refrigerator on or off for winter in a marina

[Georgevb]

We keep our C28 at Oak Harbor Marina, Washington, year around. Temps average around the low 40s. We rarely use it in the winter months except for one day trips and do not need the refrigerator.

So, my question is, is it better to turn it off, empty and clean the refrigerator leaving a box of baking soda inside, or leave it on with only non-perishable items like pop and water to fill the space, so the refrigerator does overwork itself?

 

[Red Raven]

Hi George,

Your summertime dock neighbor here. While we don’t keep the boat in the water all year, I used to keep the fridge empty and off when not using the boat (since then we decided packing to keep condiments and drinks in the fridge between trips to save some trip prep). Also, during the winter when stored in our garage we keep it empty and off even though the boat is continuously on shore power in the garage. In both cases, we always keep the door open a bit when off. We set the latch to interfere with closing the door and add a rubber band to keep it from swinging open. Without leaving it open we always got mold.

Seems a waste to just let it run with nearly nothing in it though having a few cold beverages available when you do take it out or at the boat isn’t a bad idea either. Clearly a personal choice but I would keep the door cracked open if turned off.

Curt

 

[Brian98133]

Ditto Curt... I have always left my fridge turned off and cracked open using the latch-keeper for a gap. No need for baking soda or any such.

Always smells like new 😀

 

[Chimo]

We’re in a boathouse and with shore power connected but there are always power cuts and that drops the fridge onto the batteries. We turn it off, clean it out and use the baking soda. Tried the rubber band trick one year but it must have aged and the door swung open on one of the more bouncy winter excursions.

 

[Georgevb]

Thanks everyone.