Boat Watermakers: How do they work? Are they Affordable?

For the cruising sailor, having access to fresh water on board can offer both convenience and peace of mind, but many boat owners view a desalinator as an expensive luxury. However, a quality system can offer additional benefits, and often pays for itself in reduced running costs.

Water is a necessity on board, but it is also very heavy. A tank on board can offer a reliable source of fresh water, but comes at the cost of reduced space, fuel use, and purchase of drinkable water before or during the trip. Having a watermaker on board means fresh water can be produced at a moment’s notice, in large quantities and negates the fuel burden of hauling additional weight. Plus, never worry again about contaminants or water quality when resupplying at a port away from home.

How do watermakers work?

Watermakers, or desalinators as they are sometimes called essentially push salt water through a semi permeable membrane. This membrane filters out organic material, salt, silt and other contaminants, making the resulting water extremely pure and safe to drink. How does the water taste? The resulting product is softened, oxygenated and the same temperature as the ocean water it is made from.

How much water do I need for my boat?

The typical reverse osmosis desalinator is generally operated for part of the day, perhaps 4 to 6 hours. Fresh, pure water can be used for laundry, drinking, showers, making ice, wash downs, and washing dishes.

To calculate the water required, divide the total gallon (or litre) usage by the amount of hours the watermaker will be used. The resulting number is the gallon/litre per hour rating, which can be compared against the output of the models available.

What are the ongoing costs of having a watermaker?

A watermaker like many other systems requires maintenance and consumables to continue to run efficiently. AMI offer watermaker service and maintenance at many of their branches, with a service network available covering all major ports. Service costs vary and a range of filters, membranes and treatment chemicals are available. With proper maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer, a watermaker can anticipate a twenty year life expectancy.

Most premium units come standard with a built in function (fresh water flush) that flush the system when shut down and every seven days to maintain the system health. This feature is standard on Sea Recovery watermakers.

Like to know more?

If you would like to know more about watermakers available for your motor or sail boat, visit www.searecovery.com.au, (Distributed in Australia by AMI), contact AMI to speak to a Product Specialist, or learn more.