What people are saying:

 

about Frigoboat refrigeration 

I am so happy with your [4-pin] controller I could jump up and down scream and holler! I have a Danfoss 12v unit in my Bristol Bay 32' Salmon Gillnetter built in freezer fridge unit this solution was better than trying to redo the freezer box area thank you for your product Danfoss told me there was no controller to be found they were wrong!
- John U., Kodiak, AK

Both you and the product gets 5 stars.
     First, ordering on line was easy and straight forward. I appreciated the follow-up call on the credit card, as our billing and shipping address isn’t match. Can’t be too careful these days, and it was nice to have a company that verifies. The product shipped promptly and arrived as promised.
     The Merlin II speed controller works great and really provided energy savings better than what we expected. The controller helped bring down some temperature swings we were experiencing with the manual controller, and cut down on our energy usage.
- Karl K, San Pedro, CA

I can't say enough of how happy we are with our frigaboat freezer and fridge system on our Hylas 56.
- Ray K., USA

Thank you for a very clear and useful explanation of the steps I needed to fix my refrigerator. I was able to make the changes you suggested and my refrigerator is working perfectly now.
- George, Oriental, NC

I have a 6 year old Frigoboat Keel cooler. It stopped working. Your techs suggested a simple, no-cost solution. I got the temp down to 42F where it is hovering! You saved me!
- Michael B., NZ

That video (https://youtu.be/U_cA_Bu9EB0) on the frostline method of checking refrigerant level is excellent. I really learned something that I can put to use immediately. Thanks!
- Tom F, VA

Just wanted to give you guys a big thank you. I called a couple of time to get trouble shooting help for my Fridgaboat refrigerator and you were super supportive. I was able to determine it was a refrigerant issue and get a proper technician on board to solve the problem and the fridge is working great.
- Bob B, OH

My Frigoboat system has been running for about 3 days continuously now, and I am soon going to leave on the start of my long (2-3 years) cruise. I was pretty impressed that the system was able to cool the box from a starting temp of 82F down to 40F in about 3 1/2 hours. And it is so quiet! I've not yet set up an ammeter, but from the SOC meter on my house batteries the current draw in pulling that down was quite acceptable.
- Brian L., USA

I have a keel-cooled Frigoboat refrigeration system aboard my S/V. Your online tutorials have helped me troubleshoot issues with my unit. Thank you.
- Anton D., SC

Just so you know I finally launched my boat today, so was finally able to turn on the new FrigoBoat. And the unit is SO quiet! Other than some slight bubbling sounds when I first turned it on no sounds at all. I inspected the compressor while it was running and everything looks fine there. The temperature readout on the Guardian was headed down from it’s starting point of 85F. So THANK YOU!
- Brian L., NY

I replaced my 14 year old air cooled Frigoboat equipment 2 months ago with a Frigoboat keel cooled unit and I love it. What a great product.
- Richard B., NY

I really like your flow charts (takes me back to when I had to write tech manuals :). And the videos are really good too [in the Refrigeration>Troubleshooting section on your web page].
- John S., S/V Noel's Delight

I removed our Grunert cold plate system, it was a horrible energy hog, required genset operation to run, and ultimately developed an internal leak in the cold plate. It's archaic technology that was developed when all refrigeration required lots of horsepower. Today's equipment is technologically superior in so many ways. 
I replaced my Grunert with a Frigoboat keel cooled evaporator and rebuilt the freezer box with vacuum insulated panels, it works 100% better. And I freed up a tremendous amount of real estate by ditching the Grunert.
- Steve S, Selene 4303, trawlerforum.com

I installed a Frigoboat [keel cooler] unit with the larger size freezer box/ evaporator. The transfer of heat into water is incredibly more efficient than with a radiator and fan. The coolant flows from compressor through the through-hull device [keel cooler] with no secondary fans or seawater pumps required. Silent and saves at least 1-2 amps every hour!
We cruise in Mexico in 75-85 degree water and fridge and small freezer box are never challenged. My box is well insulated and small (4 cubic feet including the evaporator/ freezer compartment). Because our lettuce was freezing with a proper thermostat setting for the freezer, I glued several thin pieces of styrofoam to the bottom of the freezer and now both compartments at perfect temperatures.
- cal20dennis, cruisersforum.com, sailing in Mexico

