yacht water maker price

5 Best Watermakers for Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

With the right Watermaker, the ocean becomes an almost immeasurable supply of fresh and clean drinking water to keep you hydrated during your offshore sailing adventures.

Many sailors do spend a lot of their time and money on various parts of the sailboat including the sails, engine, electronics, and generators especially when preparing for long-distance voyages.

While there's absolutely nothing wrong with this, they often overlook one crucial part of general human survival: having an ample supply of fresh drinking water.

Whether you have freshwater drinking tanks on your sailboat or planning to cruise in areas where you can easily access clean drinking water, the hassle involved in having to come to the dock to fill the water tanks can be quite overwhelming.

This is exactly why you need to find the best watermakers for sailboats.

Like many other nautical technologies, watermakers have significantly advanced in the last few decades to become very efficient and more reliable. They're no longer a luxury on your sailboat but a necessity. Better still, watermakers have become relatively affordable and are meant to keep you hydrated as you explore areas that do not have clean and fresh drinking water.

In this article, we'll take a look at how watermaker systems work, highlight its benefits, and highlight the best sailboat watermakers on the market right now. At the end of this read, you should be able to choose the best watermaker for your sailboat.

Table of contents

Benefits of Having a Watermaker on Your Sailboat

The freedom and security that come with having full water tanks on your sailboat are of immense importance, especially if you're cruising in an area where fresh drinking water is hard to come by and quite expensive when you do. As such, having a watermaker aboard your sailboat is no longer a luxury like it used to be in the past. With a steady supply of fresh and clean water, your life on the sailboat will be a lot better. This is because you'll have enough clean water to drink, cook, wash, and shower, which is beneficial if you want to enjoy your sailing adventures.

Honestly speaking, many sailors do not actually need a watermaker. Well, if you're planning to sail just near the shores, then there's a chance that you can easily access fresh and clean water by the dock. But this can be limiting if you've been dreaming of going off the grid and sailing to some exotic and unknown places in the world.

With that in mind, a watermaker makes a lot of sense to most sailors. You won't have to worry about having to carry aboard gallons of fresh water for cooking and drinking during your voyage. You won't have to treat freshwater as a precious commodity that must last until you can refill at the next port. With a watermaker, you can simply go ocean crossing without worrying about running out of water.

A watermaker allows you to have a steady supply of fresh and clean water to keep everybody well-hydrated and healthy. You can clean the water anytime you feel like and all you have to do is replace the filter once in a while and you'll be good to go. In essence, a watermaker is probably one of the most important equipment to have aboard your sailboat, so installing it is of great importance if you're a serious sailor.

The Basics of Modern Marine Watermakers

Modern marine watermakers essentially follow the principle of reverse-osmosis to produce pure, drinking water from seawater. During this process and through very high pressure, seawater is forced through a semipermeable membrane that only allows freshwater molecules to pass through it but not salt, bacteria, or any other organic material. The newly made pure, drinking water is then piped to the sailboat's water tanks while the leftover (brine) is discharged overboard.

Even though marine watermakers may differ in the type of pump that's employed and how it is driven, this is one of the most important features in every watermaker. In most cases, water can be electrically pumped or powered directly off the boat's engine. If you have an AC generator or alternator on your boat, it would make much sense to use the AC output to drive the watermaker directly. You can also choose the DC-powered models if you rely on renewable energy from solar or wind. Alternatively, you can still go for AC-powered watermakers but you'll have to buy an inverter.

All in all, DC-powered watermakers are more efficient since they integrate a power-saving energy recovery system (ERS). You must, however, keep in mind that your energy consumption levels might be quite high if you're sailing in colder and saltier areas. This is because the water purification process might be a bit slower in such areas. As such, you should consider investing in a more high-powered watermaker system if you will be sailing in colder and saltier areas than if you're planning to sail more in warm and less salty areas.

As far as an engine-driven watermaker is concerned, you should mount the high-pressure pump on the engine so that it can be belt-driven using an automatic clutch. An engine-driven watermaker should be your first option if you want large quantities of fresh drinking water. This is more productive than AC or DC-powered watermakers. Even with a relatively small engine, this setup has an automatic regulator that constantly pumps the water. With that in mind, engine-driven watermakers are ideal if you want to reduce your energy consumption. To put it into perspective, an engine-driven watermaker can lower energy consumption by an enormous 80%, especially when compared with conventional AC or DC-powered watermaker systems.

How to Choose the Best Watermaker for Your Sailboat

There are many factors to consider when looking for the best watermakers for your sailboat. Here are the most important things to consider.

Your Freshwater Needs

One of the most important things to consider before spending your money on a watermaker is your freshwater needs. What quantity would be enough to keep you going on your sailing adventure? While the quantity might differ from one sailor to the other or from one boat to the other, you should consider the number of gallons that a particular watermaker can produce per day. This will help you in choosing the ideal watermaker; a model that will ensure that you never run out of water. Do not underestimate your water needs, especially if you're planning to sail with your children or if you're planning to stay on the boat for an extended period of time.

Do you have enough space on your vessel to accommodate the type of watermaker you're looking to buy? While most watermakers are designed to fit in the smallest of space, you should consider the actual size of the watermaker and find out whether you have enough space on your vessel to fix it.

Watermakers can run on electricity, renewable energy such as wind and solar (if you have them on your vessel), or both. When looking for the perfect watermaker, you should consider how to power it and whether or not the watermaker has low-energy consumption, which is definitely a great feature. Again, there are also engine-driven watermakers, so it's important to know exactly what you're going for.

Maintenance

Watermakers have a reputation for being difficult to maintain. Fortunately, the equipment and components have improved in the last few years so you should go for a model that's easy to maintain. You should use the watermaker in water bodies that look good, You should avoid using the watermaker in dirty harbors as you may have to change the filters every so often or even damage your watermaker altogether.

Best Watermakers for Sailboats

Let's take a look at the best watermakers available on the market right now.

The Ultra Whisper

Engineered by limited electrical options that can run on either DC or AC, THE Ultra Whisper by Sea Recovery is one of the best watermakers currently available on the market. In addition to being very quiet, this watermaker features an automatic operation that requires very minimal operator adjustment.

This watermaker is ideal for small powerboats and sailboats since it can serve as an efficient water supply. This model boasts about a 75% reduction in power consumption, especially when compared to other models.

• ‍ Smooth and quiet water production
• Can produce up to 2,280 liters per day
• Ideal for small boats
• It is energy efficient
• ‍ It might not be perfect for large boats

Echotec Watermaker

If you want a watermaker model that can produce 60 liters per hour flawlessly and with no maintenance apart from changing the filters, look no further than the Echotec Watermaker. This model is designed for ultra-reliable performance and easy customer installation.

This watermaker is made from high-quality components that can withstand the continuous harsh marine environment, making it one of the most durable watermakers on the market. This is essentially a series of modular watermakers ranging from 12-volt to 24-volt DC-powered models. They bring forth energy efficiency, a computerized energy recovery system, and ultimate reliability to ensure that you never run out of fresh drinking water while out there on the sea.

• ‍ Energy efficient
• Cost-effective
• ‍ Comes with a very low speed
• Not ideal for large boats

Spectra Katadyn PowerSurvivor

As a compact and energy-efficient watermaker, the Spectra Katadyn PowerSurvivor is arguably the most affordable watermaker currently available on the market. We are talking about a model that only requires 4 amps to desalinate water for your sailboat. It can produce 1.5 gallons of fresh drinking water per hour, which is an excellent return for a watermaker of its size.

It is also one of the most portable watermakers around. You can choose to either install it permanently or temporarily in case you want to take it somewhere else. This portability is also essential if you're looking for a space-saving model that can fit in the smallest of compartments. Its simple but rugged design is essential in ensuring that it can perform at its best even in harsh marine conditions. In terms of its power capabilities, this is the only model on the market that will convert to a hand-operated system or manual power if there's a power shortage.

• ‍ Portable and lightweight
• Rugged design to withstand harsh marine environments
• Efficient and reliable
• Can revert to manual power if there's a power shortage
• Perfect for off-grid sailing
• ‍ Gasoline or diesel can easily damage the semi-permeable membrane

Village Marine - Little Wonder Series

Whether you're looking for a watermaker for your small sailboat or looking for a watermaker that can efficiently serve those huge yachts, the Village Marine Little Wonder Series provides everything. This model is meant for experienced sailors who are looking for various capacity options. This watermaker weighs just about 69 pounds but can produce nearly 180 gallons of fresh drinking water each day.

Designed with a low RPM high-pressure pump, this model remains one of the most efficient and economical watermakers on the market. That's not all; this watermaker is designed with corrosion-resistant features and is one of the most serviceable watermakers in the game. It is reliable, quiet, and portable; all factors that make a watermaker great.

• ‍ Easy to operate
• Corrosion-resistant
• Easy to maintain
• Quiet and versatile
• ‍ It doesn't have automatic adjustment controls

Ventura 150 Watermaker

This is one of the most versatile watermakers on the market. It can use both electricity and renewable energy. This model is engineered to be lightweight and energy-efficient and its compact and modular design makes it a great option if you're looking for a watermaker that's easy to use and install in confined spaces.

The Ventura 150 watermaker is highly efficient as it can produce over 6 gallons of water an hour, which makes it quite perfect for small vessels. This sailboat watermaker features a controller that allows you to operate and monitor the device remotely. It also has the auto store button that will automatically flash the system after every five days.

This watermaker is quiet and surprisingly compact despite its ability to produce about 150 gallons of water per day. It also gives you the option of going for the automated manual or manual model.

• ‍ Very versatile
• Can use both electricity and renewable energy power
• It is smooth and quiet
• It is compact and lightweight
• ‍ The manual model has analog controls

To this end, it's easy to see that having an ideal watermaker aboard your vessel is one of the first crucial steps towards being self-sufficient and sustainable. With a watermaker, you'll be able to access fresh drinking water at all times when sailing even in far-flung places. Most of these models are well-constructed and incorporate some of the best technologies that make them efficient, reliable, and easy to install, use, and maintain.

