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What Should I consider when looking for a freezer for my boat?

The appliances on your boat will impact the quality of your adventures. By choosing the right marine refrigeration units for your vessel, you’ll avoid the hassle and stress that comes with having a freezer that doesn’t fit your needs.

To help you navigate the purchasing process, we asked Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky, “What should a boat owner, captain, or crew consider when looking for a new freezer for a boat or yacht?” Shuly responded:  

“When looking for a freezer for your boat, there are a couple of things to consider. The first consideration is what is it that you want to do with the freezer?

  • Do you have a particular length of trip you would like to take?
  • Will you need the capacity to store food for two weeks, two months, etc.?

Starting with what you will use the freezer for will help you choose the right product.  

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In addition to knowing what you will use the freezer for, you need to consider how much space do you have available and what’s available on the market to fit that space?

  • In general, you want to get the largest freezer you can fit because you can never have too much freezer space.
  • You also want to be sure the application you’re going to be using the freezer for is appropriate for the location you plan to put it (on your boat), the environment that it will be in, and how it is you plan to use it and access it.

Asking yourself and answering those questions before you go out into the market to do the research will help you find the information that you need to make an informed and educated decision so you will get the most out of the product you purchase.”

With over 45 years of experience helping owners, captains, and crews find the right freezer for their vessels, we can help you find the perfect unit for your boat — even if it isn’t one of ours. Call Frigibar today to get the help you need to find your next marine refrigeration system: (305) 757-7697 or email us at shuly77@gmail.com.

Also read: Marine Refrigeration Fit: How to Determine What Size Freezer or Refrigerator is Right for Your Boat or Yacht

7 Signs Your Boat Needs a New Freezer

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Imagine complete peace as you’re out in the middle of nowhere coasting along in your boat. It’s day three of a week-long trip, and you don’t plan on seeing land for another couple of days. You’re feeling a little hungry and head over to your freezer. You open the lid, and the usual feeling of cool air hitting your face is replaced by a surprising smell and a sinking feeling in your gut. You quickly realize that all of your food has defrosted, and you now have to decide if your food is still safe to eat, or if you need to throw out everything in your freezer.

Freezers play an important role in our water-based adventures. For the most part, they’re considered to be simple “plug and play” appliances that we can rest assured that they’ll be working tomorrow as well as they’re working today. But, as with any appliance — freezers need maintenance and sometimes need to be replaced.

Not every scenario like the one above comes without warning. By knowing what warning signs to look for, you can prevent having to cut a trip short or throwing away hundreds of dollars’ worth of food because your freezer needed to be replaced years ago.

Here are seven signs your boat needs a new freezer.

  • Items aren’t freezing quickly or staying frozen

Are those ice cubes taking a little bit longer to freeze than they should?

If things just aren’t freezing as quickly as they have in the past, this could be the beginning of the end for your freezer. After all, freezing things is kind of the point of a freezer, and if yours isn’t getting the job done, it’s time to have it repaired or look for a new one.

If items aren’t freezing quickly, you may also have items that are defrosting — making them unsafe to consume. If your food is not staying frozen, throw it out unless you know how long it has been unfrozen for.

Tip: Check your unit’s thermostat by using a thermometer to gauge if the actual temperature matches what your thermostat reads.

If you don’t have a thermostat for your freezer, checking the temperature inside your unit will help you to immediately know if the temperature is higher than it should be. An ideal temperature for your freezer is 0 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacteria growth and ensure your food is fully frozen, but anything below 32 degrees Fahrenheit should keep the items in your freezer frozen.

  • Ice buildup

A buildup of ice inside your freezer is a clear sign that air is getting into your unit. As warm air is coming in, your freezer has to work harder to remove the warm air. This causes a buildup of ice, which is usually near the opening or top of the freezer.

Tip: While your freezer is currently being overworked and can’t stay at this level of output forever, you may not need a brand new freezer. Air getting into your unit could stem from an old or broken seal, an improperly closing door or lid, or crack or hole in your unit.

  • It’s constantly overcrowded

Your freezer should accommodate your freezing needs. If your boat’s freezer is constantly overcrowded, you either need to clean out your old or unwanted food, or replace or add another freezer to your boat.

Tip: The Best Way to Organize Your Freezer

  • What’s that awful noise?