My Frigoboat system stopped working and my immediate guess was that I had a locked compressor. I called Coastal Climate Control and spoke with both Gretchen and Maureen. They were both very helpful in helping me diagnose the issue and the subsequent need to replace only the controller, which I did myself. The unit started working immediately and I was able to save a fair amount of money. Thank you both for being so friendly and helpful on the phone.
- David B.

We upgraded Zia’s refrigeration and installed a 12-volt dual Frigoboat system with keel coolers. It is another “set it and forget it” system that is penurious with power and nearly silent as well. We can serve ice in our drinks and keep the fish that we catch frozen rock solid.
- Joe B., 51-foot Switch catamaran

Thanks tons Rob for going the extra mile, I can not tell you how pleasant it is dealing with your company. I have recommended and installed about 6 of these [Frigoboat] units in friend’s boats...all because of the product and of course your great service. Keep it up!
- Lynn & Ian s/v Windward

While we were on the hard in Astoria, Oregon we installed two independent Frigoboat keel-cooled systems - one for the fridge (7 cubic feet), one for the freezer (5 cubic feet.) Yes, 12 cubic feet in total. Both of our Frigoboat systems are the same size and use the same components except for the thermostats, which are different. They are "plug and play" and didn't require any additional Freon charging. The lines supplied were plenty long enough to reach from icebox to compressors. The compressors are really small and don't add hardly any heat to the lazarette.
- Anonymous, but happy sailor

I am amazed how well they keep food cold/frozen and how little power they use. Our boat has four 110 watt Kyocera solar panels. We are able to be completely off the grid for days and still make 4 large trays of cocktail ice daily and keep the freezer full, which makes provisioning meat, produce, and dairy less stressful between long legs of the journey.
- Cruisers Forum: Sailor647, Norseman 400

I have a Frigoboat air cooled refrigeration system that cools a 9 cu ft box that holds a 1.5 cu ft freezer section. Love it.
- Skipmac, Pearson 422, on Cruisers Forum

 

about Vitrifrigo refrigeration

We cruised around the US in an old VW Vanagon for 6 months before we moved to the boat. During my research for a fridge, Vitrifrigo was by far the better product than Isotherm/Dometic. We ended up installing a small unit in our van and it worked flawlessly and even stayed cold enough to keep ice cream.
- Jason, sv Mimzy, USA

Just did the whole replace of failed Norcold fridge ... mine was a DE461. Selected Vitrifrigo DP2600 and wow is it much quieter than Norcold.
- FormulaJoe, Formulaboatsforum.com

[My] truck fridge setup runs 24/7, thanks to a 100 W solar panel on the roof that charges a 100 amp-hour AGM battery via a Victron 75/15 MPPT controller. This is all completely independent of the vehicle's 12 V system.
     I keep the refrigerator at 34° F. Despite the fridge running around the clock, the battery never gets below 12.4 V (about 80%) overnight and hits 100% almost every day, so I expect it'll have a long, healthy life.
     I was impressed enough with the 12 V compressor fridges I installed in my vehicles that I just finished replacing my rig's Dometic 3762 propane fridge with a Vitrifrigo DP-150 12 V compressor fridge. It's 20% smaller in capacity, but that's no problem for me... and in addition to doing a great job of cooling, it means my propane usage is way down. Instead, all my food is kept cool by sunshine! :-)
- Paprika, Airstream 27' International, Air Forum

Purchased Vitrifrigo DP2600 at boat show, love it, love it, love it! So nice to be able to have a container of ice cream on board.
- Nancy R, Pennsylvania

The time to replace my never cold fridge has come as expected. After reading numerous reviews will be going with the Vitrifrigo DP 2600 stainless. Was a choice to spend $1300 on a pos or spend the $1800 to get a great product.
- Dino (SeaRay Forum 5/4/17), 2002 380 Searay Sundancer