So when it comes to choosing the best watermaker for your sailboat, it may all come down to what is ideal for you in terms of energy consumption, efficiency, the quantity of water produced, among many other things. With an ideal watermaker, you can remain off the grid for as long as you want without ever worrying about running out of water and this is of great importance in enjoying your sailing adventures.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Test of Six 12-volt Watermakers

While at first blush all appear about the same size, we find important differences in output and current consumption. the spectra 180 is amazingly efficient but expensive. of the six, village marine tec's little wonder seems the most tried and true..

Last month we took an overview of the pros and cons of 12-volt watermakers. This month, we look at high-output machines from five manufacturers, ranging from systems from industry giants such as Village Marine to small shops such as SK Engineering. All of the watermakers we looked at were production models, although the Spectra 180 we tested had been re-configured to serve as a demonstration model.

As we began our market survey and field testing, we discovered that a number of other manufacturers are jumping into the fray, realizing that 12-volt watermakers constitute a small but growing segment of the market. Most notable among these new players is HRO-another industry giant-which has been promising a state-of-the-art, computer-controlled, self-contained 12-volt watermaker for more than a year. We saw the literature a year ago at the Miami Boat Show. We saw a non-operational mockup last fall at the Southampton, England boat show. We have yet to see a functional machine in the flesh.

With the assistance of Andy Cortvriend of Ocean Link, a knowledgable Portsmouth, Rhode Island, marine servicing company, we tested product output, water quality, and electrical consumption of all the watermakers. Electrical consumption was measured with a Cruising Equipment amp-hour meter, using gel cell batteries maintained at full capacity by a Heart inverter/charger between tests.

Saltwater was pulled from lower Narragansett Bay into a large storage tank maintained at a constant temperature during the tests. The waters at our Little Harbor test facility are not as clean as open ocean waters, but are closer to the reality of the watermaking most cruisers will experience. This was not a pure laboratory test with manufactured sea water of exactly the right total dissolved solids (TDS).

We then examined each machine carefully on the bench, looking for weak points, strong points, potential installation or maintenance hang-ups, and general quality of construction.

The quality of output water was tested with a TDS meter and all machines easily met standards for potability.

The real test of any watermaker is how it performs over time-not just months, but years. Because maintenance is a key factor in longevity and trouble-free operation, the owner/operator will bear a large portion of the responsibility for the long-term success of any watermaker installation.

Here are our findings.

Village Marine Little Wonder When Village Marine Tecs Little Wonder was introduced almost a decade ago, it was the first 12-volt watermaker that actually had the capacity to supply the water needs of a medium-sized cruising sailboat without almost continual running. More than 1,500 of these compact, well-made machines have been produced, and there have been virtually no changes to the design or components over the entire production run.

Both 12-volt and 24-volt models are available, with the higher voltage model producing slightly more product flow.

The standard model is totally self-contained in a well-designed package, with all components bolted to a heavy aluminum chassis, topped off with a removable aluminum cover. Mounting requires drilling through the chassis for suitable through-bolts.

The three plumbing connections-feed water, product water, and brine discharge-are pre-plumbed through one end of the case. The wiring junction box also contains connections for an optional feed water boost pump, and an internal 25-amp breaker to protect the electrics.

Although the package is tightly plumbed, there is reasonable space between components for service.

Power for the high-pressure pump is provided by a continuous-duty 1/4-hp. Pacific Scientific motor, rated at 21.5 amps at full power. The motor is connected to the high-pressure pump by a lightweight cogged belt.

The heart of the Little Wonder is its proprietary high-pressure pump, specially made by Village Marine for this machine. It features a titanium pump head with ceramic plunger-a combination which should be corrosion-proof for the life of the watermaker. All wetted parts in the pump are titanium, type 316 stainless steel, or ceramic. High-pressure plumbing and connectors are type 316 stainless.

Monitoring includes a high-pressure gauge and product flow gauge. System pressure can be adjusted if necessary using an open-end wrench, although the factory pre-set pressure of 800 psi should be correct for most watermaking situations. The pressure regulator is a high-quality regulator, rather than the more commonly seen needle-valve adjuster.

The fiberglass pressure vessel and the standard-sized 2521 membrane are both manufactured by Village Marine, although they are industry-standard in size.

In our tests, the Little Wonder produced a product flow of 5.8 gph at 13 volts, drawing 16.7 amps-about 37.4 watts per gallon. This does not include the 1-amp current draw of the small optional booster pump, which is required for above-the-waterline installations, long feed water runs, or installations containing multiple pre-filters.

The water produced by the machine we tested was very high quality. The noise level of 79 dB, with the cover removed, was louder than the two quietest machines tested, but was not loud enough to be objectionable.

The self-contained unit is 25.5″ long, 11″ wide, and 9.25″ high, and requires a slightly larger mounting space to accommodate plumbing connections and allow access for removal of fastenings holding the cover. For tight installations, a modular version is available, which does away with the mounting chassis and uses flexible high-pressure hoses rather than rigid stainless steel tubing. Obviously, installation of the modular unit requires slightly more time, but offers a lot of flexibility-very desirable in field installations aboard the typical cruising sailboat, in which locker or shelf space is at a premium.

Documentation is excellent, with a 35-page manual covering installation, operation and maintenance.

The warranty is somewhat complex. The membrane has a three year warranty, the pressure vessel a lifetime warranty, the high pressure pump a one-year warranty-although some of its internal components have only a 90-day warranty-and the electric motor 12 months. You need a flow chart to keep it straight.

The Little Wonder comes with pre-filter, three-way cleaning valve, basic plumbing connectors, and a membrane cleaning kit. You supply PVC hose, hose clamps, and the wiring connection. Options include the boost pump (standard with the modular version, $144 for the self-contained version), a three-way sampling valve ($38), a pre-plumbed fresh water flushing system ($150), hand-held salinity meter ($49), and spares kit for extended cruising ($199). For long-range cruising, all of these options are nearly essential for any properly installed watermaker.

List price of either the self-contained or modular 12-volt Little Wonder is $3,195. It is available at slight discounts through some mail-order catalogs, and there are periodic promotions at boat shows featuring special prices and thrown-in options.

Weight of the self-contained system is 63 lb. (The modular system weighs 48 lb.)

Village Marine will soon introduce a higher-output version of the Little Wonder, a 1/3-hp. watermaker in almost the same package size. Current draw, however, will be about 26 amps, requiring heavier wiring and perhaps a look at your battery capacity and charging capabilities.

Bottom Line: There are quieter 12-volt machines, more efficient ones, cheaper ones, and others that put out more water. The Little Wonder, however, has a combination of features-ease of installation, relatively low current draw, high quality components, and a 10-year track record-that is hard to beat. You can’t go wrong with this watermaker.

SK Engineering DC 150 SK Engineering is a small watermaker manufacturer based in Ft. Pierce, Florida. They do virtually no advertising, go to few boat shows, and have a very low-overhead operation geared to the Florida market. While most of their units are AC-powered, their DC 150 is a 12-volt model with a nominal output of 6 gallons per hour.

The DC 150 is powered by a 1/3-hp. continuous-duty Pacific Scientific motor rated at 26 amps. This is a larger version of the motor that powers the Village Marine Little Wonder.

The membrane is a standard 2521, and the pressure vessel appears identical to that used by Village Marine. All high-pressure fittings are type 316 stainless, as is the rigid high-pressure plumbing.

A Giant high-pressure pump provides pressure for the system. This is a standard industrial pump with a stainless steel pump head. A complete servicing manual for the pump is provided.

This is an open-frame system, with the components mounted on a heavy aluminum chassis. The footprint is 18.5″ x 12.5″, with a height of 8.5″. The pressure vessel is mounted on the outside of the chassis, increasing overall dimensions to about 25″ long outside the footprint of the mounting frame. Rubber vibration mounts are provided to isolate the chassis, reducing noise and vibration.

System pressure is user controllable via a knob-operated valve on the panel. Monitoring capabilities include system pressure and product water flow.

In operation, the DC 150 was one of the quietest machines tested, producing a maximum of 72 dB of noise. Product flow of the test machine was 6.5 gallons at 800 psi, with the motor drawing 21.3 amps at 13 volts. This translates into electrical consumption of 42.6 watts per gallon of water produced. As with other systems, adding a booster pump for above-waterline installations would add to total current draw. SK states that the system will operate without a booster pump in installations up to 2′ above the waterline.

One of the nicer features of this machine is the availability of a remote operating panel. This option allows routine operation of the system without direct access to the watermaker itself, which greatly increases installation flexibility.

The system is supplied with a pre-filter with a vacuum gauge, allowing you to monitor the condition of the filter without opening the housing. A freshwater flush kit-highly-desirable in any installation-is a $125 option. The 12-volt booster pump, drawing 1 amp, is a $120 option. An extensive cruising kit, including 12 pre-filters, rebuild parts for the high-pressure pump, cleaner, preservative, and other spares, costs $330.

SKs pricing is very competitive. The self-contained DC 150 has a list price of $2,740, but has a discount price-which we suspect would be available to most sailors who approach the manufacturer directly-of $2,350. The remote panel version has a discount price of $2,450, although the list price jumps to $3,140.

The system documentation is basic, but adequate. Total system weight is 74 lbs.

Being a small manufacturer, SK has a limited network of regular servicing dealers, but since all the system components are essentially off-the-shelf items, any good watermaker technician could repair the unit if necessary.

This is a quiet system with high-quality components and a great deal of installation flexibility when coupled with the optional 8″ x 8″ remote panel. Its open-frame design is easily serviced, although the package is not as neat as a totally enclosed package like the Little Wonder.

Bottom Line: With its 1/3-hp. motor, electrical installation will require careful thought, and you will need to look at your entire charging system and battery capacity a little more closely than you would with a 1/4-hp. machine.

The low price makes this system worth looking at. It is simple, soundly engineered, and utilizes good quality, standard components that are easily serviced. The only potential drawback is the small size of the manufacturer, which might limit long-term support.

PUR PowerSurvivor 160E The PowerSurvivor 160E is PURs entry into the high-output 12-volt watermaker market. It is the latest in a long line of machines that dates back to the PowerSurvivor 35, the first practical small 12-volt watermaking system.

The 160E uses a standard 2521 membrane in a proprietary housing. It is a dead-simple modular system, utilizing a Leeson 1/3-hp. motor directly coupled to a proprietary stainless steel high-pressure pump. Flexible high-pressure hose between the pump and the pressure vessel allows a great deal of mounting versatility, including bolting the entire system to a bulkhead. All high-pressure fittings are 316 stainless steel.