The noise from your freezer should not be keeping you up at night. If your unit is starting to sound more like your boat motor than a freezer, have it inspected or replace it. The problem could be something simple, but an uncharacteristic noise coming from any appliance should be addressed immediately.

  • Age

Age alone isn’t a good reason to replace your freezer, but older appliances are more likely to need repairs and to be replaced. Older units should be closely monitored and as warning signs appear (overheating, broken seals, defrosting unexpectedly), be repaired or replaced.

  • It’s poorly insulated

As your unit ages, the insulation that helps keep hot air out and cold air in can wear out or become wet. If your unit is poorly insulated, it will have to work harder to remove heat, and will break down and stop working sooner than expected.

  • It’s rusting

Rust is a very bad sign for a marine refrigeration system. Due to the conditions experienced out on the water, if already rusting, damage to your freezer and your boat can escalate quickly.

Tip: Rusting can cause stains on the deck of your boat. If you notice light brown stains on your deck or rust-colored water, you will want to replace your freezer before further damage is caused. Make sure you have a freezer that is made for the elements. If placing a unit on your deck, it should be rust-proof and made for outdoor use.

Have a question or looking for a new freezer for your boat? We’re here to answer your questions and help you navigate the buying process. Contact Frigibar at 305-757-7697 or shuly77@gmail.com. View our product catalog on Frigibar.com.

Why is a freezer an important appliance for your boat or yacht?

Who cares about a freezer? Well, we all should, but they are often not properly appreciated until a power outage or we don’t have enough freezer space for that long trip that we realize how important a freezer is.

Freezers save us money and keep our food safe.

When you’re out on the water, you don’t have easy access to a grocery store or restaurant. If all of your food spoils or you run out of food, your trip has to end whether you’re ready for it to or not. The right freezer with ample space can help extend your adventures and make sure your food is kept cold and fresh.

When asked why a boat or yacht owner should consider a Frigibar marine freezer system, Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky replied:

“Freezers are important appliances anywhere. If you want to keep anything frozen, you need a freezer!

If you’re considering whether or not it is important enough to take up space on your deck for a freezer, the considerations that you may go through are:

  • How much stuff do you want to bring with you?
  • How long of a trip would you like to take?
  • How many people do you need to feed for the duration of your trip or until your next provisioning location?
  • Do you want to entertain multiple guests, throw a party on your boat or you want to go fishing, and don’t want to deal with ice — a freezer is a great solution to make these desires possible and eliminate some of the hassles that come along with not having one.”

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Looking for the best freezer for your boat or yacht? Check out our product catalog: https://www.aquaair.com/products/. Have a question, contact a Frigibar representative today to get the answers you’re looking for. Call Frigbar at 305-757-7697, or email us at info@Frigibar.com.

Getting the Most Space Out of Your Yacht’s Deck with the Proper Freezer

Yachting is about leisure, sport, and style. Whether you spend your time on the water on an 85-foot Azimut Flybridge or a Hatteras Motor Yacht; making the most of your adventure relies on making the most of your available space – from your deck to food storage.

Using a small, under-cabinet freezer/refrigerator is an option, but a freezer made for an indoor utility room isn’t meant for the ocean. Freezers not designed for the marine environment often fail in the extreme temperatures experienced out on the water and can cause hideous rust stains on your deck.

As a marine refrigeration manufacturer, Frigibar knows that bench or chest freezers are rarely considered to bring a sense of design and style to your boat. Fortunately, your cold food storage unit doesn’t have to be an eyesore.

Frigibar freezers and refrigerators are built to complement the style of your yacht. All units can be custom-fitted with cushions to provide more seating options for guests.

Frigibars are designed specifically for your adventures on the water. They’re made with a durable, rust-free fiberglass body, and can last for decades. They withstand the hot tropical climate and “green sea” conditions out on the open ocean while maintaining zero degrees Fahrenheit.

When choosing your cold-storage options, remember that you don’t have to hide the freezer, just get a Frigibar. It will look great and operate properly, so you can focus on the best the boating lifestyle has to offer.

Contact Frigibar to see how our units can make life on the water even cooler.

Phone: (305) 757-7697

Fax: (305) 757-0250

Email: shuly77@gmail.com