12v vs 110v reefer for liveaboards

abacosol · #1 (**permalink**) 04-20-2003

Anyone can advise me on how practical a 12v reefer is as a live aboard? I am considering installing a 110v small reefer in addition. Thanks,

GordMay · #2 (**permalink**) 04-21-2003

12V Reefer fine for live-aboard. I deicated a cheap ferro-ressonant charger, through a sacrificial battery (free from another boat) to power mine while dockside, then removed the charger/battery to cruise. The battery merely acts as a filter for the charger output.
No need for 110v.
Regards,
Gord

sailorjim · #3 (**permalink**) 04-22-2003

I have an Alder Barbour Super Cold machine withan evaporator. I use it 24/7 and love it. It will freeze meat, keep the beer nice and cold, everything else fresh. I use parafin sealed milk and only put in reefer when I open it and that works fine (tastes good as well.) Power is the more important consideration. I have a 120 amp alternator, regulator and Trojan T-105 six volt batteries (4) as a house bank with a dedicated 12 volt Group 27 as a starting battery. I am considering a 110 Watt solar panel asa back up to engine charging.

kd4yor · #4 (**permalink**) 08-28-2003

If you''re living aboard at the dock why not get both...I put the Norcold ice box conversion in my Hunter kept the stock box with minamal extra insulation at 40-45 deg.
The unit used AC at the dock DC when off shore power.

jbanta · #5 (**permalink**) 08-30-2003

Why not get both? Mmm I have a 110 frig aboard. I am doing a refit right now but I am going to keep the frig and go to a 1000w inverter to drive it from a 12v bank of 6v batteries. I am also installing a genset I may have to run daily when away from my slip. But back to the frig $800 instead of $89 Thats why..110v. Now I have both the frig and the genset at about the same $$$ but having the genset expands my crusing area.