At 54 lbs. for the entire system, this is one of the lightest high-output watermakers we tested.

When we say dead-simple, we mean it. Other than the pressure bypass valve and the on-off switch-which you provide-there are no gauges to monitor, no product flow meter, and no means of adjusting system pressure, which is pre-set at the factory and is not intended to be user-adjusted. You would still, of course, install the product sampling valve, cleaning valve, and pre-filter, just as with all other units.

The 160E is a gravity feed system, and can only be installed below the waterline.

Our test machine produced 6.5 gallons of water per hour, drawing 17.3 amps at 13 volts-less than we would expect for a 1/3-hp. system. This yields an energy consumption of 34.6 watts per gallon of water-more efficient than average for the watermakers in our tests.

There are several drawbacks to the PowerSurvivor 160E. First, the system is the noisiest of any we tested, putting out 80 dB at our standard test distance of 1′. Furthermore, the reciprocating drive system of the high-pressure pump produces not a steady noise, but one punctuated by a loud popping sound at one stage of the piston stroke. We would recommend mounting this watermaker in a sound-insulated compartment if possible.

The reciprocating pump also produces pulsing in the systems hoses, which should be well-secured to prevent fatigue over time.

This is one of the more expensive watermakers we tested, with a list price of $4,440. Several discount marine catalogs sell the 160E for as low as $3,800. Options include a repair seal kit ($80), an extended cruise kit ($200), and an extensive preventative maintenance package ($420).

On the plus side, routine service of the system, including replacement of high-pressure pump seals-a requirement every 1,000 hours of operation-is simple and well-documented in the excellent instruction manual.

We also looked at two other units from PUR, the PowerSurvivor 80II modular and the newly-designed PowerSurvivor 40E. The 80II is very similar to the 160E, simply scaled down. We did not test it, but since all the other PUR machines met the manufacturers specifications, we expect this one to do the same. The smaller-diameter membrane of the 80II limits you to membranes from the machines manufacturer. It lists for $3,330, and is routinely discounted to about $2,950-about the same as the higher-output Little Wonder.

The PowerSurvivor 40E is the totally re-designed successor to the PowerSurvivor 35, the original high-output 12-volt watermaker. In our tests, its 1/18-hp. motor drew 4.8 amps, producing about 1.6 gallons per hour, consuming 39 watts per gallon of water. It is very compact, and like all PUR watermakers, easy to service and operate.

At 72 dB, its noise level was the equivalent of the quieter large 12-volt machines.

With its light weight (25 lbs.) and tiny footprint-about 15-1/2″ x 15″ x 6″ high-the 40E would be the most suitable watermaker for a single sailor or a couple cruising on a small or very light boat-a multihull, for example-with limited electrical generating capacities, perhaps just a few solar panels and small batteries.

In an emergency, the motor can be disconnected from the 40E, and it can be operated manually by a handle, just like its Survivor 35 predecessor. Because virtually all the parts of the 40E are proprietary, including the pressure vessel, membrane, and pump, you will only be able to service the units with parts from PUR.

List price of the 40E is $2,220/$1,900 discount, with options analogous to those available for larger PUR machines.

Bottom Line: All three of these smaller watermakers are actually the core business for PUR, and fill specific niches where there is no competition. Although the 160e is an easily serviced watermaker, and is more efficient than average, its high price and noisy operation are drawbacks. If the installation flexibility of the 160E is not essential to you, we think there are other 12-volt watermakers of similar capacity and quality of construction that offer better value.

Caribbean Technology The Caribbean Technology YM-200 DC 12 made by Great Water is the highest-capacity 12-volt watermaker we tested. Its rated output of 10.2 gph at 800 psi significantly exceeds that of most of the watermakers in our test.

In many ways, this modular system mimics both the output and sophistication levels of more mainstream engine-driven or 110-volt systems, including a direct drive high-pressure pump, high and low pressure automatic shutoff, and a sophisticated remote operating panel including power switch, pressure regulator, and gauges for system pressure, product water flow, and brine flow.

Power is provided by a 1/2-hp. continuous-duty motor directly coupled to a stainless steel Wanner Hydracell industrial pump. An instruction manual for the pump leads you through the periodic maintenance required. A new oil venting system in the pump claims to have eliminated an earlier tendency of Wanner pumps to weep oil.

A Codeline pressure vessel holds a standard 2521 membrane. Because this is a modular system, high-pressure plumbing includes flexible hose rather than rigid tubing. All fittings are 316 stainless steel.

A Flojet boost pump is standard, allowing the system to be mounted above the waterline. This pump-actually designed as a shower drain pump-adds 3.6 amps to the current draw of the system.

A product flow rate of 10.2 gph is pretty much the absolute capacity of a 2521 membrane, and our test system had no trouble achieving that rate of flow. The downside is that to achieve this flow, the electrical demands of the system are much higher than any other watermaker we tested: 38 amps at 13 volts, or 48.4 watts per gallon.

You would never run this system without running the engine at the same time. The current draw is high enough to drop system voltage down instantly. In all fairness, for maximum efficiency none of the systems drawing 15 amps or more should be operated without running the engine at the same time.

Because of the high current draw, your charging system should be equipped with a big alternator if you choose this watermaker. To take advantage of the big alternators capacity, youll want a big bank of batteries. The system will probably need a 50-amp circuit breaker separate from the main panel, as many main panels do not have service wiring that is really heavy enough for this type of load.

You will also need heavy wiring between the circuit breaker and the systems electrical relay box. The manufacturer recommends 4-gauge wiring, which is heavy and may in some cases be difficult to run.

Obviously, a great deal of planning and thought is required before installing a system of this capacity and with these electrical requirements.

On the plus side, the fully modular design allows the system to be mounted in a surprisingly small space, essentially little more space than is required by a modular 6-gph system.

Weight of the YM-200 is 83 lbs.

The manual includes excellent system schematics, and reasonably thorough instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance of the watermaker.

As you might expect, the size of the pumps and motors result in a fairly noisy system: 80 dB at a distance of 1′ from the high-pressure pump-the big noisemaker in any system. Due to its weight, electrical needs, and noise, the best location for this watermaker is a sound-insulated engine room or compartment, as close as possible to the ships electrical supply.

Bottom Line: The best application for this system is a larger boat with existing electrical capacity, and lacks a genset or a means of installing an engine-driven watermaker.

With a list price of $3,500-which is sometimes discounted through dealers-this is not an expensive system. In fact, on a dollar cost per gallon of water produced per hour basis, this is the cheapest system of the entire lot to purchase. It is not an electrically efficient system, but if the maximum output in the minimum time is your primary criterion in a 12-volt watermaker, the Caribbean Technology is definitely worth considering.

Spectra 180 The Spectra 180, and a few variations on its basic version, are the only watermakers produced by Edinger Marine Services. It is radically different from other 12-volt watermakers, extracting a lot of freshwater with astonishingly low power consumption.

When you first see the Spectra 180, your first impression is that one component-a big DC motor to power the high-pressure pump-has been left out. In fact, the entire system is powered by a small 12-volt pump and motor-about 1/8-hp.-no larger than the water pressure pump on a 35-footer. This is possible due to the unique design of the Clark pump, a remarkably energy-efficient pump created specifically to power this watermaker.

The Clark pump is totally unlike any other high-pressure pump used in watermakers. To oversimplify, the Clark uses two opposing pistons and cylinders with a single connecting rod. System pressure is created by the connecting rod driving the piston into the opposite cylinder. Without a detailed technical explanation of exactly how any why this works, it is fair to say that compared to other methods of creating adequate pressure for reverse osmosis, this is a remarkably energy-efficient system.

The Spectra 180 is also different from other watermakers in that it uses a standard full-size membrane whose pressure vessel is just over 44″ long-almost twice the length of the pressure vessel containing the 2521 membrane used by all the other high-capacity systems in out tests. Mounting this much longer pressure vessel may present problems in some boats. The Clark Pump housing itself is almost as long as the pressure vessel for a 2521 membrane.

According to the manufacturer, they have torn down Clark pumps after 3,000 hours of operation and found no significant wear. In any case, the pump is easy to overhaul in the field by a reasonably proficient owner. An overhaul manual for the pump is part of the system documentation, which is basic but adequate.

This is a modular system, with a remote control panel that can allow basic operation without direct access to the other system components. Total weight is about 51 lbs.

Our test system was a factory demonstrator, configured as a self-contained frame system with some performance compromises compared to the correct, conventional modular installation. Instead of a single large membrane, our test system utilized two 2521 membranes, similar in flux area to the larger membrane.

From a pure electrical efficiency perspective, the Spectra 180 was the most impressive watermaker we tested. With a current draw of 8.6 amps at 13 volts, our test unit pumped out fresh water at the rate of almost 9.5 gph–almost as much as the Great Water system, which draws almost five times as much power. Thats only 11.8 watts per gallon, by light years the most electrically efficient machine in our test.

In addition, at a noise level of 65 dB, this was the quietest system.

The Spectra 180 is not perfect, however. The system runs at low pressure compared to other systems-just 600 psi with our 70F water temperature-and the product water, although perfectly acceptable, had the highest total dissolved solids in our tests. Since product water quality can vary with different membranes, we are reluctant to attach much significance to this slightly lower water quality, which was still well within standards for drinking water.

We have some concerns about the relatively low feed water flow rate through the big membrane. The more water that passes over a membrane, the better it likes it, according to most manufacturers. The Spectras flow rate of about 90 gph is quite small for the large membrane, and we do not know how the longevity of the membrane might be impacted by this.

The ends of the main block of our systems Clark pump were machined from bronze, and showed some signs of surface oxidation at the interface to the Delrin main block. According to the manufacturer, future editions of the Spectra will have stainless steel components in place of bronze.

Likewise, the pressure relief needle valve on our test system dribbled when it was barely cracked open. We were told that this component has also been re-designed.

Our test system utilized brass high-pressure fittings, rather than the type 316 stainless used by every other manufacturer. Some manufacturers claim that the only reason to use brass is to save money, while others admitted to us, a bit reluctantly, that they had never seen a brass high-pressure fitting with significant corrosion, and stainless was generally used for appearance and galvanic compatibility as much as for longevity purposes.

