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Frigibar LLC

Letter From Shuly Oletzky: Frigibar is Back in Fort Lauderdale with New Ownership and Opportunities

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Late last year when I announced that Frigibar Industries Inc. would cease operations, I received an overwhelming amount of support from customers, partners, and friends. From letters thanking us for a cockpit freezer that is still working 30 years after it was delivered to brand partners calling to express their appreciation, every word meant the world to me.

47 years after my father, Sheldon Oletzky, started the brand that we are today, the closing of the business was bittersweet. I was proud of our accomplishments and the legacy we left behind, but disappointed that we no longer would serve the yacht owners, captains, and crews we know and love.

I am very pleased to announce that Frigibar is back in business with many exciting changes to announce and unveil over the next several months.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Frigibar, we build handcrafted, custom-built freezer/refrigerator units, fiberglass cockpit freezers, dock boxes, insulated fish boxes, ice chests, and more. Our products are available online at Frigibar.com and now, in a brand new showroom in Fort Lauderdale.

Frigibar was recently acquired by marine industry entrepreneur Seann Pavlik, who has been a loyal customer, supporter and friend of Frigibar for decades. Seann has built a reputation for providing boat owners with exceptional products through is companies; Misters Unlimited, Innovative Products, and IceFree. Frigibar has now joined his family of brands as Frigibar, LLC.

The Frigibar brand has always stood for quality and delivering exceptional value in customer service to boat owners, captains, and crews worldwide. Finding this fit with Seann and his family of companies is a dream come true for Frigibar. Frigibar is now located in Fort Lauderdale.

Our new headquarters and showroom is located at 1632 NE 12th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale, and the showroom will be available weekdays 10 AM – 4 PM and alternative times are available by appointment. Frigibar units, including cockpit freezers are currently on display and available for purchase.

Shuly Oletzky

I want to thank you all for your support over the years. I will remain a part of Frigibar and support the vision Seann has for the future. I am very much looking forward to new product lines and a lot of exciting changes that are on the horizon for the near future. We plan to resume our boat show schedule this year and will be announcing our participation for 2018 shows soon.

Please feel free to contact us at shuly77@gmail.com, call at 305-757-7697, and visit Frigibar.com for additional information.

Sincerely,

—  Shuly Oletzky, Frigibar, LLC

Freezing on a Boat: 9 Marine Refrigeration Articles Worth Reading

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Marine refrigeration is an important aspect of being able to enjoy time on your boat or yacht. When it comes time to take a trip or entertain on your vessel, the last thing you want to worry about is if your refrigerator will keep drinks cold or if your freezer will last the week you’ll be traveling.

Is your freezer up to the challenge of a long trip? Do you have the right unit for your adventures? Have you customized your refrigerator or freezer to better serve your needs? We’ve compiled our recent articles on marine refrigeration and the best content from our friends in the industry to help answer these questions and others.

Why Is a Freezer an Important Appliance for Your Boat or Yacht?

Fiberglass Freezer

Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky answers the question “Why is a freezer an important appliance for your boat or yacht?”

“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…”

Read the article and listen to the audio here!

15 Easy Steps to Defrost a Boat Freezer in Paradise

In 15 steps, with step #15 being “Make a gin and tonic with the bag of partially thawed ice cubes. Waste not want not,” this fun step-by-step guide covers how to painlessly defrost a freezer while out on the water. It also details the author’s previously daunting process of defrosting their marine refrigeration unit.

Read the full article here!

8 Ways a Boat Freezer Can Be Customized: Yacht Marine Refrigeration Customization

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Booth Frigibar

Not all freezers are created equal, nor do they all have to look the same. There are various ways you can customize your boat’s freezer, from mounting options to finishes to other bells and whistles (not literally).

Read the full article here!

Troubleshooting Marine Refrigeration

While we always recommend you work with a refrigeration technician to be safe and to avoid causing damage to your unit, this guide published by YachtWork.com covers ways to troubleshoot marine air and marine refrigeration.

Read the full article here!

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

One of the hardest parts of finding the right freezer for your boat or yacht is determining the size of the unit you can fit in the space you have available. Frigibar, with help from President Shuly Oletzky, created the Marine Refrigeration Fit guide to help you navigate fitting the best freezer for your boat or yacht on it.

Read the full article here!

Trip Necessities: 5 Things to Keep in Your Boat’s Freezer on a Long Trip

Boat SHow Picture

Planning for a long trip or just curious as to what you should have in your boat’s freezer if you decide to stay out on the water a few days longer? Here are five things you should keep in your freezer during those long adventures.

Read the full article here!

Taking Care of Your Marine Refrigeration Systems

Frigibar Freezer

Frigibar Captain Freezer

Maintenance of your marine refrigeration systems, just like your boat, is important to maintain its appearance and proper function. Published by our friends at Yachting-Pages.com, here’s a guide along with quick tips for crews on how to perform maintenance on your marine refrigeration systems.

Read the full article here!

When Power Goes Out: Refrigerator and Freezer Food Safety Tips for Boating Trips

Having access to power on our boats is something we often take for granted. But what about when power isn’t available and you have food items in your freezer and refrigerator? Check out these tips on how to safely go about saving and consuming your food items when power’s not available.

