There are many different types and sizes of boat refrigerators available for use aboard a vessel. Choosing a fridge for your small craft is an activity that can be done either on the cheap, or else on a much larger budget.
If your funds are limited, or you simply cannot justify expending a large sum of money on a boat refrigerator, then a cheap cooler can be an ideal solution for you. Products such as Coleman coolers can be purchased for as little as one hundred dollars – or even less for small models – and are very simple to use.
Cooling is provided simply by purchasing ice bags to keep the contents cold. Since will eventually melt, this is best for application where you only need cooling for a day or so. Most lake craft are used in this manner, so lakegoers will frequently find that coolers are a great budget option for them.
Ocean going craft frequently need longer duration cooling, and using an icebox for this can be problematic. In these cases a powered boat refrigerator may be more appropriate. A 12v marine fridge draws power from an on board set of batteries, and as long as the current is flowing will keep its contents fuel.
The chief difficulty with these devices is maintaining the power supply while on the water. Batteries will have to periodically be topped up, or else recharged, in order to keep a boat fridge functioning. One way to do this to run the boat’s engine – if it has one – occasionally to charge the battery. Another means of powering them is to install solar panels on board your boat which will ensure the batteries remain charged.
Regardless of what boat refrigeration solution you end up pursuing, the benefits of having cold storage on your vessel cannot be over exaggerated.