IBEX 365 News

Skip the Ice: Dometic’s New CSX Series Creates Easy Refrigeration In Any Section of the Boat

By Theresa Nicholson

Product Category: Mechanical Systems

Refrigeration space in a boat’s galley is often limited when it comes to carrying food, drinks and other perishables. Ice chests are functional but are bulky and must be constantly replenished.

Enter Dometic’s new CSX Series. By integrating a refrigerator’s compressor, evaporator, and digital controls into a compact unit, Dometic has made an easy way for drop-in installation, even in space-restricted galleys. Boaters can simply drop in the CSX Refrigeration System, connect 12V/24V power, and enjoy consistent cooling without the complexity of remote couplings.

“We call this new product the ‘Coldmachine’ because that’s what it is,” says Eric Fetchko, Dometic Marine Segment President.

What problems are the Dometic CSX Refrigeration System designed to solve?
Primarily, the lack of sufficient cold storage onboard boats, particularly vessels like center console sportfishing boats and cruisers that spend long days on the water in hot and humid conditions. Refrigeration space in a boat’s galley is often limited when it comes to carrying meaningful quantities of food, drinks and other perishables. Ice chests are functional but are bulky, heavy and take up a lot of space on deck, not to mention they must be constantly replenished with ice. This doesn’t make them viable long-term cold storage options.

How have the Dometic CSX refrigeration systems changed refrigeration onboard?
With this self-contained and compact solution, many insulated storage areas onboard can be turned into an energy efficient refrigerator or freezer. “We call this new product the ‘Coldmachine’ because that’s what it is,” says Eric Fetchko, Dometic Marine Segment President. “It is integrated cooling technology designed to fit into many common areas on boats. It’s easy to install, efficient to operate, and engineered to last in the marine environment. Boaters can now have effective and reliable cold storage where they need it.”

The CSX Series is available in two refrigerator models (CSX-200 and CSX-400) for volume ranges from 60-200 liters and 250-400 liters, respectively. A deep freezer model (CSXFZ150) accommodates storage volumes from 60 to 150 liters.

Could you describe the innovation and advancements found in the Dometic CSX refrigeration system?
By integrating the compressor, evaporator and digital controls into a compact unit, Dometic has made a way for easy, drop-in installation, even in space restricted galleys, built-in ice chests or other places onboard today’s boats. Boaters can simply drop it in, connect 12V/24V power, and enjoy consistent cooling without the complexity of remote couplings.

Fan assisted airflow reduces cool-down time and maintains even temperatures, as does Dometic’s digital temperature control with a high-accuracy NTC sensor. Electronic controls with automatic defrost logic keeps the system running effectively and efficiently. Built-in LED compartment lighting makes this feel like a traditional refrigerator.

Reduced power consumption is also a key design feature, with up to 20 percent lower energy use compared to previous solutions. Dometic uses a Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant for reduced environmental impact.

Who is the target market for the Dometic CSX Refrigeration System?
This system can be used on a variety of boats that don’t usually have built-in refrigeration. The size and cooling capacity options make it an ideal addition to built-in cooler boxes found in many popular center console fishing boats. The integration of a Dometic CSX refrigeration unit essentially creates an “iceless ice chest,” letting boaters carry more food, drinks and other provisions and keep them cold indefinitely. This product also has great aftermarket potential. There are thousands of powerboats and sailboats on the water with insulated compartments but old refrigeration systems that need replacement after years of use. They tend to leak refrigerant or have stopped working completely. The CSX Series allows for easy replacement without the need of a certified refrigeration technician.

Cruisers can use CSX in much the same way, either in on-deck insulated storage compartments or even to create additional cold storage areas in the galley. Its easy installation and connection make it an ideal aftermarket upgrade for a range of boats.

Why do you think no one has designed a product like the Dometic CSX Refrigeration System before?
“Dometic’s experience in refrigeration and climate control for the RV and marine industries gives us a unique advantage when it comes to developing new technologies,” says Fetchko. “It also gives us special insight into what the industry and consumers want, to create products that lead trends, not follow them.”

What obstacles arose during the R&D process? Was there any feedback from boaters, engineers, technicians, and mechanics that contributed to this design?
“Refrigeration is one of our core competencies at Dometic, but this application required special emphasis on integration, compact form factor and use of materials that withstand the harsh conditions this system will encounter during everyday use,” says Fetchko.

“The inherent boating experience of our R&D team, together with discussions with boaters, builders, engineers and mechanics helped guide the design and execution of this new solution.”

Does your product respond to any larger trends in the boating industry? Is the development of the product in response to any trends?
“Making our refrigeration, A/C systems, and other products more energy efficient and environmentally friendly are ongoing goals at Dometic,” says Fetchko. “As the future of boating moves away from fuel-operated generators to the use of cleaner and quieter all-electric power systems, it will be imperative to make the technologies that use this power more energy efficient. We have been a leader of this trend by creating comfort and convenience systems such as refrigeration, climate control and gyro stabilizers that use far less electrical energy than competitors. It is something we will continue to focus on.”

What do you think boaters will like most about the Dometic CSX Refrigeration System?
Boaters will certainly like the ease with which they can install and set up this system, in many places around the boat. Once installed, they will be able to enjoy cold food, drinks and refreshments anytime, without having to purchase and lug heavy loads of ice around or deal with soggy sandwiches or messy meltwater.