Technautics CoolBlue Marine Refrigeration Systems
CoolBlue refrigeration systems are as reliable as your land-based 120v kitchen refrigerator while using half the daily amps of other 12v refrigeration systems. Utilizing the latest variable speed compressor design technology, low amp 12v fan, oversized condensing coil, and holding plate with preset expansion valve. Technautics CoolBlue operates simply and efficiently, eliminating the complexity and excess power associated with water-cooled systems.
While other 12-volt marine refrigeration systems require water cooling at temperatures above 90°F, CoolBlue high-performing systems operate at ambient temperatures up to 120°F without a loss in system efficiency. All Technautics CoolBlue modular refrigeration systems are built, pre-charged with 134a refrigerant, and pre-tested prior to shipping. Moreover, they are cruiser installable and serviceable without any special tools, gauges, or refrigeration experience.
Technautics CoolBlue delivers efficient 12-volt cold plate refrigeration, perfect for cruisers and liveaboards. The cold plate stores cooling energy, reducing run time and battery use while maintaining steady temps. It’s an ideal solution for reliable, energy-saving refrigeration in demanding marine conditions.
CoolBlue Non-Eutectic Refrigeration Evaporator System:
$2,400
Some of the features of the non-eutectic CoolBlue refrigeration evaporation system include:
- Bare tube holding plate with preset expansion valve custom configured to fit your box.
- DC condensing compressor unit operating on 12v or 24v
- 12ft copper tube sets with Aeroquip self-sealing connector ends (custom sizes available upon request)
- Thermostat with mounting bracket
- The ONLY 5-Year Warranty in the Marine Refrigeration Business with 7 Day a week Customer Service
CoolBlue Eutectic Cold Plate System:
$3,150
The CoolBlue eutectic cold plate systems feature:
- Fin/Tube holding plate with preset expansion valve custom configured to fit your box
- Holding plate mounting brackets
- DC condensing compressor unit operating on 12v or 24v
- 12ft copper tube sets with Aeroquip self-sealing connector ends (custom sizes available upon request)
- Thermostat with mounting bracket
- The ONLY 5-Year Warranty in the Marine Refrigeration Business with 7 Day a week Customer Service
CoolBlue Custom Eutectic Cold Plate Refrigeration System:
Call For Quote
This feature-packed custom eutectic cold plate refrigeration system includes:
- Serpentine/Fin and Tube holding plate with preset expansion valve custom configured to fit your box
- DC condensing compressor unit operating on 12v or 24v
- 12ft copper tube sets with Aeroquip self-sealing connector ends (custom sizes available upon request)
- Thermostat with mounting bracket
- The ONLY 5-Year Warranty in the Marine Refrigeration Business with 7 Day a week Customer Service
Custom CoolBlue Boat Refrigeration Holding Plates
Custom Eutectic Dual Plate Holding System
The CoolBlue holding plates are specifically designed and built to provide the maximum Btu cooling capacity for your Refrigerator, Freezer or combination Fridge/Freezer box operating from a single holding plate. The standard holding plate configurations for our 2.5″ and 1″ thick plates are listed and shown below.
The plates can be mounted in vertical (as shown) or horizontal orientations to best utilize your box space. You want to mount the plate as high up in the box as possible for good convection air movement. In addition to these standard holding plates, we can also design and fabricate custom holding plates to fit almost any box or application.
When selecting a holding plate configuration for your box, consider how the connecting lines to and from the condensing compressor unit will enter and exit your box to make for an easy connection to the holding plate. The Right and Left-Hand plates are our two most popular configurations.
Technautics CoolBlue Advantages
Over 53 Years of Marine Refrigeration Expertise – Since 1968!
Backed by decades of engineering and hands-on experience, Technautics CoolBlue is a proven leader in energy-efficient marine refrigeration solutions.
Exceptional Energy Efficiency – Uses Half the Power of Other 12V Systems
Consuming just 24AH/day for a 7 cubic foot fridge/freezer with R-30 insulation, CoolBlue sets the standard for ultra-low power draw—ideal for solar-powered and off-grid vessels.
Industry-Leading 5-Year Warranty
CoolBlue offers the only 5-year warranty in the marine refrigeration market, thanks to its rugged construction and unmatched reliability.
No Technician Required
Designed for easy installation by boat owners themselves. No need for specialized tools, gauges, or refrigeration training.
Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel Holding Plate
Built for long-term durability in harsh marine environments, the stainless steel holding plate resists corrosion, leaks, and fatigue.
Air-Cooled, Not Water-Cooled – Even in Extreme Heat
No need for water cooling or through-hull fittings. CoolBlue runs efficiently even in ambient temperatures up to 120°F, simplifying installation and reducing maintenance.
Pre-Charged, Pre-Tested, Ready to Install
Every system is factory-charged with environmentally safe refrigerant, rigorously tested, and assembled in Escondido, California, USA—ensuring performance you can trust right out of the box.
Whisper-Quiet Operation
Engineered for minimal noise and vibration, so you can enjoy your time onboard without disruption.
Built to Last – Trusted by Cruisers Worldwide
With thousands of systems in use on vessels around the globe, CoolBlue is a go-to solution for serious cruisers, liveaboards, and offshore adventurers.
Support You Can Count On
Receive knowledgeable, U.S.-based customer support from marine refrigeration experts who understand your needs.
Marine Refrigeration Air Cooling Vs Water Cooling
One of the benefits of the Technautics CoolBlue marine refrigeration system is that it can operate in tropical climates with only air cooling. The system is designed to not need water cooling, saving power and maintenance. This video explains the design.
