Best Houseboat Marine Refrigerator - where to get serviced & what to buy?

by Hermine
(Silverthorne, CO)

What is the best marine refrigerator for houseboats? Where do we get it serviced, and if we need, what do we buy to replace it?

We own a 10 x 38', Playcraft houseboat, stored at Bullfrog Marina. Our Norcold refrigerator is about 9 years old, and we noticed that during the last few outings, when the temperature climbed over 85 degrees F, the cooling system completely shut down, and it would come back on during the night.

I spoke to Norcold and they felt this just happens, even with newer models, he did suggest to have someone look at it, but we don't know how to go about it?

Can we have the refrigerator serviced at Bullfrog, and/or how important is it to pull it out and clean whatever is cleanable? This has never been done before. Has anyone had the same problem?

Thanks for your input. Hermine Tippel, Oma's Haven

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Reply - Answer

Well Hermine, sorry to hear about your refrigerator problems on your houseboat. A fridge that doesn't cool or freeze properly can be a real headache.

Unfortunately in your question, you don't mention if it's a AC/DC refrigerator, or a LP Propane Gas (absorption type) refrigerator.

As you said that it's 9 years old, and probably has never been cleaned or serviced before, than it's definitely can't hurt to be done. You'd be surprised at how much dirt, dust, bugs and hair etc... can accumulate behind these units and reduce the cooling capacity.

If you're looking to get your fridge serviced, here's a link for marine refrigerator service centers that can service the LP Propane Gas, AC/DC, and the three way models.

If it turns out that it costs too much to get serviced or repaired, and you want to get a new model, here is a list of the popular makes and models of marine refrigerators. Popular makes are Tundra, Waeco, Norcold, Dometic, Nova Kool, Isotherm, to just name a few.

Here's a list of some of popular places to shop for marine refrigerators, places such as Boater's World, Camping World, eBay, and West Marine.

You may also be interested in small compact refrigerators for your boat.





Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their propane or electric marine houseboat fridge experiences. Feel free to use the "Click here to post comments." link found at the bottom of this page.


Thanks again for sharing, IAN from all-about-houseboats

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