GB42C Refrigeration genset run times

[Bongi]

We’re about to do a bit of cruising on our (new to us) 1986 GB42C. I am curious to know how similar model cruisers manage genset run times at anchor. We have the standard Grunert system for refrigeration.

Assuming one needs a solid dose of ‘cool’ at the dock on shore power before you leave (run the fridge until thermostat turns off the compressor)…once at anchor, do you run the genset twice a day and for how long? More?

I appreciate this depends on thermostat settings, ambient temperatures, and how often you open the fridge for drinks etc.

We cruise Puget Sound - so not dealing with tropical heat..though of course who knows with global warming how toasty we may get here one day

 

[Giggitoni]

We no longer have a Grunert system. When we did we ran the genset for an hour in the morning and evening. The morning would allow us to have a cup or two of coffee and the evening run we could catch up on the tv news.

 

[BruceK]

We had a similar system on the IG, the compressor powered a fridge and separate freezer. Like Giggitoni, an hour or so of genset morning and evening, usually while doing other things, recharging batts, cooking, heating water, etc, making the most of genset time.
Interestingly, the "fridges" pulled down faster on marina electricity than genset. Usual or just our genset?
If your compressor is air exchange(ie not water) cooled, look at where it is located, and ventilated. Ours,in the ER (sub optimal imo) was right under the ER air extractor, intentional or coincidence? ERs get hot.
A cold plate system in good order gets your fridges off the batts, and that`s good.