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Frigibar Publishes The Ultimate Boat Show Guide for Attendees

Boat shows are a wonderful celebration of the maritime industry, and they bring together thousands of people and products who share a love of boating and water-related hobbies. In our more than forty-five years as a company, Frigibar has exhibited at dozens of boat shows around the world, including the Miami International Boat Show every year. We’ve met thousands of amazing people and have been able to share our handcrafted marine refrigeration units with boat owners, captains, and crews.

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To help other boating enthusiasts, business owners, and families looking for a good time get the most out of their next trip to a boat show, we created The Ultimate Boat Show Guide for Attendees. View the free guide here!

Business Leadership Series Podcast Features Frigibar’s Shuly Oletzky

Our paths as entrepreneurs, just like our businesses, our unique. While these routes can’t be replicated, there are valuable lessons to learn from the failures, successes, and words of advice from others.

Derek Champagne, CEO of The Artist Evolution and the host of the Business Leadership Series Podcast recently interviewed Frigibar President and SuccessionProof Founder Shuly Oletzky. The podcast focuses on inspiring their audience of entrepreneurs and leaders to be “the best leader (they) can be.”

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In the episode, the two discussed Shuly’s unexpected ownership of the family business (Frigibar Industries, Inc.), relating to customers, succession planning, work-life balance, and more during the 41-minute conversation.

Shuly succeeded her father as the President of Frigibar Industries after Sheldon Oletzky fell ill. With no plan in place or previous discussion of who would take over the business, Shuly left her career in real estate. Five years later, Shuly is the President of Frigibar and sharing her story with others, but there were many hurdles to overcome and help needed along the way.

The biggest piece of help came from her employees, whom she consulted with before deciding to take over the business. “It was an amazing teamwork exercise and experience,” Shuly said. While she gained experience and a stronger connection with her employees from the ordeal, she lost important time that could’ve been spent with her father, began her role at the bottom of a steep learning curve, and the uncertainty and stress of the situation took a toll on the family and employees.

Earlier this year, Shuly applied to share her succession story with the Small Giants Community at their Summit in Denver. “From the speech came the term succession proof, and I went from there,” Shuly, who created SuccessionProof to help other businesses and entrepreneurs avoid succession planning nightmares. Shuly shared the four-step plan, which includes having the conversation, making a plan, teaching and fostering, and being nice. Curious as to why being nice is an important aspect of a succession plan; Derek asked Shuly to elaborate. “My dad was a very well-liked and well-loved person….The connection they had with him transfers into the beginning of their relationship with me. If that’s negative to start with, you’ve got a tough mountain to climb,” explained Shuly.

shuly-quoteThe importance Shuly places on being nice and helping others translates into her philosophy on customer service. “You don’t sell stuff — you create friendships and relationships, and people buy stuff from you,” said Shuly.

“I’m very, very passionate about customer service. I am just as happy to help somebody find the right product even when it’s not ours, because that’s still an experience they have with our company,” said Shuly, who loves the friendly nature of the marine industry. “It’s very social — people in the industry are there because they’re having fun and this makes them happy. It’s fun to be around happy people,” she continued.

The interview concluded with a conversation about content marketing, which Shuly has utilized to her advantage to raise awareness of the handcrafted marine refrigeration products Frigibar manufactures in the U.S. “You have to market. If you don’t market, no one knows you exist,” said Shuly.

Don’t stop here! Read more and listen to the full interview here on TheArtistRevolution.com. Want to hear more from Shuly? Read her work on the Huffington Post business blog.

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 info@frigibar.com.

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

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

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We all take pride in our tools and toys. Our vessels can be both.

Making them uniquely our own is part of the joy of owning them. Just as your boat is unique and customized to your liking and style, your appliances can also be tailored to your wants and needs. Your vessel’s refrigeration is not likely to be your first thought when it comes to parts of your boat that can be customized, but there are many available options and reasons to have your refrigerator or freezer customized.

At Frigibar, our marine refrigeration options are designed to be as versatile as they are dependable and stylish. Regardless of the manufacturer you decide to work with when purchasing a freezer or refrigerator for your vessel, here are eight ways you may be able to customize your unit.

1.  Sizing

Space on your boat is limited. To fit in confined spaces, marine refrigerators and freezers can be crafted to fit in nearly any space you have available, whether on the deck, in the cockpit, or underneath a cabinet.

If you need help determining the size of the unit you can fit on your boat, read “Marine Refrigeration Fit: How to Determine What Size Freezer or Refrigerator is Right for Your Boat or Yacht.Contact Frigibar and we can help you determine what’s the best fit for your boat and what customization options you should consider.

