How long will the batteries last with just the fridge on?

[Skuza]

We are taking our boat to a canvas shop and leaving it in one of their wells for 2-3 days. I'm wondering if we should just take everything out of the fridge and shut it down or leave it run. I gotta think I would be fine leaving it overnight but don't think it would make it 2-3 days. Supposedly there is no shore power otherwise we would plug in. Our batteries are on their 4th season so that may be a factor also. Anyone have any experience?

 

[Converse48]

We experienced a 2 1/2 day power outage at the marina where the boat was this spring. The ice cream in the freezer was as good as the day we left.

Two caveats, however:
1) the boat was new, therefore so were the batteries
2) it was winter (OK, it was technically spring, but it was a snowstorm that knocked out the power) so the fridge didn't have to work as hard

Bottom line, I got away with it. I wouldn't do it on purpose.

Empty the fridge! :thumbsup:

 

[estebanj]

Battery size and quantity will be a factor.

Regardless, based on the information you provided, I would empty the fridge.

Esteban

 

[Hampton]

4th Season - empty the fridge - Take a medium - big cooler filled 1/3 with ice. Transfer to cooler. Leave in boat. Transfer back when done.

 

[Asureyez]

Shut down

Empty the fridge, and shut it down.

Save what contents you can and eat the rest!

 

[Skuza]

Alright looks like we're gonna have to cart home a package of Hot Pockets and some mustard and ketchup! :smt089 :lol: Just sucks because a fridge gets funky fast when its warm. I'll have to leave the door propped open.
So if I did ever spend the night on the hook I would be fine though! At least I have a rough idea now. :thumbsup:

 

[estebanj]

Yes, at anchor you should be able to run fridge, lights, stereo while at anchor. Just make sure batt switch is on 1 or 2, not both, so you always have a full batt to start the engine the next day.

Esteban

 

[comsnark]

Is the fridge under a 15 amp load?

Can you get a shore plug / 120V power adaptor? ($30-$60)? Then you could plug it an outlet at the shop.

 

[sr360aft]

We raft out about every weekend from April to October and run our 7+cuft norcold from Friday eve to Sunday eve (very limited 12 volt lights) on 2 deep cycle group 31 house batteries before recharge. Batteries are 2 season old Sam's club. The fridge draws about 3-4 amps when running and cycles maybe 30-40% while maintaining 34F in the fridge with an ambient of 90+ during the day to about 70 at night. We do run the genset about 15 minutes for the coffee maker in the am and 15 minutes before bed time to cool down so I guess with a 40 amp charger I'm putting in about 20 Amp/hrs in each day. My battery monitor never goes below 60%

 

[wkearney99]

Given the unbelievable stink bad food can make I'd vote for pulling everything out of it and shutting it off. The igloo max-cold 5-day coolers really do a pretty good job. Just don't bother with the 'marine' ones, they're just plain coolers in white plastic. If the food goes bad you'll spend more in cleaning products than the cost of a cooler and ice...

 

[Nehalennia II]

Does anyone know the model number of the "typical" SeaRay Norcold Fridge or do they vary. I was going to look up the model typical to a 2005 260DA.
I was curious if the SunSei Solar charges are enough to run one.

 

[Skuza]

Took the boat over tonight and they had shore power so no worries. I got to use the new "warranty" marinco cords too! :thumbsup: They seem to provide a little more juice than the old ones. Is this possible?? :smt017