| Fridges and freezers. My pennyworth from the more southern antipodes (Melbourne, Oz).
I think I’d answer in brief (b); nice to have. I have (had?) an engine driven eutectic system on my boat but it died. A check with a technician suggested lots of $$$ to fix. And, to boot, it was very poorly insulated.
In the end I bought a portable (Waeco) fridge which, while limited in capacity (unlike the old vast fridge/freezer) which runs off the battery. It can freeze – though I can do without the ice cream and ice for the whisky, so I keep it at fridge temp (about 3-4oC). And I select what really needs to be cold. I’ve fitted/located it where it is firmly held down in case of rough weather, etc.
According to the blurb from the company it uses about 6a/Hr, but over prolonged use can be much less (assuming you are not opening it often and its not overly hot). My experience is that with GPS, autopilot, radios, etc on, it makes little impact on the power supply/availability, which is assisted by solar panels. I think the solar panel is invaluable anyway. But I do tend to turn it off overnight (when it will not be opened), and it rises by a couple of degree by morning.
I guess the overall ambient temperature/climate in the cruising area will be a factor – I have a temperate climate which can have some very hot days in summer (high 30s-400C), but mild in winter. And I only do short (1-5 days) cruises. And, of course, if ice is available, I have the old fridge.
All in all, I am really happy with the outcome, and the fact that I don’t need to listen to the motor for an hour or so each day is heaven. And if you like cold beer – perhaps the answer is (a): essential! |