Cashflow

Good information on BSS, fuses and the suitability of my gas/12v fridge. It looks like I’m now on the lookout for a second hand compressor fridge (Danfoss). And sorry for misleading you Paul C, when I said ‘no permanent live circuit.’ I meant all my electrics run through the domestic master switch, so when that is shut off all electrics are off. Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread, Andy

Hi All I'm in search of that illusive cold beer without having to run my 12v fridge on gas. I can almost taste it now ….. With no electric hook up, I've added 400w of solar panels on roof, with 30amp controller to batteries. Everything has been working quite happily for a while now so I may even have enough power to run a fridge while I'm away from the boat. I’m now looking to connect the permanent live to the fridge (bypassing the domestic master switch) and while I’m at it to a new bilge float / pump switch. The boat electrics are still pretty basic affair with no permanent live circuit. I’m still in the thinking stage so have a few unanswered questions …. Are there any options for a fuse box to be mounted in a damp engine area or should they always be inside the cabin area ? Do I need an isolating switch for the Permanent Live circuit ? I guess I need a separate isolating switch in the galley for the fridge, any suggestions on what I should be buying ? As always any additional ideas contributions are welcome, and yes I do know I can always go to the pub. Cheers Andy

I just order three of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261220071519?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_4351wt_1399 £86 each including delivery for 100 watts. Just an idea Andy

or even : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330858328323?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_2142wt_1161 16 brackets enough for 4 panels. I have just bought a load just hopeing theyare high enough for the panel to clear the roof ! Cheers Andy

Thanks to all for the replies. I take on the advice regarding instant gas heater but am trying to make the boat gas free. Electric fridge (& Solar Panels), Eberspacer & Deisel Wallas hob and oven will all allow me to eventually remove my gas locker. I think I will just connect the Eberspacer to my slightly leaking Calorifier and see how it goes. Cheers Andy

Hi I'm going to install a Eberspacer this year and am thinking about replacing my leaking Calorifier at the same time. (I've an old air cooled engine so the Eberspacer will be the only way to heat the water.) So using an Eberspacer how long does it take to heat up your Calorifier and what size is your Calorifier ? I'll then have a better idea about what size I need. If it only takes 10 mins or so to heat up a 40 litre calorifier - for showering why would I need anything bigger (I don't liveaboard) ? Do people use anything smaller for 5 to 10 mins showers ? Or have I got it all wrong and am living in dream world ? Thanks Andy