2.  Dual Control

Dual control is one of the most valuable customization options available. With dual control, you can utilize your unit as either a refrigerator or freezer, allowing you to keep your bait cold for a day-long fishing trip or your food safely frozen for a week long adventure.

Learn About Dual Control: How Dual Control for Refrigerators and Freezers Works

3.  Seating

Bench-style freezers make great seating options and are easily fitted with a cushion. Frigibar uses mildew-resistant 3-inch thick Snap-On marine cushions. They can be custom-designed and come in many different colors. They not only help you have additional seating, seat cushions can add to the look and feel of your boat.

4.  Colors and Finishes

No freezer or refrigerator should stick out like a sore thumb. Depending on the manufacturer and what you’re looking for, you can have a unit customized with a color that compliments your style and current design. At Frigibar, we offer custom gel coat colors and faux wood as customization options.

5. Alarms

Freezer alarms aren’t meant to tell you when someone is stealing your pint of ice cream, but to protect your entire freezer of food from spoiling. Defrost warning alarms work to give an audible indication when the freezer is failing, giving you the opportunity to save the contents. This is particularly helpful in marinas when no one may be on the boat.

6.  Mounting

Mounting options can set the look of your freezer or refrigerator apart from anyone else’s, and will make your unit easier to move. There are multiple options available in many different styles, materials and finishes. These mounting systems can help fasten a freezer to a boat’s deck and allow for quick release when needed to be moved. Custom mounts can also be fabricated to match the deck of a vessel.

7.  Motor Orientation

Some manufacturers give you the option for the orientation of the motor on the freezer/refrigerator unit. Say you want to have one unit on the starboard bow and the other on the port bow. Flipping the orientation of the motor on one of the units will ensure that the motor is not facing oncoming sea spray, and also make the units look uniform on the deck.

8.  Manufacturer-Specific Customizations

Each manufacturer offers something different. Even if a manufacturer doesn’t list the options you want, contact them to discuss. If wanting to explore Frigibar’s customization options, please call us at 305-757-7697 or email us at info@Frigibar.com.

 

 

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 info@frigibar.com. View our product catalog on Frigibar.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.

The Ultimate Boat Show Attendee Checklist

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What do you want to get out of the next boat show you attend?

Each year, boat shows around the world bring millions of people together to celebrate their love of boating, fishing, life out on the water, and more. Each show offers unique opportunities for attendees, and show visitors are there for a wide variety of reasons, from looking for a new boat to wanting to attend seminars on bass fishing.

With so much going on at each show, planning ahead can prove to be the difference between going home happy and empty handed.

For the full extent of our 45 years in business, Frigibar Industries, Inc. has been an exhibitor at many boat shows, including Miami International Boat Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Newport International Boat Show, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, METSTRADE, Refit International Exhibition and & Conference and many others.

We work with boat owners, captains, and others when it comes to finding the best fit for their marine refrigeration needs, but it doesn’t stop there. We also look for opportunities to help boat show attendees find what they need, whatever that may be. To help you get the most out of the next boat show you plan on attending, we created the Ultimate Boat Show Attendee Checklist. To download, click the link below and fill out before going to your next boat show.

Download the Ultimate Boat Show Attendee Checklist

 

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.frigibar.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.

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

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We’ve all been on vacations where something doesn’t go as planned. It’s almost part of the experience — the realization that exciting things, either for better or worse, are bound to happen. When out on the water for days or weeks at a time, there’s nothing fun about something going wrong.

Whether for comfort or survival, there are several things you should always keep in your boat’s freezer when taking a long trip. Here are five items to not leave your dock or marina without.

Ice Packs

The most obvious item you should always keep in your vessel’s freezer is an ice pack (or several). Ice packs are the duct tape of the frozen world — they can be used for nearly anything. From icing a bump on your head to cooling down something that’s overheated to adding extra depth to your freezer to keep it cold in case power goes out, ice packs are a must.

Extra Tip: Consider bringing along a couple of different sizes of ice packs, especially if you have achy joints. Like Band-Aids, different sizes of ice packs can be useful when icing different body parts and items.

Bread

Bread can keep for weeks in a freezer. It can be toasted in a few seconds to make toast, or thawed out for sandwiches. If the power goes out on your boat or you end up getting lost, bread kept in a freezer will remain safe to eat longer than nearly any other non-canned food.

Extra Tip: Use sliced bread rather than whole loaves to allow for easy cutting and defrosting.

Frozen Fruit

Slip in a drink, make a smoothie, nibble on as a snack, or use as your source of needed vitamins, fruits frozen safely are always good to have on hand. Frozen fruit can last in a freezer 6-9 months. If preparing your own fruit to freeze instead of purchasing pre-packed frozen fruit, make sure to do it properly (here’s how!).