Given the cost of the Spectra 180, we think you should get type 316 stainless fittings, and type 316 pump block components. The price of the Spectra 180 is $4,650, the highest of any machine we tested. You pay a significant premium for a major increase in electrical efficiency. Service, parts, and options prices are similar to those of other manufacturers: $350 for a long-term offshore service kit, for example. The price of the installation kit-$275-strikes us as a bit high for such parts as the three-way servicing and diverting valves that some other manufacturers include in the price of the basic system.

According to the manufacturer, although the system is fully functional and in production, they are still looking at further developments, including a composite Clark pump that would have no metal components. Relatively few of these machines are in use in the field at this time, as the product is quite new to the market.

Bottom Line: The most attractive feature of this system is its energy efficiency. We are less impressed by its price, and by the fact that it would appear to be a system with some room for refinement. However, if being able to run a watermaker without running the engine at the same time is important to you, and if price is less important than electrical efficiency, the Spectra 180 would be the choice among the systems we tested.

Conclusions/Recommendations Because virtually every cruising boat has different needs, priorities, and installation requirements, no single high-capacity 12-volt watermaker is going to fit the bill for every sailor. These are all well-designed, fully functional machines. Each has specific advantages and disadvantages, which we have described.

All meet their manufacturers performance specifications in terms of electrical consumption and product water output. Variances of +/- 10% to 15% from the manufacturers specifications for performance are normal.

The variations in product water quality we found are not significant. All the watermakers produce water that meets international standards for potability. The quality of the water will vary over time with any watermaker and with any membrane. A simple hand salinity tester-available from most watermaker manufacturers-is all that is required for routine checking of water quality. Most owners who use their watermakers daily don’t even bother testing salinity. They start the machine, let it run for a few minutes, taste the water, and if it tastes good, divert it to the tank.

All watermakers have similar maintenance requirements, and all we tested are reasonably easy to service. Your choice of a specific system will be largely the result of specific requirements for your boat and your cruising. The key questions are the amount and shape of space you have for the watermaker, the existing or planned electrical generating and battery storage capacity of your boat, and the amount of water you must make in a specific time frame.

All watermakers are maintenance-intensive. To a large extent, the long-term, hassle-free operation of a watermaker is a function of where and how it is used, and how religiously routine maintenance is performed. None of these machines will stand abuse.

A freshwater flushing system is an important component of a watermaker installation. Of the machines tested, only Village Marine and SK Engineering offer a ready-made freshwater back flush system as an option. While it is an easy system to design and build for anyone capable of installing a watermaker, it should be offered and recommended as an option by other manufacturers as well.

None of these systems is beyond the installation capabilities of a reasonably handy boat owner. If space permits, a totally self-contained system such as Village Marines Little Wonder will be slightly easier to install, but the total difference in installation time between self-contained and modular systems should not be more than a few hours unless there are vexing component mounting problems to solve. Plumbing and wiring connections are essentially the same for modular and self-contained systems, although a modular system with a remote panel will certainly take the longest time to install because of the number of individual components that must be placed.

All installations require attention to detail, particularly when it comes to wiring. We would not recommend you install a watermaker as the first major project you undertake on your boat, since it will require putting in a through-hull, installing heavy-duty wiring, and completing some plumbing that may in some boats be more difficult than it may first appear.

While all watermakers are covered by manufacturers warranties, all specifically exclude damage due to abuse in operation, poor maintenance, or improper installation.

A watermaker is not a use-it-and-forget-it product. Its for those who live aboard. If you don’t use it regularly and maintain it properly, you are wasting your money, and you shouldnt own one. On the other hand, if you are willing to accept the responsibility of maintaining a fairly demanding piece of equipment, a 12-volt watermaker can give you-particularly if you are a cruising sailor who desires long-term independence from shore-a degree of freedom you may not otherwise find.

Contacts- Edinger Marine Service, Inc., 298 Harbor Dr., Sausalito, CA 94965; 415/332-3780, fax 415/332-8527. Great Water, Inc., 5148 Peach St. Erie, PA 16509; 814/838-0786, fax 814/838-8700. Ocean Link, 52 Maritime Dr., Portsmouth, RI 02871; 401/683-4434. PUR, Recovery Engineering, 9300 75th Ave. North, Minneapolis, MN 55428; 800/845-7873, fax 312/315-5505. SK Engineering, 4256 N. US 1, Suite 1, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946; 800/489-0852, fax 561/489-0808. Village Marine Tec., 2000 West 135th St., Gardena, CA 90249; 800/421-4503, fax 310/538-3048.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Excellent article, thank you for the research and detailed info.

Agree! Thank YOU

I really appreciated reading your recommendation, especially power consumption from one manufacturer to the other.

I am some how confused with Spectra manufacturing and Katadyn. I thought it was all Katadyn for some time now. When was this test done?.

Great review, except it would have been helpful to have specific TDS figures for the output in each case.

The contact information for SK engineering is wrong. Went to some health insurance company that sounded like a scam.

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Yachting Monthly

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5 of the best watermakers: From ERD to high pressure units

• February 28, 2023

When it comes to watermakers picking the best for you is crucial with a key decision being the type you go for an its energy usage.

Watermakers – technically known as desalination units – use a process called reverse osmosis (RO) to make drinking water. By forcing salty water at a high pressure against one side of an RO membrane, fresh water will slowly seep through, leaving the salt and bacteria behind. The output is notably devoid of minerals, but the taste can be a little strange at first.

There are two main types of watermaker. High-pressure pump watermakers are fast, but they aren’t the most energy- efficient way of creating clean water. They are usually tuned to produce 60 litres per hour or more but can draw upwards of 500W and while there are 12V versions, they typically use mains voltage pumps and are better suited to being run from a generator than a battery bank.

They’re designed to fill your tanks quickly so you don’t have to run the generator for long. Mechanically, they’re simple, and apart from the high-pressure pump there are no moving parts to go wrong.

The alternative method is a Clark pump watermaker, also known as an energy recovery device (ERD). This uses a fast-running but much lower-pressure pump which needs less power. To obtain the high pressure required, the pressure in the discharge water is harnessed by a couple of reciprocating pistons and used to boost the inlet pressure. It takes a few minutes to build up pressure and during that time the output is slow and not very clean.

Best watermaker: ERD units

Schenker Zen 30

I’ve yet to meet the owner of a Schenker Zen 30 who isn’t an evangelist for this machine. The Italian brand has been evolving its range since 1998 and offers a three-year warranty. Measure twice – the pump and membrane make up a bulky unit.

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Osmosea units

I love the design of the Osmosea units, which only have one moving part and are one of the cheapest ERD units out there, although reliability is poor, due to the materials used. Cheap second-hand ones are often available, so worth considering if you don’t mind doing a bit of engineering.

Buy it now from Osmosea

Spectra Catalina

While not flawless, this has one of the best build qualities. You’ll find dealers in remote locations, but expect a hefty bill for parts and labour.

It’s a modular design which makes installation easier, but while none of the modules are huge, there are a lot of modules.

Buy it now from GDS

Best watermaker: High pressure units

SeaWater Pro

SeaWater Pro grew out of a garage project using a pump from a Karcher K4 power washer and a garden hose timing unit, but they’ve come a long way since then. Their latest units now use stainless steel pumps which, unlike Karcher pumps, are designed specifically to propel saltwater.

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French brand Dessalator uses beautifully over-engineered pumps with a simple user interface control. Despite being a high-pressure system, they offer a couple of 12V versions, the smallest drawing around 30A and rated at 30 litres/hour. They are very pricey, but the only running costs for years will be pre-filters.

Buy it now from Dessalator

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7 Best Sailboat Watermakers For Liveaboards 2024

If you’re a liveaboard sailor looking for the best sailboat watermaker then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best watermakers on the market and show you how they can help make your sailing experience more enjoyable.

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of sailing on the open water. If you’re a liveaboard sailor, though, you know that keeping your boat stocked with fresh water can be a challenge. That’s where sailboat watermakers come in handy.

Not only do they produce fresh water for drinking and cooking, but they also help keep your boat clean by providing water for showers and dishes.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the best sailboat watermakers available on the market today. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each model so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing one for your boat.

So, whether you’re looking for a compact unit that is easy to install or a high-performance model that can handle large volumes of water, we have something for you. Keep reading to learn more.

How do marine watermakers work?

What are the benefits of having a watermaker on your sailboat.

• How do I choose a sailboat watermaker?

How big a water maker do I need?

How much does a sailboat watermaker cost, how much power does a watermaker use, how much space does a marine watermaker take up, maintaining your sailboat watermaker, the best sailboat watermakers for liveaboards.

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Marine watermakers are devices that convert salt water into fresh water, making them an essential tool for sailors and boaters. But how do they work?

At the heart of every marine watermaker is a reverse osmosis membrane. This is a thin, semi-permeable film that allows water molecules to pass through, but blocks out larger molecules like salt.

To create freshwater, salt water is forced through the membrane under high pressure. This process is known as reverse osmosis, and it leaves the salt behind in the brine stream. The freshwater that comes out of the other side is then collected and stored in tanks.

Marine watermakers are powered by either electricity or a diesel engine, depending on the size of the unit. Some small portable units can even be powered by a car battery.

You will probably want a pretty decent battery bank and solar or wind setup to power your watermaker. By far the easiest solution is to get a reliable, drop in battery. We highly recommend BattleBorn’s lithium batteries which is what we use to power our watermaker.

⚡ Check out BattleBorn batteries here

If you’re thinking of outfitting your sailboat with a watermaker, you’re in for a treat. Adam and I put off buying one for two years, as we weren’t sure it would be worth the big investment. But after a year in the Cyclades where finding free town quays with water was near impossible, we decided to bite the bullet and commit.

It’s the one thing we wish we’d done sooner. A sailboat watermaker has literally changed our lives at sea and we couldn’t be without one now.

Not only will you have a reliable source of fresh water, but you’ll also be able to enjoy extended stays at sea. Here are just a few of the benefits we’ve found of having a watermaker on your sailboat:

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of having a marine watermaker is that you’ll never have to worry about running out of fresh water. Whether you’re sailing around the world or just spending a few weeks cruising the coast, a watermaker will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have an unlimited supply of fresh water.

