine Boat Refrigeration Specialist

[HerbDB]

Frigoboat system on my boat has worked flawlessly for 6 years.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by HerbDB

Frigoboat system on my boat has worked flawlessly for 6 years.

Ditto. We've found ours to be very low power draw. Keep the keel cooler clean of marine growth.

[chef2sail]

I am installing a new alder barbor super cold machine with large verticle evaporator including 3 ice trays for 1/3 that cost to replace my old alder barbour which lasted 18 years. Its about 1/2 the cost of the frigoboat and esily replaces what exhisted so I need no one else to install. I was happy with the old 18 years model which was not nearly as effecient as the new one and was very quiet. While doing this I am adding another 3 inches of insulation around the "box" which has about 14 cubic ft in volume. This is the real key for energy conservation. I figure I could buy two of these for the money I would spend on the frigoboat. The extra money saved will go to a new garhauer radar pole engine lift on the stern.

[hooligan6a]

I have a Frigoboat unit on my boat and after spending $3500 trying to fix it, it is driving me nuts. I have been trying to fix it for two years. And have had 3 technicians work on it. It all started by blowing out control modules, 4 of them @ $250. each. So I went for a new type of control module, but in order to use it, I had to change the compressor. I had that installed by a tech, still didn't work, so after fiddling around with it for two months, I have it working but it runs all the time, will not cycle off when it should. I called Frigoboat but they don't have a clue. I should have called Verizon or Walmart, for all the help I got from Frigoboat.

Any suggestions?

[Zanshin]

I have a Frigoboat keel-cooled freezer and normally aspirated fridge and like the system a lot. The power drain went down significantly after I installed the SSC system (see Refrigeration)

[SVCarolena]

We are in the process of installing a SeaFrost system on our boat. I've no experience with frigoboat, but can say that Cleave at SeaFrost has been very helpful. He even made us a semi-custom evaporator to fit our box with the lines made to our specs. Because it isn't installed yet, I can't speak to performance, but Practical Sailor rated SeaFrost the best of the smaller aircooled units. Our price (installed ourselves, which should only take a couple hours) was about half what you have been quoted.

[wwilson]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

...The power drain went down significantly after I installed the SSC system...

Z,

Do you have a rough estimate of Amp hours per day for your system since the modification?

On the hot steamy Chesapeake (90°F) mine draws ~120 Ah per 24 hr day: this with a pretty well built & insulated box by HR. I am unimpressed, but only have this one "point on the curve".