Extra Tip: Make sure to give your fruit enough time to freeze properly before spoiling. Also, keep in mind that fruits will lose nutrients when frozen, so if using solely for nutrition, it is best to keep them fresh, not frozen.

Proteins

Proteins have a stabilizing effect on blood sugar. Being cranky because of low blood sugar is only going to make a bad situation worse, and can turn a great trip into a frustrating one.

Whatever your favorite proteins are: cheeses, meats, nuts, or other, their benefits will keep you energized and your immune system protected. Make sure to store more than enough for your trip in the case that it runs longer than expected.

Extra Tip: Bring along at least some proteins that are pre-cooked or do not need a heat source in order to be consumed.

Bottles of Water

A weathered and hot plastic bottle of water when you’re thirsty isn’t an attractive option. Frozen bottles of water can serve as emergency ice packs and will also still be safe to drink once the ice melts, giving you something cold to drink and keeping at least a portion of your bottles of water out of the heat and away from the sun.

Extra Tip: Always keep bottles of water that are not stored in the freezer in a safe and cool location.

Since many of these are about survival, also make sure to bring things like trail mix, beef jerky and protein bars, which will keep for weeks and have the protein your body needs. For more on the best foods to stock for survival, check out Best Foods to Stockpile for an Emergency.

Tips for Buying a Frigibar Marine Refrigeration System or Freezer

ensign-open-mibs-2012For over forty years, Frigibar, based out of Miami, has manufactured the best in marine refrigeration to become beloved fixtures of boats and yachts traveling around the world. While we don’t have a retail storefront, we make it easy to get your hands on a Frigibar.

Frigibar freezer and refrigerator systems are available through Frigibar directly or one of our authorized retail partners and distributors, who can offer the same great price and quality you’ll get directly from us. Each freezer with the Frigibar logo will be of the highest quality, rust-free fiberglass construction, and handcrafted in Miami, Florida.

When considering purchasing a quality Frigibar marine refrigeration system, here are several tips to make the process as enjoyable and easy as possible:

  • Experience the Difference

Seeing and feeling a Frigibar in person is a great way to understand why they’re unique and trusted by captains and crews everywhere.

Frigibar exhibits at boat shows around the world, primarily in Florida, to meet with customers, captains, crews, boating enthusiasts and others and to display our units. In 2015-2016, Frigibar exhibited at the Miami International Boat Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Refit International, METSTRADE, the Stuart Boat Show, the Bay Bridge Boat Show in Annapolis, MD, the New England Boat Show in Boston, MA, and the Newport International Boat Show.

We’d love to meet you and have you experience a Frigibar in person. Follow the Frigibar Blog to see what events we will be exhibiting at.

  • Visit a Frigibar Partner

Frigibar works with partners around the world. These partners allow us to showcase our products for customers at local and international boat shows, retail locations, captain’s lounges and more. Partners include SailorSams, Whiticar Boat Works, Yacht Equipment and Parts and Ultra Marine.

To see if there is a Frigibar partner in your area or an available unit to view or purchase, please contact us today.

In addition, while they may not have Frigibar units on display, your boat builder, refit yard, chandlery, project manager, or marine refrigeration service provider is also available to assist you in purchasing your unit.

  • Know Your Size and Style

Depending on the size of the space you have available on your boat and your style preferences, Frigibar manufactures 15 sizes in two different categories that all offer something unique. We have both chest and bench style freezers with varying dimensions and storage capacity.

To determine the size of the space you have available, view our Marine Refrigeration Fit Guide. View Frigibar’s full online product catalog here.

  • Custom Builds

You have an unlimited number of options when working with Frigibar. If you prefer something truly one-of-a-kind or your available space does not work with one of our best-selling freezers, we can custom build a unit just for your boat. Contact us for specifics.

  • Explore Custom Options

Custom builds aren’t the only way to both have the best marine freezer on your boat and have something no one else has. We have many custom options available to make your Frigibar your own.

Custom options include ‘Dual Control’ option (use as a freezer or refrigerator), 3-inch and 1-1/2” thick Snap-On marine cushions to allow your freezer to double as a seating option, custom gel coat colors, condensing unit orientation, and more. If you have a specific want or need that isn’t listed, please contact us.

  • Planning Your Order

While we keep some of our most popular sizes in stock, keep in mind that due to our many customization options, many units are built to order. Please allow enough time to order your Frigibar for that important trip or boat delivery. Contact Frigibar or one of our marine partners to find out current availability and time-frame for the unit you are interested in.

  • Call and Ask

We pride ourselves on truly looking out for your best interests, even if that means recommending a competitor’s solution. If you have a “go-to” person or company that handles all your vessel’s needs, we will be happy to help them assist you with your purchase. Read more about our approach to customer service here.

Please call us today for more information and to ask us any and all questions you may have: 305-757-7697.

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