I also installed the Vitrifrigo (undercounter refrigerator). Easily made it down through the cabin door and nice fit, with flange kit. Fridge is awesome; good quality fit and finish. Outside dimensions are smaller than original ref., but interior room is more. It is super quiet and has nice LED interior light.
- Potis, Sea Ray 340 DA

 

about Solara solar panels

We bought a solar system from you back in March and it was installed by our marina staff here at Haven Harbour in Rock Hall. 560 watt, 4 panels, and 4 mppt controller. We have been so happy with this installation. I want to get some feedback to you that the system has been working great. I honestly rarely think about the charge state of the batteries and our genset has been relegated to warming water on days when we are not motoring.
- G.Kenney, Maryland-Florida

Greetings from Tahiti. The solar panels are fabulous. They give us so much power.
- John W., Lagoon 440 on passage from BVI to Australia, with 6x 120w Solara PowerM panels and Genasun GV-10 solar controllers

We're currently in Guadeloupe. Boat is doing well, I wish everything else was as maintenance free as our Solar panels.
- Leopard 46 with 6x 120w Solara PowerM panels and Genasun GV-10 solar controllers

 We left the boat on a mooring for one week this summer with refrig running. Weather was cloudy with little sunlight. When we left boat batteries were 85% charged. Returning to boat they were 95% charged. It is a pleasure anchoring or being on a mooring for an extended period of time without being dependent on any other source of electric power other than solar energy. Thanks!
- Alan B, 3x SP100w, Mamaronect, NY

 

about Solbian solar panels

Thank you for your help with this and I am very impressed with Solbian.
- Phil R., Safe Harbor Zahnisers

Attached are a couple of pictures of the new Solbian panels installed. Wanted to thank you again for all your efforts on getting them. Coastal gets the highest marks I can give for customer service.
- Geoge W., Maryland

Just wanted to thank you for the outstanding Solbian panels and Victron controllers we installed on our bimini this fall before sailing to the Caribbean. Now that we are here at 18 degrees latitude, the solar charging is unbelievable! Your planning and installation sheet was priceless in a sizing wiring and fusing. And with two 130W panels and two controllers, we are collecting as much as 75Ah a day, which is greatly appreciated, as our Frigoboat refrigeration system is working hard in this climate!
- Walter, S/V Karjala

They work great. I now have 3 (Solbian flexible 100 watt) panels and they keep the batteries fully charged while running refrigerator 24/7. Great product and thanks!
- Alan B., Mamaroneck, NY

We left the boat on a mooring for one week this summer with refrig running. Weather was cloudy with little sunlight. When we left boat batteries were 85% charged. Returning to boat they were 95% charged. It is a pleasure anchoring or being on a mooring for an extended period of time without being dependent on any other source of electric power other than solar energy. Thanks!
- Alan B, 3x SP100w, Mamaronect, NY

Our first solar panels didn’t work,” says Annie, “then we got these Solbian brand ones from Italy that have worked really well.
- Eric & Annie, El Gato, Catana 47 (Latitude38.com)

There was other damage. The two remaining Aurinco solar panels died, bringing their failure rate to a perfect 9 for 9. The two Solbian panels provided enough charge with judicious use of sheet to tiller steering [to conserve power as vs using the “impressive Pelagic tiller pilot”].
- D. Webb (Sailing Anarchy), aboard Gannet

I purchased a 100 watt Solbian flexible solar panel and voltage regular from your company at the Annapolis Sailboat show a few years ago. Worked like a charm and was extremely happy with the system. I sold my boat recently and bought another one so I want to install the same panel on the new boat.
- M.Doran, Canada

 

about Climma:

Hi I have the Climma compact 4200 btu Cool Only air-conditioner unit I bought a few seasons back.. LOVE it.
- Jon B, Verona, NJ

We installed this unit a couple of years ago. The customer wanted this to be powered by an inverter. It worked flawlessly on his Legacy 28 powerboat. Thanks.
- Mark M., Service Manager for Ferry Point Marina in Arnold, Maryland