Obviously, fresh drinking water from the watermaker is great, but it also means we don’t worry about taking a shower or the huge amounts of washing up caused by certain meals or having people over for dinner!

In addition to providing an endless supply of fresh water, a watermaker can also help extend your cruising range. By making your own water, you won’t have to make as many stops to restock your tanks. This means you can stay out on the open water for longer periods of time and explore more distant ports. It also saves a lot of money on marinas and a lot of trips to beach showers!

Finally, having a watermaker onboard can be a real lifesaver in an emergency. If your boat is disabled and you’re stuck at sea, having a way to make fresh water can mean the difference between life and death.

How do I choose the best sailboat watermaker?

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a watermaker for your sailboat. There is no one size fits all when it comes to choosing the perfect watermaker for you, so take some time to read the pros and cons of each model before you commit!

If you’re just cruising around the local waterways, you can get away with a smaller unit and top up your tanks with water from the dockside. But if you’re planning on venturing out into the open ocean, you’ll need a larger unit that can produce more water.

You’ll want to take into consideration the amount of people you’re likely to have onboard. Adam and I find out Rainman naked 12V system keeps up with our needs just fine, but after taking on two more members of crew we quickly ran out of water and struggled to keep up with the new demand.

You should also track your water usage habits for a bit to see how much water you use on a daily basis. If you can’t live without daily long showers, or you need fresh water to wash down the boat regularly, or you have fresh water flushing toilets then you’ll obviously be using a lot more water than others.

The amount of water you use when you have a watermaker is likely to increase a little from your needs now, as you’ll be a little less careful with it. Factor this into your decision!

Like everything in sailing, you can spend as much or as little as you want on a watermaker. There are even some people who have successfully made their own watermaker and only spent money on the parts (some of which you can source second-hand).

If you aren’t a wizard with things like that though, you’re going to be looking at spending a decent amount of money on a sailboat watermaker. On average, they cost around £3000-£5000 for a watermaker for a cruising sailboat (around 40ft).

You can spend more like £10,000 on a watermaker for a larger boat, and you can spend less on a second-hand marine watermaker or a DIY one.

We’ve put together a guide to help you work out your needs based on what you use aboard.

Different brands of watermakers are more efficient than others, but from our own experience and that of others we’ve talked to, it takes around 10 Watt-hours to make a litre of water – i.e. about 0.8 Amp-hours from a 12-volt battery.

Things like the chemistry of your battery bank, the length of your cable runs, and even the temperature of the sea, can all make a difference to the amount of power you’ll need to make a certain amount of water, but this is a rough average.

We’ve got a guide on working out how much power you’ll need.

A marine watermaker is a very useful tool, but it’s not exactly small. In fact, depending on the model, a watermaker can take up quite a bit of space.

The average unit is about the size of a small freezer, and some models are even larger. Given that most boats are fairly limited in terms of space, this can be a bit of a problem.

The good news is that there are now several manufacturers who offer compact watermakers that are designed to take up less space. These units are often smaller than a standard coffee maker, making them much easier to find a spot for on your boat.

We’ve included some great options for smaller boats below.

Like any piece of equipment, a watermaker requires regular maintenance. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that you can take to keep your watermaker in good working condition.

First, be sure to check the filters on a regular basis. Not only will this help to ensure that your water is clean, but it will also help to prolong the life of your watermaker.

Second, be sure to check the seals and o-rings for leaks. These are essential for keeping your watermaker operating efficiently, and any leaks can lead to costly repairs.

Finally, be sure to perform a yearly “spring cleaning” by flushing the system with fresh water.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your watermaker in good working order for years to come.

You should also account for the fact that parts are bound to break and need fixing or replacing. Most watermakers come with proprietary parts which make them a pain to fix in remote places, but there are a few that take non-proprietary parts. We would recommend these to anyone planning a larger cruising ground.

#1 Rainman naked 12V Marine Watermaker

The Rainman naked 12V watermaker is a great option for anyone looking for a compact, efficient way to produce fresh water.

The unit is simple to set up and use, and it produces up to 30 litres of fresh water per hour for a smaller unit, or up to 140 litres per hour for a larger one.

One of the main reasons we were drawn to Rainman watermakers is that they use all off-the-shelf, standardised parts. If your Rainman breaks down, it almost doesn’t matter where in the world you are – you’ll likely be able to get standardised spares in the nearest major city. For any liveaboards hoping to circumnavigate this should be an important consideration.

Installation was really very straightforward. End-to-end it took two days to install and test the unit, plus an extra day to get the autoflush set up.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that the unit came with almost everything we needed to install it. We were expecting to supply our own hoses, sundries, etc. but Rainman supplies everything you need.

Whether you’re sailing around the world or just weekends on the lake, the Rainman naked 12V watermaker is a great way to ensure you have access to fresh, clean water.

Check out our full Rainman watermaker review for everything you need to know.

#2 Spectra Newport 400c Watermakers for Sailboats

Spectra watermakers have an excellent reputation among the sailing community and you can’t go wrong with one of their marine watermakers for your sailboat.

They make a range of different sailboat watermakers to suit different needs and sizes of boat, from hand-operated desalinators that can make 6 gallons a day to their largest system that produces 20,000 gallons of fresh drinking water per day.

The Newport 400c model operates on as little as 4 watts per liter, so you can run it on a small generator, solar, wind, or even just straight off the batteries. It’s a great option

The Spectra Connect system means you can operate and monitor your watermaker from a remote device, and it has lots of other clever features including a fill tank mode and suggested maintenance intervals.

You can choose the speed operation on this sailboat watermaker for maximum flow or maximum efficiency depending on your power management onboard. This is a great ‘all bells and whistles’ watermaker that takes the guesswork out.

#3 Spectra watermaker Ventura Series

As with the Newport 400c, Spectra ensure these watermakers are built to last and they have a really great reputation.

The Spectra watermaker Ventura series is designed to be energy-efficient and lightweight and is the perfect watermaker for smaller spaces.

It produces 24 litres an hour, which is less than the Rainman model but still enough for a couple living aboard a small sailboat if you’re conservative with water usage.

You can also opt for a warm water model that will produce slightly more water per hour and is the same size (but you’ll need to be sure your cruising area is only warm water!)

#4 The Ultra Whisper

The Ultra Whisper by Sea Recovery is one of the best watermakers out there for smaller boats, or boats not set up with adequate power to run one of the larger units.

It can run on either AC or DC and claims a 75% reduction in power consumption compared to the other products listed here. It’s also super quiet, which if you’ve run a watermaker before, is actually a huge bonus!

This is a small but perfectly formed piece of equipment that will enable you to make water with the smallest power setup, but obviously, on the downside, you won’t produce as much water so you’ll need to be careful with your consumption onboard.

Sea Recovery has more watermaker models on offer in a wide variety of size and capacity options. There’s even a really tiny version that measures only 2-3 cubic feet for sailboats that can’t compromise on space.

#5 Village Marine – Little Wonder series

Village Marine is another of the most popular marine watermaker brands and has a reputation for making reliable and efficient sailboat watermakers in a range of different models to suit different needs.

The Little Wonder series is one of the smallest (the reason for the name) and weighs only 69 pounds with the ability to produce 180 gallons of freshwater per day.

It has a low RPM high-pressure pump in a modular design, which means you can install it in different parts of the boat to maximise your space. This is really handy for smaller sailboats.

Installation is quick and easy, and a competent DIYer can do it. It is anti-corrosive and as a bonus, is also quiet to run!

This is one of the best watermakers on the market for smaller sailboats, and should last a long, long time.

#6 Village Marine – LW Watermaker Series for bigger boats

For anyone out there looking for a serious sailboat watermaker for a bigger boat, Village Marine has something suitable. The LW watermaker series caters to boats up to 100 feet in length.

This watermaker can produce up to 1800 gallons of freshwater a day, which is a crazy amount and will give you complete water independence on board.

It’s a much larger unit, obviously, so you’ll need to make sure you have space on board. It’s also a lot more expensive so it really is only suitable for larger boats and commercial vessels.

#7 Rainman Portable Sailboat Watermaker

Rainman make a portable watermaker that has many benefits over an installed version. it won’t suit all sailboats but it’s a great option to have for the following reasons.

• You don’t need to install the system. You can cut out a lot of the faff and make fresh drinking water within minutes of receiving the product.
• You don’t need any extra holes in your hull to use the watermaker.
• If you race your sailboat you can store the watermaker ashore to save on weight.
• It’s a great option for smaller sailboats as it can be moved to accommodate for extra guests.
• You can take it with you from boat to boat.
• You can share the watermaker and potentially the cost!
• You can use it for all your trips away from water supplies. Take it on road trips, fishing trips etc.

A portable sailboat watermaker might make a lot more sense for your needs, and it’s great to have the option to choose between the two. This watermaker comes with all the benefits of the Rainman installed version, so you can check out our Rainman review to help with your decision.

Conclusion for the best sailboat watermakers

If you’re in the market for a watermaker, we hope our review has helped you narrow down your choices. We believe that the best sailboat watermakers are those that are reliable, powerful enough for your needs, and easy to maintain. So if you’re looking for an efficient and durable watermaker, be sure to check out the options on this list.

If you’re looking for more liveaboard tips or want help with planning your move onto a boat then check out our ‘ How to run away to sea ‘ guidebook for everything you could possibly need to know about living on the ocean.

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Our catalog contains the newest and best marine watermakers for yachts and sailboats, which you can safely take on a long voyage and be sure of their reliability. Each product has a review, specification and instructions.

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Don't know which desalinator to choose? You can ask our team for help and they will answer all your questions.

