Keep Things Chilled on Your Boat with Cooling Plates

Keeping Things Cool on Your Boat with Chill Plates

Spending time on the water on a hot summer day can be a real treat. But when things heat up, it's important to have systems in place to keep you, your guests, and provisions nice and cool. One great option many boat owners are utilizing these days are chill plates. These innovative devices can help regulate temperatures all over your vessel.

How Do Chill Plates Work?

Chill plates function via a solid-state cooling technology. They make use of the natural process of heat transfer and conduction to pull heat out of contained spaces. Inside the unit is a solid plate made from thermally conductive metals. When electricity runs through it, the plate gets very cold very fast.

You install the chill plate against an exterior surface on your boat. As it cools, the plate draws heat from the other side, dropping temperatures inside. This makes chill plates an extremely efficient cooling method for marine use. They require very little power relative to the amount of cooling they can provide.

Most Common Uses on Boats

There are several great applications for chill plates on seafaring vessels. Some of the most popular uses include:

• Beverage coolers - Install a chill plate in your drink cooler to keep beers, sodas, and water ice cold.
• Food refrigerators/freezers - Chill plates help your galley refrigerator or freezer maintain proper temperatures.
• Electronics cooling - Sensitive electronics can overheat. A chill plate protects them.
• Cabin climate control - Use them to keep cabin surroundings nice and cool on hot sunny days.

Choosing the Right Marine Chill Plate

When picking out the perfect chill plate for your boat, keep these key factors in mind:

• Size - Select a plate that fits the dimensions of the space you want to cool.
• Power - More cooling power equals lower potential temperatures.
• Mounting - Plates must mount securely and make solid contact.
• Materials - Corrosion resistant metals handle moisture better.

Also consider chill plate accessories like insulation, controllers, and sensors to make the most of your new cooling system.

Maintaining Your Marine Chill Plate

With proper care and maintenance, a quality chill plate should provide reliable cooling for many boating seasons. Be sure to:

• Check fittings and connections for leaks/damage before each trip
• Make sure the plate makes full contact and has not come loose
• Watch for corrosion and moisture damage
• Test functionality periodically

Catching small issues early prevents bigger problems down the road. Also be sure to fully winterize the system each off-season.

Enhancing Your Time on the Water

Boating is all about fun and relaxation. But things can go south quick when temperature-sensitive items fail. Protect your provisions and equipment with one of the incredibly efficient chill plates on the market these days. You'll be so glad you did!

FAQs

How long will a marine chill plate typically last?

With proper installation and maintenance, a quality boat chill plate should provide reliable cooling for 5-8 years on average.

Do chill plates use a lot of my boat's electricity?

Chill plates are actually very energy efficient. They require much less power than comparable compressor-based systems. Just a small solar panel or generator can run them.

Can I install a chill plate myself?

While it is possible for some DIY-savvy boat owners to install their own chill plate, it's highly recommended to have a marine electrician or technician handle the job.

Are chill plates safe to use on boats?

When properly selected and installed, chill plates pose no safety risk on boats. Be sure to get a marine-grade unit made from anti-corrosive metals to withstand the elements.