Read the full article here!

How Dual Control for Refrigerators and Freezers Works

Not every freezer is just a freezer. Thanks to “Dual Control,” some marine refrigeration units can be utilized as either a freezer or refrigerator. Here’s how it works:

Read the full article here!

Looking for more? Check out the Boat Freezers and Marine Refrigeration Playlist on YouTube. Have an article you feel would be perfect to add to this list? Email shuly77@gmail.com.

Why Bench-Style Freezers are the Best Marine Refrigeration Systems for Your Boat or Yacht

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When seeking a refrigerator or freezer for your boat or yacht, there is no shortage of types of refrigeration systems. From a portable plug-in to a custom-built walk-in freezer, depending on the size of your boat, there are dozens of varieties of refrigeration systems to choose from. But not all freezers are made the same, and not all types of freezers are best suited for your boat.

The bench-style freezer is a favorite among boaters, captains, and crews for many reasons, but when it comes down to it — they’re simply the best choice for your boat for several reasons.

Superior Design for Keeping Items Cold

Ever wonder why your attic is much hotter than your basement even if your HVAC system is working properly? It’s because hot air rises and cold air drops. When you open a bench-style freezer, the cold air will take longer to escape since there is no large opening for the cold air to “fall out” of the unit. This means your unit will not have to work as hard to remove additional hot air when the box is opened for you to take something out and your freezer will function more efficiently overall because of this design.

Seating Option

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Since you’re dealing with a limited amount of space on your boat or yacht, maximizing every inch of it is important. Standing a couple of feet high, bench-style freezers are of similar height to the average seating on a boat and are long enough to fit several people. They can also be fitted with custom, removable cushions, making them a comfortable and stylish seating option as well.

Ease of Use

Bench-style freezers are easier to pack a large amount of food or other items into due to the top-opening construction. Stacking things vertically can be a challenge. You may also worry if your items will topple over and out of your freezer the minute you open it, as things tend to shift while underway. It’s easier to stack and pack from an aerial position from the bottom up through the top opening of your freezer. And rest assured, when you open the unit to take something out, it will be right where you left it.

More Storage for the Space

With these short and convenient units, you’re only limited on the amount of available freezer space based on the size of your deck. Many boat owners use multiple bench-style freezers, and due to their size, they don’t obstruct views or prevent you from achieving the look and feel you want on your boat.

Versatility

Bench-style units, if created with Dual Control, can be used as a refrigerator, freezer or cooler in an emergency situation where power is not available. Being able to utilize the unit as a refrigerator or freezer with Dual Control gives you additional flexibility when hosting guests or to make the most out of the type of trip you’re taking. For example, if you’re going on a several hour fishing trip, you may want to keep bait refrigerated and not frozen, but on a several day excursion, you may need to keep food frozen to use in the late stages of your voyage.

Frigibar specializes in manufacturing the best American-made, luxury handcrafted fiberglass freezers available on the market, including bench-style freezers. View the Frigibar product catalog to learn more about how our freezers can improve the quality of your boating adventures.

How Dual Control for Refrigerators and Freezers Works

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When you think of versatile products for your boat or yacht, rarely do you think of a freezer. Its primary purpose is simple — keep food frozen at a safe temperature, but it’s an important appliance and can serve additional purposes. Just as not all freezers are of the same quality, not all freezers are solely one-function appliances.

Among the customization options Frigibar offers on our cockpit freezers is “dual control.” Dual control allows a freezer to serve as either a refrigerator or a freezer. This option enables the boat owner and crew to utilize the unit as a refrigerator for short trips to keep drinks or bait cold, and use as a freezer for longer voyages to store food safely for weeks.

How Dual Control Works

Freezers and refrigerators have different temperature ranges. Most refrigerators keep food cold at temperatures from 34 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit, while freezer temperatures can range from 32 to as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit and beyond.

The condensing unit, which acts as the brain of your refrigerator/freezer, is controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat, like the one used in your home, can be set to keep a consistent temperature. If using the refrigeration box as a refrigerator, the temperature should be kept above freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit). Depending on the quality of the box (insulation, quality of the seal, etc.) and what you are trying to keep frozen, the temperature should be kept well below freezing if using as a freezer. Often, 0 degrees Fahrenheit or just below is desired.

Getting a Dual Control Refrigerator/Freezer For Your Boat

ensign-open-mibs-2012Frigibar’s cockpit units come standard as a freezer. When ordered, you can choose to have the unit built as just a refrigerator or select our dual control option, allowing you to make your unit the temperature you need when you need it. This option makes the entire unit either a freezer or refrigerator depending on the dial selected, however, the units can’t run as a freezer and refrigerator simultaneously.

Interested in a dual control freezer/refrigerator for your boat or yacht? For more, call us at 305-757-7697 or view Frigibar’s product catalog.

 

 

Meet with Frigibar at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show #FLIBS2015

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The 56th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is just a couple of short weeks away! The five-day show will start on November 5th and go through November 9th.