Why Do You Need a Sea Watermaker

A modern system of seawater desalination by reverse osmosis on board the yacht is a guarantee of comfortable and safe autonomous navigation over long distances. Our marine watermakers for sale provide following advantages on board the yacht:

• automated seawater desalination process with a minimum of maintenance;
• high level of sea water purification from salt, pollution and microorganisms (from 97 to 99%);
• the ability to choose a route of any distance, even with a limited volume of water tanks, since you are not bound by the need to enter marinas and ports to replenish water supplies;
• cost savings in some regions where drinking water can be very expensive (many ports in the Caribbean, island regions, etc.);
• ensuring safe water supply on board, especially in those regions of the planet where water quality does not pass the necessary sanitary control, and the crew and passengers are at risk of getting pathogens or parasites along with water from untested sources;
• provision of an emergency water supply if a leak develops in the water tanks or the water there becomes unfit for consumption;
• reducing the weight of the vessel and increasing its productivity by reducing the amount of water storage or completely abandoning it.

The practice of sea travel and chartering clearly confirms that a watermaker on board a yacht is a guarantee of a comfortable and safe cruise with family, friends or passengers of commercial flights.

The Principles of a Marine Watermaker’s Operation

There are several ways to desalinate sea water - almost all of them have been tested in practice on ships of various displacements: distillation (thermal method is used), electrodialysis, reverse osmosis.

Distillation plants for desalination are bulky and energy intensive, and can be installed on large ships connected to diesel engines. Electrodialysis requires a lot of electricity, more suitable for installation on large ships or on the coast.

There is also an ion exchange method for removing salts from water, but it requires a large amount of reagents that are difficult to remove after the reaction. This water is not suitable for drinking. In addition, the cost of the reagents used is too high.

For sailing and motor yachts, as well as catamarans, the most suitable options are those based on the reverse osmosis method. Such equipment is more compact, less energy intensive and does not require long training. It is enough to be instructed by the representative of the supplier during installation, as well as carefully read the manual.

In seawater desalination by reverse osmosis, high-pressure seawater is forced through a very thin, semi-permeable membrane.

The structure of this membrane is designed to pass only pure water molecules. All other components of the permeable liquid remain on the other side of the membrane. This brine includes:

• mineral salts;
• sediment pollution;
• elements of plankton;
• biological components - viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.

But sea water cannot exert enough pressure to force itself through the membrane. Therefore, desalination by reverse osmosis is carried out under high pressure. To do this, the reverse osmosis plant necessarily has a high-pressure pump and a valve for discharging brine into the sea.

Clean fresh water, which is suitable for drinking, is collected on one side of the membrane, and the brine with salts, organics and other contaminants is dumped overboard.

ATTENTION! For reverse osmosis desalination, clean sea water should be used which is away from harbours, ports and marinas.

For additional seawater purification, mechanical and carbon pre-filters should be installed between the intake valve and the membranes. This way, you will significantly extend the time of productive operation of the membranes without the need for maintenance.

Marine Watermakers: Pros and Cons

Like any equipment that is designed to make life easier for a person in difficult conditions, marine desalinators have both advantages and disadvantages. Experienced travelers are convinced that they have much more advantages, though. The cons are usually high cost, as well as the need for monitoring and maintenance.

In defense of the first point, only one thing can be said: the cost of marine watermakers for sale increases in direct proportion to their productivity.

As for the extra hassle that comes with the desalinator, it's all in the hands of the yacht's skipper. There are special control panels that can be installed in different parts of the boat, allowing to remotely monitor the parameters and control the operation of the desalination equipment.

It is possible with the help of additional filters to provide preliminary cleaning of sea water, which will significantly extend the life of the membranes without treatment or replacement.

Now compare how many advantages (versus two disadvantages) a reverse osmosis desalination system installed on a yacht provides:

• you are free to plan your sailing route;
• you are free to determine the duration of the cruise;
• you will receive clean drinking water in any region of navigation;
• you will never have to save fresh water, scrupulously distributing it for drinking, cooking, hygiene procedures, etc.;
• your family, friends and you will never pick up pathogens from water passed through a reverse osmosis desalination plant;
• you, your passengers and crew will not be left alone with only saline water overboard in an emergency.

One last thing, for those who understand, you will never have to cook spaghetti by diluting your drinking water from the tank with seawater. And saving on salt this way surely won't save the cost of maintaining the yacht.

How to Choose a Watermaker for a Yacht / Boat

Before considering to purchase one of our products, decide what you want to get out of this equipment and what you would like to avoid. Let's take a look at the main characteristics related to performance, energy consumption and design features of desalinators.

Water output l/h

This is the main parameter of desalination equipment. Of course, you can choose a more productive option if you are not financially constrained. But you can more accurately calculate the required performance of a marine watermaker specifically for your needs.

For an adult to maintain body hydration, it is mandatory to drink 1 liter of water per day. The World Health Organization warns about such norms of drinking water per person, and this cannot be neglected.

Underestimating the water needs of a ship is just as dangerous as overestimating them.

Our marketplace contains marine desalinators for sale with a capacity of 60 to 4000 liters of fresh water per hour. So the owner of almost any yacht or catamaran can choose an option for individual sailing conditions. You will be assisted in your choice by our staff, who have significant practical experience in sea navigation in various conditions.

Power consumption

It is believed that any yacht equipment connected to a power source is excessively energy intensive. The good news for you is that this figure can be reduced.

There are several power options for desalinators to choose from based on boat size and power source:

• for ships with a generator - alternating current (AC) 120/220 volts;
• for ships equipped with alternative power sources (solar panels, wind turbines, hydro generators) - direct current (DC) 12 or 24 volts;
• for belt-driven vessels, the most efficient way to run the engine and desalination plant at the same time.

The latter option is suitable for large boats, as it requires a significant amount of space in the engine compartment. Water purified in this way is stored in tanks.

To optimize the power consumption of desalination equipment, it should be selected taking into account the power sources of the yacht.

Pay attention to one more feature. Most modern manufacturers of desalinators for sale use an energy recovery system that greatly reduces the power requirement of the power source.

We have marine watermakers for sale with patented energy recovery systems that reduce power requirements by up to 80%.

Dimensions and Noise

The size and performance of desalination devices are directly proportional to the noise they produce. Therefore, choose equipment parameters as close as possible to your needs. This will not only eliminate downtime, but also reduce noise levels.

Pay attention to the manufacturer's information about the noise level. The developers of the latest generation of watermakers are taking into account the need of yachtsmen to reduce it.

The Main Components of the Watermaker

A very important point in the analysis of your next buy is the components of the desalination system. Stop your choice on a model that:

• has open access to parts of the device - mounted in an open frame, which facilitates visual control and prevention;
• made of water-resistant, non-corrosive materials - stainless steel, ceramics, high-quality polymers, food-grade plastic, etc.;
• has a lower indicator of the number of revolutions of the pump per minute - a guarantee of equipment resistance to changes in the quality of outboard water;
• is not limited in use only to patented spare parts, which will facilitate repairs;
• provides all the basic functions in the basic configuration;
• allows individual settings for operation and control.

There are mobile options for desalination plants that can be rented for a short-term voyage.

An excellent option is modular systems, the modules of which are installed in different parts of the yacht.

If you listen to our advice, it will not be difficult for you to understand which watermaker perfectly suits your needs and the parameters of your boat.

Any questions? Contact our consultants who have extensive experience in the practice of sea cruises and yachting.

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Aqua-Base Watermakers, Desalinators & Water Systems

Octo Marine stocks a wide range of Aqua-Base Reverse Osmosis Watermakers and compatible accessories.

Why use Aqua-Base Watermakers ?

SLCE have designed Aqua-Base Watermakers to meet your needs for freshwater for your yacht. The AQUA-BASE sea water desalinators come with detailed instructions.  They also come with an installation kit making setup and use very easy. AQUA-BASE offer two desalinator options including the classic X & Y ranges. All series have been granted a certification by Bureau Veritas.

SLCE watermakers develops standard or tailor-made reverse-osmosis water treatment equipment. Reverse osmosis is a process that desalts seawater or demineralised brackish water through the use of a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows molecules of water to pass and blocks the salts as well as all the organic compounds. The water that passes through it is purified, mineral and drinkable.

The two versions are available are the “Essential” version (ESB), without electronics and a “Comfort” version (ESW), fully automatic.

The Standard features of ESB are as follows. Firstly, a low pressure pump. Secondly, a 5 microns filter. Thirdly, an e nergy recovery device and h igh rejection membrane. Finally, the ESB has l ow and high pressure mechanical safety & pressure gauges.

The Standard features of ESW include a ll the features of the ESB. The ESW also includes a water shortage safety as well as an a utomatic control of salinity.

The list below shows the range of branded and compatible products currently available on our website. For more information contact us at +33 (0)4 93 65 04 84 or by email at [email protected] .

The Products

Octo Marine MC12 Duplex Yacht Water Maker

Featured Products , Water Makers

Octo Marine MC5 Duplex Yacht Water Maker

Water Makers

Octo Marine MC3J Yacht Water Maker

Water Maker Membrane

Water Maker Consumables

Email Address

Our Systems

Echo tec. watermakers desalinators for boats, homes, and hotels.

ECHOTec  manufactures the most rugged and easy-to-operate desalinators/watermakers or desalination systems for yachts, commercial vessels, offshore installations, and land-based applications such as small communities, hotels, and beach houses. Designed for customer installation and ultra-reliable performance, far from factory-trained service centers, the wide product range covers modular AC, DC, and belt-driven watermakers from 8.4 GPH / 32 LPH to self-contained desalination systems with a production of 14.000 gallons or 53.000 liters per day.

More than 5,000   ECHOTec  desalination systems operate dependably and cost-effective throughout the world, many of them on continuous duty. Only the highest quality components, proven to withstand continuous operation in the harsh marine environment and comply with industry standards including NEMA, ASTM, API, NSF, and BSI are selected for safe operation and ultimate product life cycle. 

ECHOTec Watermakers are globally available directly from the manufacturer and through a fast-growing net  of factory-trained distributors.

Our Featured Desalinators

2400 GDP Series – A Proven Energy Recovery Desalination System

115/230v AC Pro Series (Semi-Modular/Self-contained)

AC Powered Reverse Osmosis Watermaker

Testimonials.

After 8 years experience with our ECHOTec watermaker on “Lindisfarne”, we chose an ECHOTec 260-DML-1 for our next boat “Moon

Annika & Björn

We upgraded many systems on our 10.8m sloop Tryphena for our trip from the east coast to the Kimberley. The ECHOTec 260-DML-1 water maker was probably the best investment we made. It is a beautiful piece of engineering and lived up to our every expectation.