I purchased a Climma Compact 4200 Reverse Cycle from you at the Annapolis Boat Show, installed the entire system, and today was finally able to test it in the water. Although the cooler temps prevented me from testing the cooling function, the reverse heat pump mode works nicely. I was VERY impressed with how quiet the system is, including the water pump. This is going to make boating on those hot humid days and nights much more enjoyable. I am very happy with the system. Thanks!
- Jim F., Hertford, NC

 

about the EasyStart:

Many thanks. I already looked at the [EasyStart] video and it is convincing.
- Bob H, Catalina 320, Pensacola FL

I ordered the EasyStart and had the local A/C guy install it on my Cruisair unit replacing the SmartStart. To the technician's amazement the Honda generator is able to power the Cruisair with the EasyStart installed. My wife will be happy. I'm sure you will start to see some orders for the EasyStart from Pensacola, Florida now. Thank you for carrying this product and having the YouTube video demonstration.
- Prentiss B, Pensacola, FL 

 

about Firefly AGM Batteries

I’ve had AGMs, replaced once, aboard for the past 16 years. Most recently, I replaced my 600 amp-hour house bank with a 348 amp-hour Firefly bank. (3, 116 amp hour, Group 31s) I’m quite pleased with the space savings, weight and performance improvement.
- Matt S, Florida

Our 2017 Hanse 455 is being repaired after severe damage from hurricane Irma. It is being fitted for 3 of the Firefly
carbon foam batteries in place of the 2 original house batteries. Given the capability to discharge the carbon foam
batteries to 80% or more, this should increase the original battery capacity by 75%. Original AGMs: 2 x 160 A-h = 320 A-h, 50% discharge = 160 usable A-h Firefly: 3 x 116 A-h = 348 A-h, 80% discharge = 278 usable A-h
- DotandDash, MyHanse.com foreum

 

about the FX-1:

I want to let you know that after I installed the new FX-1 controller on my system [vintage Cruisair BH16], the comfort level has been greatly improved. The automatic fan speed control is a life saver for keeping the temperature even. And the quick response of the electronic temperature sensor is also far superior to the old electromechanical temperature sensor. I have referred friends to your products because of the quality I saw in the FX-1.
- Tom S., MD

I bought the FX1 control a few weeks ago. I wired it as per the directions and programmed it. We are very pleased with the unit. Everything was as advertised and the unit operates better than expected. Also operation and setup is very user friendly. The unit is controlling an older Cruisair BLH16000. I know the control that failed was my problem and was causing higher current draws and starting problems. With that said, the control has very much improved the operation as well as reduced the noise level of operation. I wish I made the change sooner. Thanks for a well priced quality product.
- Tom S., Eden, Maryland

 

about MarinAire:

I called in for a little support information on my Marinaire 11k unit. The gentleman that answered the phone was very helpful and was able to get me the information I needed as well as provide options to help solve my issues. The unit works as expected in a less than favorable installation configuration due to limited options. Thanks again for the help. I would highly recommend your company to my friends to purchase from you. The products and service has been fantastic.
- Tom S., Maryland

The 20kbtu Marinaire unit seems pretty good so far. It's not loud at all, and we've got it ducted to put most of the air up high in the salon, but one vent is directed down into the port hull, so we can semi-condition that area also.
- Jeff E., Houston, TX

 

about our Blog and Newsletter and in General (Join us!)

