Anyone use this Fridge for Sailing?

[scoobert]

Coastal Climate Control: Vitrifrigo Double Door Refrigerator Freezer, Black

fridge and freezer in one unit. would fit where our stove is now.
would it work well in a sailing application?

[bobconnie]

It seems to me that if ya can't fit it so it's amidship, faceing either fore or aft, your asking for a bunch of trouble !! just my 2 cents

[scoobert]

because food would go everywhere? i was thinking about that, was thinking some netting would solve the issue, if it arose?

[Boatguy30]

Would use a ton of power. Probably like 150 or 180 amps hours/ day in tropics.

[scoobert]

i dont even think a danfoss 50 can use that much power run 24/7

[belizesailor]

Looks almost identical to a similar Dometic unit. And, some documentatation on the Vitrifrigo web site references Danfoss compressor models. Danfoss DC compressors are amazingly efficient and reliable.

I would find out if this model uses a Danfoss compressor, probably on Vitrifrigo's web site. And I would find out the details of their door latch mechanism. The Dometic has secure latches that won't pop open (who knows, these guys may just be reselling Dometic...which also uses Danfoss compressors).

Also, you will want to find out the specifics of the compressor in terms of power usage. If it uses a Danfoss compressor then this size unit would probably use a BD50 and you can get loads of info on this from the Danfoss web site. Find out which control module they use also. This info can then be used to determine approx power usage versus what you current system can support.

If indeed this is essentially the same as the similar Dometic unit, which is designed for marine use, then it is just fine. Ive run several boats with the Dometic unit, and used a Dometic ashore (off grid)....good units, but would not hurt to beef up the insulation a bit.

The price is substantially less than a comprable Dometic unit, so I would do your home work.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by scoobert

because food would go everywhere? i was thinking about that, was thinking some netting would solve the issue, if it arose?

I have a front loading fridge and made a simple adjustable rod out of PVC w rubber ends. I just put this across the shelf to keep stuff from tumbling out...works well.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by scoobert

because food would go everywhere? i was thinking about that, was thinking some netting would solve the issue, if it arose?

'good idea, but the netting won't stop all the chilled air from falling out. There's a great energy efficiency advantage in having these open at the top.

[Boatguy30]

Originally Posted by scoobert

i dont even think a danfoss 50 can use that much power run 24/7

At max rpm would be close to 7 amps on an hour. Some of these larger units have 2 compressors. I always figure load on what is needed to keep ice cream, which is much lower temps than most manufactures figure for freezers. In reality these units can not hold true freezer temps in hot weather.

I feel your pain, they are cheap and easy to install especially on a cat, but they are horribly inefficient. A custom made box with the same capacity would use roughly 1/3 the energy.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by CaptForce

'good idea, but the netting won't stop all the chilled air from falling out. There's a great energy efficiency advantage in having these open at the top.

i agree completely!

perhaps glued plastic, or magnetic, so the are does not run out the bottom?