Peter Giller

I have had 3 watermakers on different yachts over the years and I know that I need a robust, simple and efficient machine. My Echotec 260-DML-1 is all those things. In recent voyages to the Louisiades, the Solomons, New Caledonia and Vanuatu, I have enjoyed reliable, easily made water. In the Solomons, where the sea water is very warm, I was getting a litre a minute from my 260-DML-1! I had a couple of queries when installing the unit and was greatly helped by Peter from Blue Sea Machines. I unreservedly recommend both his service and the product.

Lawrie Gubb

After one year in use, I can confirm that ECHOTec was the right choice for our Island Packet 380. The 12V-unit produces a vast amount of freshwater with minimal (service) effort. We particularly appreciate that we can get competent and fast support directly from the manufacturer – even a year after the purchase. We highly recommend this watermaker.

The Habibi Crew

Just to give you some feedback on our watermaker, I must say that I am really impressed with the unit. Having a fair amount of experience with RO units, although normally much larger than this one, I am surprised at the quietness of it. It runs much quieter than expected.

Your service in getting the unit to us before departure was great as was the way it was packaged and shipped. The unit is well put together and I am very pleased with the workmanship and the fact that you supplied everything needed to do the installation.

I am happy that I bought an Echotec watermaker and will be recommending it and your company to anyone who asks.

Matt Lansdown

This was our first attempt at changing our membrane since we installed the ECHOTec 260-DML-1 all by ourselves six years ago in Malaysia. Thank you for your prompt and helpful replies! We previously had a Xxxxxxx system that failed miserably in the middle of the Pacific, repair was complicated and expensive. We love the simplicity of the ECHOTec system. We had zero maintenance, except for the occasional gear oil and filter change, in the past six years! We just have installed new solar panels and are now able to run the watermaker on solar power only during high sun. It’s really great to be able to do this! Great product and outstanding service, thanks again! Kind regards

Denis & Maria

Since 3 years we have an ECHOTec installed like most cruisers we know. After more than 25.000 liters produced, we as well as all our friends have no problems with our desalination system. Therefore, we have decided to use an ECHOTec 260-DML-1 again on our new project: The 100% solar-powered catamaran “Solarwave”, without sails and any fossil fuel.

Michael Köhler 

Just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with our new watermaker and the service we have received from your company. Thanks to everybody for their help and patience and prompt service. We will certainly recommend you to others.

Jim and Paula

Having the Echotec 260-DML-1 on board and functioning superbly was of great assistance to our efforts during the Newport to Bermuda Race. Thanks for providing such exemplary service – which has impressed me along the lines of your pragmatic and efficient watermakers.

Marine and portable watermakers

Our Company

Innovative watermakers since 1998.

Established in 1998 Schenker is a leading manufacturer of high quality watermakers based on an energy recovery system . Our company owns 4 patents for unique small scale energy efficient solutions.

Schenker Benefits

Why choose us.

80% less power consumption

Energy consumption can be reduced up to 80% compared to conventional systems.

Maximum space saving

An ultra thin design is ideal for space restrictions and provides easy access for maintenance.

Battery power supply

Our watermakers are powered directly from batteries without the need of a generator, our products, marine watermakers.

Schenker watermakers are simple, quiet, compact, efficient and fully automatic. A Schenker watermaker will allow you – whether you own a yacht, a sail boat or any vessel – to extend your cruising duration and increase your independency from marinas, thus enjoying more time at sea. Schenker’s three-years warranty is backed up by our international network of sales and service representatives.

Wiki RANGE: GAL/H 7.9"> RANGE: 30 LIT/H

Portable marine watermaker

Zen RANGE: GAL/H 7.9-13.2-26.4-39.6-53-79"> RANGE: 30-50-100-200-300 LIT/H

Quiet, small, efficient, inexpensive

Smart RANGE: GAL/H 7.9-15.8-21-26.4"> RANGE: 30-60-80-100 LIT/H

Smart, light and affordable

Modular RANGE: GAL/H 9-15.8-26.4-39.6-61-79-132"> RANGE: 35-60-100-150-230-300-500 LIT/H

A very compact units for all needs

Our products

Emergency portable solutions.

View our products range brochure

Download / View PDF

News & Articles

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5 reasons why you should buy a nautical watermaker

Schenker watermaker benefits: everything you should know

Water purification system: a new eco-product by Schenker Watermakers

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Rainman Watermakers

Because making water, should not be so complicated

Rainman watermaker systems can be purchased in a portable or installed system. Convert between configurations as to best suit your needs.

Watermaker Configurations

PORTABLE WATERMAKERS

Portable Rainman Watermaker systems are ideal for applications with AC or DC power onboard. No Installation required, ready to go!

MODULAR WATERMAKERS

Rainman Watermaker’s are ideal for installation, single motor configuration, hardware included. Take the stress out of installation.

GASOLINE WATERMAKERS

Gasoline Watermakers are ideal for redundancy. Great for applications with no power available. Giving you the flexibility for taking ashore

FRAMED WATERMAKERS

For larger vessels, or people that require more water, the Torrent watermaker is a good option.  Can be plumbed into your boat or used on land

Rainman Accessories

Rainman Control Panel

Rainman Autoflush

Rainman Hydrotester

Plumbing Installation Kit

Spares parts & consumables.

HP Hose Replacement Assembly

Pickling Solution Mix -1kg (2.2lb)

Rainman Pre Filter Housing

Candiru HP Hose Fitting

HP Hose replacement assembly (cap)

Rainman lift pump impeller

Rainman Prefilter

Rainman - Strainer Assembly

8mm Y Pushfit RU515

Your new Rainman watermaker comes with 5 prefilters (one fitted and four spares). Depending on the source water, each filter should last between 5 and 50+ hours. They are non-proprietary and readily available around the world.

Pickle Solution

Your new Rainman watermaker comes with a 1 kg (2.2 lb) tub of food grade sodium metabisulfate. You only use 3 tablespoons when you store the system for extended periods, so this tub should last quite a long time. We normally do not recommend extra pickle solution mix at the time of purchase.

The impeller requires changing every year or two. We use standard sized impellers that can be sourced from Jabsco, Johnson, Oberdorfer, etc. They are inexpensive and small, so it may be worth keeping a spare on hand.

If you have this system, there is a drive belt that should last for many years. Although it is generally unnecessary, some customers prefer to keep a spare. The electric watermakers do not use a drive belt.

(RO) Membranes

When properly taken care of, your RO membranes should last between 5 and 10 years. We do not recommend customers carry spares. Rainman utilises DuPont Filmtec membranes, which we believe are the best in the world. They are non-proprietary sized and readily available. The TDS (total dissolved solids) readings of your product water will increase over the years, so most people look to change membranes when it climbs near 800 ppm (parts per million) of TDS.

There’s Water Everywhere! Demand for fresh water has increased dramatically in recent decades. Many of us now expect daily fresh water showers with pressurized plumbing and unlimited drinking water. Having an operational desalination system available provides independence and flexibility. Rainman watermakers provide clean, reliable and convenient fresh water regardless of your location. Onshore, Rainman Watermakers provides rescue teams, property owners, survivalist and off-the-grid facilitieswith a clean andreliable source of fresh drinking water for personal or operational use. Until now, the only option has been a complex built-in desalination system. The high expense, complexity and maintenance of such systems have been daunting,often requiring downtime and technician call outs for maintenance or repairs. Introducing the worlds first easy to use, low maintenance and inexpensive watermakers that doesn’t need to be installed and is built to operate as a fully functional primary system. Providing an uninterrupted water supply, and peace of mind that won’t break your bank. With our range of portable and installation Rainman Watermakers and Desalination systems,these simple to operate watermakers are capable of producing up to 37 Gallons/hour, and if the requirement to permanently or partially install your Rainman Watermaker into your vessel,the system can be integrated at will, without a complex installation.

Portable or Installed configurations

Rainman Watermakers are available in Portable and Installed configurations. Each can be converted to the other for maximum flexibility! Portable and installed systems allow for you to choose the best fit for your application as your preference changes.

The Rainman Watermaker portable configuration comes ready to go right out of the box. With set up of your portable desalination taking as little as 10 minutes, you can benefit right away from a fully functional, and extremely robust portable desalination system without the cost and downtime of complex installations.

Rainman watermakers can be installed within there sturdy cases, or as a traditional installed module. This gives you the flexibility should you choose to install your watermaker immediately, or if even you decide to in years from now. A range of accessories are available to help you install your Rainman watermaker in our parts store.

Electric or Gasoline Watermaker

Rainman Watermakers are solid, robust portable desalination systems designed for the extremes of a maritime environment and built with ingenuity, with the most popular of our systems needing only a small portable generator to operate, and our gasoline systems being completely independent and backed by the global and prestigious Rainman Honda warranty. Check out the videos below to watch out most popular portable desalination systems in action and why you too will fall in love the Rainman Watermakers.

ELECTRIC WATERMAKER

Rainman watermakers are quick and easy to setup, yet very simple and reliable to operate. Our 115V rainman desalination systems are the most popular system on the market.

GASOLINE WATERMAKER

True portability, our gasoline systems require no external power, and are the icon of true efficiency. 1 gallon of gasoline equals 140 gallons of water. No Power, No Problem.

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Reverse osmosis watermakers

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Manufacturers

• AQUA-BASE  (3)
• Aquatec Watermaker  (4)
• Blue Water Desalination  (7)
• Cathelco  (4)
• Dessalator  (7)
• Echo Marine  (3)
• Eco Sistems Watermakers  (11)
• ENWA Sandnes  (2)
• HP High Pressure S.R.L.  (8)
• Idromar  (11)
• Katadyn  (4)
• Norwater AS  (2)
• OCTO MARINE  (2)
• Osmosea Srl  (23)
• Parker Hannifin  (7)
• Peter Taboada  (1)
• Pomar Water, SL  (3)
• PureWater - H. Fehlemann, Entsalzungsanlagen  (8)
• Rainman Desalination  (2)
• RieFilt GmbH  (4)
• Schenker  (29)
• Selmar  (7)
• Spectra  (21)
• Tecnicomar  (7)

Application domains

• for boats (144) for military vessels
• for yachts (92) for superyachts for mega-yachts
• for sailboats (39)
• for ships (28) for fishing ships
• reverse osmosis (180)
• energy recovery (48)
• 220-240 V (12)

Power consumption

Other characteristics.

