"KLC Lewis" wrote in message
et...

"Wilbur Hubbard" wrote in message
anews.com...

Installing a refrigerator was very low on my list of things to do. I only
did so after I had gotten all the important, more necessary things
attended to. After about ten years of ownership that is. The frivolous,
luxury items like a fridge should always come last. Never before
necessary sailing systems are in top-notch condition. It's all about
priorities. Cold beer is nice but not necessary. Same can be said for hot
women.

Wilbur Hubbard


On a small cruising sailboat, I would agree that refrigeration is a
low-priority item. It takes up too much space and requires too much energy
for the investment, IMO. On a live-aboard of any size, however, it is
pretty high on the priorities list.


"For the investment." You got that right, Karin. In my case, since I do
liveaboard and never in a marina I must also consider the cost of a
photovoltaic array large enough to supply the fridge with current. I have
two 100 watt panels and a charge controller and the cost of it (about 1,600
bucks) needs to be proportioned to the fridge. Let's say 1000 dollars worth.
Add that to the cost of the fridge (1000 bucks) and the installation cost of
you have to pay somebody (500 bucks) and don't forget a couple extra
batteries at about 200 bucks every four or so years you have a fridge that
costs 3,000 bucks or so. You can buy a helluva lot of ice for that but, hey,
once you get all the other upgrades taken care of over the years and if you
have money on hand you might as well use it to enjoy the finer things in
life. Hauling ice becomes a real pain in the ass. Cold beer and wine is so
fine.

Wilbur Hubbard