CoolBlue Compressor Health: How to Test the Reed Valves
Since Technautics has been building marine refrigeration systems since 1968, there are quite a few old systems floating around on boats out there. If you have an older CoolBlue, this video will walk you through the easy process of checking the health of your compressor. Specifically the reed valves inside the compressor.
CoolBlue Marine Refrigeration Troubleshooting Part 1 Electrical Issues
The Technautics CoolBlue marine refrigeration unit is designed to be cruiser serviceable without detailed refrigeration system training. This troubleshooting video covers the common electrical issues that a cruiser can experience.
CoolBlue Marine Refrigeration Troubleshooting Part 2 Charge Issues
The CoolBlue marine refrigeration unit is designed to be cruiser serviceable without detailed refrigeration system training. This troubleshooting video covers how to troubleshoot and recharge the Technautics CoolBlue system.
How The Refrigeration Loop Works
The first known artificial refrigeration system was demonstrated by William Cullen in 1748. But relax; it’s not completely necessary to understand the Physics of the basic refrigeration loop to enjoy the benefits of cold beer and ice cream aboard your boat! But for the scientifically inclined, it sure is “cool” (that’s a science nerd joke I couldn’t resist).
The flow chart (left) represents the basic CoolBlue refrigeration system.
Starting with the pressurized liquid refrigerant ahead of the fin/tube holding plate evaporator at Point A, the introduction of liquid refrigerant is regulated by a thermally adjusting expansion valve (TXV) that is controlled by temperature and pressure. The pressurized refrigerant is reduced in pressure across the expansion valve from high pressure (Point A) to the fin/tube evaporator holding plate pressure (Point B).
The expansion valve acts as a boundary between the high and low-pressure sides of the system and uses the holding plate exit refrigerant gas temperature to throttle in more or less liquid refrigerant.
Once inside the holding plate, the low-pressure refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat from the eutectic solution. The refrigerant vapor and liquid passing through the fin/tube holding plate evaporator coil continue to absorb heat until it is completely evaporated and turns into gas (Point C). The now-heated gas is drawn through the suction line to the compressor suction (Point D). The increased pressure produced in the compressor causes the gas to compress, heat, and flow into the condenser (Point E).
In the condenser, heat is removed, causing the refrigerant gas to condense back to a liquid refrigerant form. The liquid refrigerant is collected and stored in the filter/drier (Point F) and is available to begin the cycle again. The thermostat (G) monitors the temperature of the holding plate and turns the compressor on/off to ensure that the eutectic solution is never allowed to defrost and undergo a phase change from solid back to liquid.
What Our Customers Are Saying
“Before the old compressor stopped working, it was drawing 10-12 amps. To our delight and surprise, the new one only draws 3.5 amps. The solar panels stay well ahead of it, and it’s been on for 3 months. Cold beer and ice cubes while anchored in Tenacatita Mexico! “
– Carl & Robinn
“Technautics, after trying several brands of cold plates with no satisfaction, we purchased a Technautics Coastal coldplate from West Marine. We cruised the Bahamas and the east coast of the U.S. last year in out Hardin 45 with no refrigeration problems.”
– Steve & Val Papkey
“After much deliberation, I decided to purchase a Cool Blue 12 volt, air cooled, holding plate refrigeration system from Technautics. To say that I am pleased with the system, would be an understatement!! The system is performing very well. Everything placed in the freezer is frozen solid, the temperature in the freezer seems to stay right around 10 degrees. The spillover system is keeping the refrigeration portion at approximately 40 degrees with the spillover opening shut. would highly recommend anyone considering replacing or adding refrigeration to take a good look at this system ! I am not in any way affiliated with Technautics and only pass this information to the list based on my personal experience. I almost forgot the most important thing!!! I now have solidly frozen ice cream!!!!!!
– Ken & Bonny Taggart
“Randy, We have finished the installation of our “Cool Blue” and are extremely happy. We have 4 cu ft of freezer and 4.6 cu ft of refrigerator and have reached -17F in the freezer! We found that keeping the dial at 2 keeps the freezer just above zero and the fridge about 40!”
“I started the unit up first time this am. I set it at 4 on the dial and it was pulling 7 amps at 72°. By the time I let at 8pm to go back home it was down to 4 amps and 9 and still falling. I am very happy with it! Thanks for making our summer vacation more fun!”
“Thank you for being so responsive to my concerns regarding the CoolBlue system. I am most impressed with your attention to detail and customer service. Please use the enclosed check to take your crew to Wahoo’s for fish tacos and brewskis on me.”
Why Choose CruiseRO Water and Power?
Experience
With sailing experience and industrial manufacturing expertise, we grasp your cruiser’s necessities. As our RO system reviews indicate, we have the know-how to fulfill your needs.
Quality
We offer a range of top-tier products. From boat refrigerator systems to our very own CruiseRO watermakers, our product selection can elevate your maritime experience with our high-quality solutions.
Affordability
Access to drinking water on board is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Our cost-effective systems feature non-proprietary components, minimizing upfront and replacement expenses.
Adaptability
At CruiseRO Water, we also create custom systems that seamlessly adapt to your unique requirements, ensuring a personalized onboard water supply that perfectly suits your journey.
To download a copy of the CoolBlue manual with technical specifications
along with detailed installation and operation instructions, click the button on the right.
Questions? We Are Here To Help.
Email or call and talk to the owners of the Company and the Designers, Rich and Charlie, 7 Days-A-Week. If they are awake, they answer!
SALES & TECH SUPPORT
MANUFACTURING & SHIPPING
SKYPE