How Does a Condensing Unit Work in a Marine Refrigeration System?

Freezers are made for different environments and purposes. In marine refrigeration, units have to be able to perform in a tropical climate, be environment resistant and even rustproof, and be crafted to meet the needs and preferences of the owner, captain, and crew. One of those needs is being able to freeze items solid at an extremely low temperature.

A condensing unit, along with a well-insulated box, thermostat, and properly functioning freezer, can accomplish temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

One of the questions I get when discussing our freezer/refrigerators is, “How does a condensing unit work?”

A function of a condenser is defined as; “In systems involving heat transfer, a condenser is a device or unit used to condense a substance from its gaseous to its liquid state, by cooling it.”

A condensing unit is comprised of all the components required for a refrigeration system to remove heat from the interior of the freezer or refrigerator by putting gas through a meter and into an evaporator. The gas is returned to the condenser which cools the gas, turning it back into a liquid before it is then returned to the compressor to start the process all over again.

Once the temperature inside the box reaches the programmed temperature of the thermostat, the unit stops, and when the temperature returns back above the programmed amount it turns the system back on again. This is the refrigeration system’s cycle.

To simplify, a condensing unit is the heart which makes your freezer or refrigerator work, keeping your food, drinks, or bait cold and fresh so you can enjoy your weekend outing or fishing trip.

Having manufactured handcrafted marine refrigeration systems over forty-five years, we take pride in having informed customers. To help captains, crews, and owners understand their systems better, we provide content on specific aspects of marine refrigeration. What would you like to know more about? Email us your questions at info@frigibar.com.

Why Your Boat’s Freezer Should Be Made of Fiberglass: Marine Refrigeration Tips from Frigibar

 

The material, similar to the overall quality, of the products and appliances on your boat can make an impact on your vessel. For example, if you’re using a traditional mini fridge or small freezer meant for a basement or garage, the unit is unlikely to function properly in the marine environment and may rust on your boat, leaving stains and breaking down.

Frigibar uses fiberglass for its marine refrigeration systems for several specific reasons in addition to the fact that it’s completely rustproof.

Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky said the following when asked why fiberglass is the best material for marine refrigeration products, including boat and yacht refrigerators and freezers:  

“Fiberglass is a fabulous material for anything in the marine environment, including freezers. In addition to looking spectacular, you have the flexibility to match gelcoat colors if you want your freezer to match your vessel. You can make sure it looks like it was designed to be part of your boat; a thoughtful design integration of an accessory that you don’t necessarily need to have built custom because it looks already looks like a custom addition to your boat.

In addition to that, fiberglass is very easy to maintain. You don’t need any additional special products other than what you’ve already bought to maintain your boat since your boat is fiberglass (for the most part).

If there’s ever any damage that occurs to your refrigerator or freezer, unlike stainless steel which is another good marine material but is hard to repair, fiberglass can be refinished just like the surface of your boat. You can have a 15-year-old product that can be refinished to look just like it did when it was brand new.”  

Get the best marine refrigeration system that was handcrafted for your boat — go with Frigibar! Call Frigibar today at (305) 757-7697 or email us at info@frigibar.com.

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

Freezing on a Boat: 9 Marine Refrigeration Articles Worth Reading

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 YouTubeHave an article you feel would be perfect to add to this list? Email info@frigibar.com.

Informa Exhibitions acquires three major US Yacht Shows from Active Interest Media

London, 2 March 2017: Informa’s Global Exhibitions division today announced the purchase of Yachting Promotions Inc. (“YPI”), the operator of some of the largest yachting and boat shows in the US, for $133 million. The acquisition brings three of the world’s largest in-water boat shows – the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Yachts Miami Beach and the Palm Beach International Boat Show – into the Informa Exhibitions portfolio along with the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show and Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which draws 100,000 attendees, 1,300 exhibitors and more than 1,200 boats each November, is the largest of its kind in the world and complements Informa Exhibition’s Monaco Yacht Show, the world’s leading event dedicated to the superyachting industry.

Charlie McCurdy, CEO, said, “With this acquisition Informa Exhibitions becomes the world’s leading yacht show organizer. Combining the world’s premiere show, based in Europe, with these five shows in North America creates a scale player in this attractive and growing vertical, further strengthening our relationship with leading yacht brokers and builders, providing good opportunities for cross promotion and extending customer relationships across platforms and geographies.”

McCurdy added, “With the addition of these Florida shows, and following the addition of Penton’s exhibitions portfolio in 2016, Informa Exhibitions is now Informa PLC’s largest division by revenue and profit. Acquisitions in key and growing verticals will continue to be part of our growth strategy going forward as we look for events that complement what we are doing within vertical markets we have identified as attractive.”

Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, Chairman of Active Interest Media, said, “We can think of no better company than Informa Exhibitions, with its global resources, to focus on the continued growth and success of these excellent boat shows while continuing to exceed the expectations of their exhibitors and attendees.”

Skip Zimbalist will advise Informa Exhibitions in the transition, and the rest of the YPI team will continue with the company as it moves forward.

McCurdy noted that Informa Exhibitions will continue YPI’s active role in the North American boating and maritime industry, including IFBSO, the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers; NACS, the National Association of Consumer Shows; Marine Industries Association of South Florida (Sponsor); Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (Sponsor); International Yacht Brokers Association (formerly Florida Yacht Brokers Association); NMMA, the National Marine Manufacturers Association; and Sail America.

About Informa’s Global Exhibitions Division

With over 200 trade and consumer exhibitions annually, Informa Exhibitions is a global market leader in such end markets as Beauty, Construction & Real Estate, Design, Life Sciences, Maritime, Health & Nutrition, Natural Products, Agriculture and Pop Culture. Through face to face and digital channels, our transaction-oriented exhibitions and trade shows enable communities to engage, experience and do business. In doing so, we bring together people who want to buy and sell, network, do business and gain inspiration. Our industry insight, coupled with our innovative and entrepreneurial approach, provides them with the opportunity to create business advantage and access markets.

Informa Exhibitions is a division of Informa PLC, a leading business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events business, creating unique content and connectivity for customers all over the world. Informa PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.