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 A web log of the sailing vessel "Gyatso" |
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| Refit & Repairs: Refrigeration
Out with the old and in with the new... When we purchased our 1985 Tayana 37 in 2005, it was equipped with a cold-plate refrigeration system with separate compartments for the top-loading freezer and refrigerator. The system ran with one of two compressors, an engine-driven compressor and one which ran off shore power. The engine driven compressor was mounted to a bracket that was welded to the engine block. When it wasn't working properly on the trip from Maine to Annapolis, we had it checked by Chuck Helton of Helton Marine Refrigeration in Annapolis. He discovered that the bracket was broken and would need to be re-welded. If we were going to re-use the system, the refrigerant likely needed re-charging, too. Neither of these seemed like a very big deal, but we still had to decide whether to stick with the existing system or go with a new one. The real problem was that we were not at all happy about a system that worked well when we were tied to a dock or that required running the engine for an hour a day. Our sailing plans demanded more freedom than that. Explaining that we hoped to add solar panels in the near future, Lisa asked Chuck, "What are some other options?" He made a pitch for tearing out the old and switching-over to a new 12-volt refrigeration system made by Frigoboat with an evaporator and an air- and keel-cooled compressor. The new system would only require a minor modification to our fridge box in order to let the cool air flow from the freezer compartment to the fridge compartment. The expected energy draw for the new system seemed very modest at 60 amp-hours per day, most of which could be offset with solar power once this was installed. We liked the sounds of a lower maintenance system that ran off the existing 12-volt batteries, but what really sold us was the new system's ability to hold a steady temperature in the fridge and freezer compartments. This is accomplished by installing a digital thermometer to control the evaporator. The cooling system kicks on whenever the temperature in the fridge rises above the setting on the thermometer. And why is this important? Because fluctuating temperatures in the fridge can result in spoiled food, and in turn, a sick crew. The digital read-out is installed outside the fridge box, so we can monitor what is going on at all times. In theory, it all sounded too good to be true. After getting over the sticker-shock of the cost of installing a new refrigeration system when the old one wasn't completely broken, we found the system performed even better than we expected. This was especially true once we were able to add the keel-cooler and solar panels. We have had no problems with it since it was installed four years ago, during which time we have been living aboard and cruising full-time. While in the Caribbean, David marveled at the freezer's ability to produce three full-sized trays of ice cubes a day. Lisa can't quite believe how much capacity the fridge and freezer compartments have for storage and how well the evaporator and thermometer hold the compartments at a constant temperature. We would never go back to the old system. Is there anything we would change if we could? Yes, there are a few minor issues on the list. Lisa would like to re-design the shelf system slightly to help keep the individual compartments more organized. However, with the current system, she likes the flexibility she has for packing and stacking. The other minor issue is that with a top loading fridge, we have found that the way the doors are designed is not very convenient because it involves a two step process. First, you lift the door, and then you have to remove a drop-in (insulated) cover to the compartment. We have it down to a science now, and are not sure we would change it unless the new system could provide as much insulation as the current one. Other than that, we have no complaints and only rave reviews for the new refrigeration system and for the advice Chuck Helton gave us in Annapolis. Return to Refit & Repairs Main Page.
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© Copyright 2006-2010 s/v
Gyatso. This page was last updated on 04/27/10. |