• compact (92)
• manual (16)
• for brackish water (4)
• skid-mounted (1)
• with UV sterilizer (1)

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boat watermaker Wiki

Production : 30 l/h Power consumption : 110 W Length : 71 cm

Wiki, term of Hawaiian origin which means “fast, quick”. An ideal name for a portable plug-and-play watermaker that can be activated in just a few minutes. Embrace the freedom of portable drinking water with the compact, ...

boat watermaker ZEN 30

Production : 30 l/h Power consumption : 110 W Weight : 21 kg

... consumption to a minimum. Can be installed in all positions, horizontal as well as vertical. The new state of the art in small watermakers .

boat watermaker ZEN 50

Production : 50 l/h Power consumption : 240 W Weight : 30 kg

Powerful, silent, light, efficient, convenient. The Zen 50 is equipped with a latest-generation Energy Recovery System that reduces power consumption to a minimum, and the “economy" function that reduces power consumption and production ...

yacht watermaker Aqua Matic xL

Production : 400 l/h - 2,000 l/h Length : 585 mm Width : 964, 1,192 mm

... One-touch automation eliminates the need for an operator's attention. Automatic pressure regulating system - allows the watermaker to balance pressure levels automatically based on any water condition. Weekly automatic ...

boat watermaker New12 S 65

Production : min 65.0 l/h Power consumption : min 300.0 W Width : 128 cm

Energy Recovery Watermaker , equipped with Osmosea® Pressure Intensifier. Simple, Essential and Economic. Direct battery power supply, easy installation, compact dimensions and no electronics.

boat watermaker New12 50

Energy Recovery Watermaker , equipped with Osmosea® Pressure Intensifier. Compact and easy to install thanks to its monobloc steel frame. One touch operation with the possibility of a full color Touch Screen controller, ...

boat watermaker New12 65

boat watermaker Horizontal

Production : 130, 180, 210 l/h Power consumption : 1,500 W Length : 560 mm

With a freshwater production ranging from 130 to 210 lt/h, the MINI COMPACT HORIZONTAL series is the Idromar proposal for medium-small boats (from 15 to 30 meters), where intensive and continuous use is not always necessary. Compact, ...

boat watermaker Vertical

Production : 130, 180, 210 l/h Power consumption : 1,500 W Length : 350 mm

With a freshwater production ranging from 130 to 210 lt/h, the MINI COMPACT VERTICAL series is the Idromar proposal for medium-small boats (from 15 to 30 meters), where intensive and continuous use is not always necessary. Compact, in ...

boat watermaker Duplex

Production : 260, 360, 420 l/h Power consumption : 3,000 W Length : 1,120 mm

This extremely compact and modular system integrates 2 systems in a single frame with the possibility of simultaneous or independent operation, it is often chosen to have the peace of mind of always having a machine running in case of ...

boat watermaker SC series

Production : 70 l/h - 440 l/h

Our SC watermakers are extremely versatile and perfect not only for boats, but also for houses and hotels. We have used only the best components and materials. The smart, compact design makes it also very easy to install. Each ...

boat watermaker V series

... install. This watermakers are extremely versatile and perfect not only for boats, but also for houses and hotels. Each Vseries watermaker is fully compatible with RP TRONIC® and ready to become fully ...

boat watermaker SCA series

Production : 120 l/h - 440 l/h

The SCA series can be equipped with osmotic membranes up to a production of 440 Lt / h with four 31540 membranes. The RP TRONIC version includes the automatic pressure regulation system and the remote control panel. This system can be ...

boat watermaker SPLASH-25

Production : 25 l/h

The SPLASH-25 12V and SPLASH-25 24V boat watermakers produce between 25 and 30 litres per hour, with very moderate energy use. Water desalinisation systems particularly suited to small vessels less than 12 metres in ...

boat watermaker EFFICIENT A-200

Production : 200 l/h

The EFFICIENT T-200 watermaker is a fully autonomous device, portable or fixed depending on the model, that can produce 200 litres of drinking water per hour for human, agricultural or industrial use from seawater, saltwater ...

boat watermaker EFFICIENT A-300

Production : 300 l/h

The EFFICIENT T-300 watermaker is a fully autonomous device, portable or fixed depending on the model, that can produce 300 litres of drinking water per hour for human, agricultural or industrial use from seawater, saltwater ...

ship watermaker PETSEA RO

Characteristics Highly reliable systems. Manufactured in a stainless steel skid for a longlife. Compact systems and easy maintenance. Increasable water production systems. All the units include feeding pump, sand ...

boat watermaker D30

Power consumption : 370, 600 W

... connectors Piping for the production of fresh water from membrane to panel. The Dessalator DC FREEDOM watermakers are the ideal watermakers for any yacht where DC power from the engine driven alternator ...

boat watermaker AQUA-BASE X

This timeless range is composed with simple and proven components. Particularly compact, the X range is suitable for boats where space is limited. Classic high pressure pump, battery or generator operated. Standard features: Feed ...

boat watermaker Ocean Whisper

... are a major consideration. This revolutionary watermaker runs from battery power and uses the latest energy recovery technology to achieve its performance. The Ocean Whisper employs the same reverse ...

boat watermaker Seafresh H2O Series

... component form enabling items to be distributed around the yacht to make the most efficient use of available space. The desalinators are most commonly powered by AC generator, but can also be belt driven from the vessel’s ...

ship watermaker Ton series (T8 –T16)

This new medium duty range of ‘Ton’ desalinators has been built to a space saving design and incorporates numerous features for ease of operation. The models are completely automatic with salinity testing and ‘dump’ features ...

boat watermaker AML SERIES

... sailing and motor yachts with a single phase generator of 1.5 kW or larger. Designed by and for cruisers, these rugged yacht watermakers have been continuously improved since their first introduction in 1997. The design ...

yacht watermaker AMS SERIES

yacht watermaker PRO SERIES

... self-installation, if required and minimal maintenance effort and operators’ input are the key features of these field proven watermakers .

ship watermaker MT 1500-6000

Watermaker produces drinking water from sea water based upon the reverse osmosis membrane technique. The capacities are 1500, 2300, 1800, 3200, 4500, 5500 or 6000 l/24h from seawater ...

ship watermaker MT-75 T / MT-100 T M / MT-150 T / MT-200 T

Watermaker produces drinking water from sea water based upon the reverse osmosis membrane technique. The capacities are 75, 100, 150 or 200 m3 /24h from seawater (25o C). The ...

boat watermaker Aquifer 4000

Production : 678 l/h Power consumption : 2,600 W

The Aquifer 4000 is a high-volume desalination system designed to make 16 m³ per day (4,300 GPD) of drinking water from any water source including fresh, brackish and seawater.

boat watermaker PROGRESS

The Progress is a low power consumption watermaker , which needs 12 or 24 Vdc. Excellent for boats without generator on board. It can also work when fed by batteries provided with an aeolic generator or photovoltaic panels; ...

boat watermaker Petrol

Production : 50 l/h - 140 l/h

... pleated paper pre-filter cartridges included. 1kg (2.2 lb) bag pickling solution powder included. Couples with one of our reverse osmosis membranes, ordered separately. Can also be coupled with RO ...

boat watermaker SW8 series

Production : 1,250 l/h - 10,000 l/h Power consumption : 15,000 W - 55,000 W Length : 5,950, 1,930, 2,050, 4,000, 4,930 mm

... specification. Ideal for offshore platforms, jack-up rigs, bulk carriers and other types of commercial vessels, the SW8 Reverse Osmosis watermakers are made up of high quality components ...

boat watermaker NWE-Series

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a well-known process which has been under continuous development since the 1950s. The technology, by means of membranes and high pressure, is commonly applied to convert seawater ...

boat watermaker SURVIVOR 06

... hand-operated emergency desalinator in the world. Compact and lightweight. Recommended for emergency liferafts and individual survival kits. Trusted by militaries and individuals around the globe. Complement Your Desalinator ...

ship watermaker PASxxx-S/T series

Adaptable Serie RO unit are specially designed for its instalation in the nautical sector. Its unique and compact design allows to have multiple settings to adapt the unit to the availablespace onboard. The system is a semiautomatic ...

boat watermaker Legend LX Series

... newest member to the Blue Water Legend series is the all-new LX – the world’s first fully automatic Megayacht/Commercial size watermaker . It uses leading edge technology to provide fully automatic operation and the systems ...

boat watermaker RF-RO-101

RF-RO 101 MADE IN GERMANY our smallest system The RF-RO 101 is our smallest system. It is able to convert, for example, seawater into drinking water. The RF-RO 101 can be used and configured in modules. The variable modules also permit ...

boat watermaker WHISPER Serie

WHISPER Serie Whisper 30 integral 30L/h one integrated short Membrane. Whisper 60, 60L/h one long Membrane Whisper 90, 90L/h two long Membranes The main feature of the Whisper series is the ETD (Energy Transfere Device). This unit ...

yacht watermaker DeepBlue 25

Production : 90, 160, 200, 240 l/h Length : 1,159 mm Width : 521 mm

... deepblue® 25 series water maker models are available in frames or can be supplied in component form enabling items to be distributed around the yacht to make the most efficient use of available space. A versatile range ...

yacht watermaker DD 500

Production : 55 l/h Weight : 34 kg

... be provided on board. Watermaker DD 500, a proven desalinator for the two-person crew, driven by a 12 V or 24 V DC motor. The direct drive via a flexible coupling ensures smooth and maintenance-free ...

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A reverse osmosis water maker transforms seawater to fresh water by forcing it through a membrane which removes the salt.

This process uses a membrane to remove the salt from seawater.

Such systems require a relatively modest investment and consume less energy than some other water makers. However, only one half to one third of the input is converted to fresh water. The output is often acidic and requires treatment.

- Independent fresh water production - Low power consumption

- Low output

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Elektrostal

Elektrostal Localisation : Country Russia , Oblast Moscow Oblast . Available Information : Geographical coordinates , Population, Altitude, Area, Weather and Hotel . Nearby cities and villages : Noginsk , Pavlovsky Posad and Staraya Kupavna .

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