To Keel Cool or Not to Keel Cool, that is the question

[swdreams88]

To Keel Cool or Not to Keel Cool, that is the question!!!

We currently have a Older Grunert Refrig System (110 volts) that requires us to run our generator 2x per day for about an hour to keep our refrigerator cold and freezer items frozen. It is very noisy!

We are CONSIDERING upgrading to Frigoboat Keel Cooled System. We will be living aboard in warmer waters.

Any Frigoboat Keel Cooled users out there that want to weigh in? We are especially interested in cruisers in warmer/tropical waters.

Other pros and cons are welcomed.

[Richard Kollmann]

I am assuming your refrigerator with freezing section is no larger than seven cubic feet. I am also guessing your 110 volt compressor is 1/2 horse power and 3400 Btu per hour at +10 Degrees F. The large Frigoboat keel cooler unit produces 500 Btu at + 10 degrees. If your 110 volt unit must run two hours per day to provide desired box temperatures than a 12 volt BD 50 unit to match the same Btu performance will need 113 amp-hrs per day. These figures are based on evaporator temperature of +10 degrees as is needed for a 35 degree refrigerator. A freezer’s heat load could double this daily amperage. Will your DC power grid handle this added load?

[Auspicious]

I have two Isotherm SP systems. The concept is the same as the Frigoboat keel cooler. I'm sold, to the point where I'm thinking about moving my generator from sea-water to fresh water cooled to a keel cooler.

[swdreams88]

Have you used it warmer waters? How long?