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Old 05-11-2009, 08:01 AM   #12
Capn Chuck
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Join Date: Jan 2009
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RE: Refrigration and Trawlers

Tim, we would prefer to use the 12 volt function of the fridge as oppose to propane. That is just our preference and in setting the boat up for cruising, recharging the batteries at anchor will be a priority. Replaceable battery power is better for us than another propane device. A propane sniffer is a must if you have ANY propane appliances aboard. If you have gone to our Sea Trek site you will find we have done some extensive cruising on our 40 foot sailboat so we have been down this road. We see many trawlers with wind generators and solar panels, you just won't see them on cruisers that really don't cruise much or spend a lot of time in marinas. The generator is also why you don't find wind or power too often and we will install a generator on our trawler. You don't need to run it all the time. If you are under way the engine alternator is keeping the batteries topped off while the fridge is running. In the evenings the generator is usually run for a few hours for running appliances and of course keeping the batteries topped off. Once shut down for the evening, which most do, the fridge will use very little battery power, again depending on its efficiency, if your house banks are big enough. You can indeed add solar and wind, you will just need to find a practical place to mount them. And another question will be, are you doing all of this to cover you at anchorage occasionally and be at the dock a majority of the time or do you plan to be anchored out most of the time? Chuck
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