Can anyone tell me the rules on gas fridges onboard river cruisers as I have been offered a boat with a gas fridge and need to get a safety certificate for it but I have read that if the fridge is already fitted thats ok but a new fit is not allowed can you guys help with advice please?
I suspect it depends upon when it was fitted. The rules relate to fridges fitted many moons ago I think before the BSS was applied to fridges and gas so strictly. I do know that a gas fridge must be vented externally and "room sealed". Those with superior intellects will be along I'm sure!
If I recall correctly gas fridges are fine on diesel boats wether room sealed or not but only room sealed is allowed on petrol boats. I'd be looking to change it for a 12v compressor fridge as soon as practical as they are not very good, don't even think of using a gas fridge on 12v as it will eat the batteries. The fridge on Leo was completely unflued when we got it and passed bss ok.
Gas fridge OK on diesel boat.... does not require venting, but a good idea. Venting will not reduce CO, but will help the fridge run more efficiently and keep cabin temps down in summer. Big NO NO on a petrol boat.
There are some major issues surrounding fridges on new boats built to the European Recreational Craft Directive... that is not the issue here, but I suspect that is where the info has filtered across from. The main problem being that no manufacturer makes a room sealed fridge suitable for marine installation.
I have a 3 way fridge and it is great on gas... makes ice all day long for very little cost. Runs on 12V when at sea, but only when engines running! (which they tend to do when at sea!!) Can even run on 240 when in the marina.
I had a compressor fridge on the last boat and it was OK, but after 2 days moored up, it would have seriously dented the battery reserves. If you don't cruise every day you probably ought to think about a reasonable solar panel to offset the energy use. It also used to wake me up occasionally as the compressor stopped. - Not a loud noise, but enough. They also need reasonable air flow around the back to be efficient.
fridge on boat
Posted - 21 Oct 2014 : 14:06:44