Your team did great. I got exactly what I needed for a reasonable price.
- Emerson B., Annapolis, MD

Customer service. As always above and beyond, outstanding and service second to none. Thanks.
- Chris C., Texas

I have found your site an excellent source of information for a novice like myself.
- P.Macdonald, Ontario, Canada

Thank you for a of your time on the phone helping me get setup. I really appreciate your effort and am looking forward to doing more business with you.
- Steve, Milton, DE

Thanx for the explanation and attachment (your attachments are done so well and are easy to follow).
- Jim, White Stone, VA

I greatly appreciate your recommendations. I spoke with Maureen on the phone and she was an enormous help, and she is the reason I want to work with you.
- Michael R, Punta Gorda, FL

First let me say I enjoy the blogs you send about your products, each one is an education in practical boat ownership.
- Mike O., Kirkland, WA

Just wanted to give you guys a big thank you. I called a couple of time to get trouble shooting help for my Fridgaboat refrigerator and you were super supportive. I was able to determine it was a refrigerant issue and get a proper technician on board to solve the problem and the fridge is working great.
- Bob B, Columbus, OH

I called in for a little support information on my Marinaire 11k unit. The gentleman that answered the phone was very helpful and was able to get me the information I needed as well as provide options to help solve my issues. The unit works as expected in a less than favorable installation configuration due to limited options. Thanks again for the help. I would highly recommend your company to my friends to purchase from you. The products and service has been fantastic.
- Tom S., Maryland

Incredibly helpful. Thank you !!
- Nojan M, USA

Dug your recent blog on parallel wiring!
- Tom W, Ocean Planet Energy

Great article [Current Affairs-Making the Right Connections] and very informative testing, Rob. And very timely, as we just ordered 8 firefly group 31`s from you guys. We're going to go with version 4 to get the best balance and life. Anyway, thanks for doing the testing and this writeup. It's very helpful!
- Jeff E, Houston, TX

Thank you. I like doing business with you guys.
- Prentiss B., Pensacola, FL

I want you to know that your employee Maureen was just a delight to work with. Maureen was most helpful and totally knew her stuff when it came to my issues in needing to replace the Climma Air Condoning unit on our Cape Dory MS 300 motor sailor.
I can't say enough about my overall experience with her and your company. Be sure to take good care of her and the rest of your employees who excel at their jobs and take great pride in what they do for the success of your business each and everyday.
- Rita P., Brant Rock MA 

Love your articles they are always thought provoking and interesting.
- Eric V., s/v Blessings, North Carolina

As always, I really enjoy your newsletters, every one really seems to resonate, while including a little humor.
- Steve D., Steve D'Antonio Marine Consulting, Inc.

I don’t subscribe to many blogs and quickly delete some I get, yours on the other hand I actually look forward to to reading. You have a keen sense of humor and always bring a fresh perspective to your subject matter. I have learned much from reading your posts.
- Bob A., maritime blogger

Thank you for the excellent customer service. I look forward to working with you in the future.
- Chris J., Vancouver, WA

I just wanted to pass on how pleased I was with your service especially Maureen. I purchased my Frigoboat from you many years ago and it has worked flawlessly until now. Maureen advised me that I needed a drier/filter and shipped it out to our location in Florida while we are cruising. After the install I had an electrical issue and Gretchen helped educate me on the Frigaboat's current draw. I will do my best to pass on my experiences with your company.
- John T., s/v LastMango, Florida

Thank you for the excellent customer service. I look forward to working with you in the future.
- Chris J., Vancouver, WA

I just wanted to pass on how pleased I was with your service especially Maureen. I purchased my Frigoboat from you many years ago and it has worked flawlessly until now. Maureen advised me that I needed a drier/filter and shipped it out to our location in Florida while we are cruising. After the install I had an electrical issue and Gretchen helped educate me on the Frigaboat's current draw. I will do my best to pass on my experiences with your company.
- John T., s/v LastMango, Florida

I’d just like to thank you for being so helpful, and Maureen for being so efficient with our order; it was a pleasure doing business with you!
- Tracy B., Island Dreams Yacht Services, Grenada

They are never your average boring email blasts that most places send out!!! Nice job!
- Holly F., saleswoman extraordinaire: SpinSheet, PropTalk, PortBook

I have written previously about your blog and I am doing so again. Who writes the blog? It is always extremely well written and informative, and useful - even for topics for which I have no direct interest. Don't stop!
- John W, happy customer

 

We would like to hear from you! Tell us about your installation: was it everything you wanted it to be? Do you have further questions?
We'd love to see your beautiful installation pictures!
Simply click here and Thank you!

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