Hi Bob: What a bummer! the consensus seems to say that these ever popular norcolds leave a lot to be desired. We would be pure DC as we have no generator and will have her on our mooring and anchoring while away. As we are coming from a Pearson 35, w/ the barest of a 12 volt "electrical" system we (at least initially) won't be expecting a whole lot, but I had assumed that w/ motoring (see still speaking like a sailor!) 2 to 3 hrs a day, that this would keep up the batteries, as well as keeping the food cold. But it sounds as though the compressor will keep cycling on and off. Perhaps we will have to have a rule that only the adults can open the fridge!.... ya right! However, no one seems to say they break alot, so I'm going to assume that they are rather dependable, even if not the most efficient! Thanks for the response JE ps Is it possible to run just the freezer portion and not the fridge, so that way, with the assistance of coolers for just keeping stuff cold, and using the freezer to keep meats etc frozen, would this result in the system not working so hard and not cycling so much??

JE1449@aol.com wrote: > > ps > > Is it possible to run just the freezer portion and not the fridge, so that > way, with the assistance of coolers for just keeping stuff cold, and using > the freezer to keep meats etc frozen, would this result in the system not > working so hard and not cycling so much?? Nope. One control for the whole unit. Located in the refrigerator section. Mel Knott

JE1449@aol.com writes: >As we are coming from a Pearson 35, w/ the barest of a 12 volt >"electrical" >system we (at least initially) won't be expecting a whole lot, Don't reaslly know what a NorCold is, but I got something that would fit that name very well. It is an ice box that has a thermal cooling unit which uses 5 Amps at 12 V without really cooling very well. With a 4 lb block of ice, it will keep my beer at an adequate temperature for two days in the summer. Has anyone got experience with these "thermal units" (no compressor) and is there a way to improve their efficiency???? George