Over 1,000 exhibitors will be on hand, and over 1,500 boats will be on display for the largest in-water boat show in the world, and since Uber is back in Broward County, transportation from location to location will be quick and easy. Asked about the variety of boats and other products on display at the show, Danny Grant of Pierson Grant PR said, “It’s got everything from stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to some of the largest yachts in the world all at one show.”  Visit the official FLIBS  website at ShowManagement.com to get a feel for the seven locations of the show and to plan based on what areas of the show you care about. Don’t miss this show!

Schedule Ahead to Meet with Frigibar

Frigibar will be exhibiting at the show and still has available time slots open to meet with you one-on-one during the show. Schedule a time to meet with Frigibar during the show by emailing us at shuly77@gmail.com or calling us at 305-757-7697. Whether you’re considering a marine refrigerator or freezer for your boat or just want to say hi to Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky, feel free to stop on by booth 541. View the full list of 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show exhibitors.

My Boat Show App

The My Boat Show App is the official event app for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and will help you navigate this large show to help you find and get to where you want to go. The app is free and available for both iOS and Android devices. Download here.

Tickets are available for purchase online, so avoid waiting in line on November 5 and consider purchasing now. Follow Frigibar on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to join in on the fun and get live updates from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. #FLIBS2015

2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: What To Expect

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Few events are as unique and exciting as Fort Lauderdale’s International Boat Show. With over three million square feet of exhibit space, ground and water transportation options, and six marinas and a convention center, this show is the largest in-water boat show in the world. Entering its 56th year, the 2015 show will be unlike any other, and Frigibar is looking forward to being a part of the show as an exhibitor.

While most boat shows focus on one segment of the boating industry, the Fort Lauderdale show has it all. “It’s got everything from stand-up paddle boards and kayaks to some of the largest yachts in the world all at one show,” said Danny Grant of Pierson Grant PR. Danny says the show is where the “entire boating industry comes to do business,” and referred to it as the industry’s “Super Bowl.”

Show organizers have partnered with Starmark International, a creative marketing company, who will help create new digital branding efforts and give the show a fresh new look.

The show attracts more than 1,000 exhibitors. As an exhibitor, Frigibar has been a part of the event for over 40 years. “Exhibitors make the show. Without them, there is no boat show,” Danny stated. Event organizers go out of their way to make it an amazing and exciting event for exhibitors and attendees. Over 1,500 boats will be on display, and 100,000 people will attend the event, which will be held November 5-9. Asked why people should attend, Danny Grant said, “It’s fun to people watch, walk the docks, come with friends, enjoy a drink and see what’s new.”

Advice for Attendees

Those looking to be a part of the festivities should purchase tickets early to receive a discount and reserve a hotel room as soon as possible. Hotels near the show fill up months in advance.

Danny recommends attendees visit the show website at ShowManagement.com to get a feel for the seven locations of the show and to plan based on what areas of the show they would like to see the most. “If you’re coming for a certain thing, make sure you know how to get there.”

Make sure to stop by the Frigibar exhibit space at booth 541. We hope to see you there! Follow us @Frigibar on Twitter and Frigibar on Facebook to keep up to date with news and events.

Uber Back in Broward!

After not being available in the area since July 31st of 2015, Uber is coming back to Broward County. In an email sent on October 14th, Uber stated:

“We have always prioritized riders’ and driver-partners’ safety with rigorous background checks, a $1 million insurance policy, and accountability and transparency built into the Uber app. We are proud to have provided over one million safe rides here in Broward, and we look forward to providing millions more.

Thanks to Commissioners Bogen, Furr, Kiar, LaMarca, Ritter and Mayor Ryan for creating a modern regulatory framework that enables us to once again operate in Broward County.

We couldn’t be more excited to call Broward home again – and to get back to providing you with safe, reliable transportation at the touch of a button.”

Uber returning to Broward County is great news for attendees of the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and will help attendees and exhibitors get to and from each of the events on-site locations.

Looking for the Best for Your Yacht, Go to the Experts: Whiticar Boat Works

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As boat and yacht owners, we take pride in our investments. Every decision we make either improves our experience and style, or takes away from it.

When it’s time for a repair, new accessory, or appliance, you don’t go to a back alley or any old pawn shop. When only the best will do, consulting with a trusted source and expert is the best decision to make.

Based out of Stuart, Florida, Whiticar Boat Works has been in the boat business for over 70 years, and is known for providing only the best in boating and yachting. With an average of 28 years of experience among their talented staff, they provide the most dedicated and versatile services with what they like to call “white glove treatment.”

WHiticar boats

As the exclusive Frigibar dealer in Martin County, Whiticar welcomes their customers to touch and feel what Frigibar has to offer at their facility, along with guiding customers to make the best possible decisions when it comes to their adventures on the water. Asked why they carry Frigibar products, a Whiticar representative stated, “We as a group feel their quality and long-standing market presence are the main reasons we recommend them and are proud to represent their product. We also appreciate the fact that they are “locally” made and customizable!

Frigibar freezers, the best in marine refrigeration, along with other products, services, and repairs, can be purchased directly from the experts at Whiticar Boat Works, or other authorized dealers. Contact Whiticar Boat Works at 772-287-2883, or visit Whiticar.com.