My Norcold DE-461 refrigerator/freezer conked out on my 2001 Santego 380. That unit is out of production as is its replacement. It was a 12V/120V system. I found a 12vdc/120vac Vitrifrio that might fit. But I ave also seen some straight 12vdc untis that might fit and are sinificantly less expensive. Any thoughts on going with a 12vdc system only. Here is my thinking about only having 12dc.
-When I am on shore power at the dock the battery charger will keep the batteries up
-When I wm cruising without gen running, engine altenator will keep the batteries up
-When I am cruising or at anchor with the gen running, the battery charger will keep the batteries up
Is it worth the extra expense for the 12vdc/120vac refrigerator?
Refrierator replacement -Santego 380
- Rsimmons
- Scurvy Dog

- Posts: 4
- Joined: December 1st, 2013, 10:00 pm
- Vessel Info: 2001, 38' Carver Santego! Twin 7.4l MPI gasoline, FW cooled, kept in FW river
- Location: Madisonville, LA
- bud37
- Admiral

- Posts: 5182
- Joined: April 23rd, 2015, 10:22 pm
- Has thanked: 604 times
- Been thanked: 1312 times
Re: Refrierator replacement -Santego 380
Consider what may happen if the shore power goes out while you are away, also as a sales consideration later on down the road. I guess if you have a large battery bank then it could work for many situations.
FWIW.....The above is just my opinion.
- ColRon
- Admiral

- Posts: 581
- Joined: April 24th, 2017, 6:06 pm
- Vessel Info: 1989 Carver Santego 3867
“Escape Plan” - Location: Murray, KY
- Has thanked: 77 times
- Been thanked: 157 times
Re: Refrierator replacement -Santego 380
Check out Nova Kool. They use the same compressor as the Vitrifrio, but may have a little better pricing. Kinda like the difference between a Chevy and a Cadillac. Nova Kool RFU-8220 is a direct fit replacement for the old Nocold DE-461 and is 12vdc/120vac Also their RFU-9000 also replace the old norcold.
Ron
1989 Carver Santego 3867
“Escape Plan”
Murray, KY

1989 Carver Santego 3867
“Escape Plan”
Murray, KY

- g36
- Admiral

- Posts: 2115
- Joined: April 7th, 2014, 6:07 pm
- Vessel Info: 1997 Carver 405
- Location: Soddy Daisy TN.
- Has thanked: 7 times
- Been thanked: 654 times
Re: Refrierator replacement -Santego 380
I'm a vitrifrigo fan!! and do agree with the above post by bud37 .
1997 Carver 405
Crusader xli
The Black Pearl
Soddy Daisy Tn.
Crusader xli
The Black Pearl
Soddy Daisy Tn.