Over the past few months, we have been working to improve our trawler's ability to operate independently from shore. Soon, we hope to be cruising to the Bahamas where being independent is a necessity. First there was an inverter, now we have installed a watermaker.
Today's watermakers use a moderate amount of power to turn undrinkable salt water into clean fresh water. A well-made, properly maintained watermaker can drastically improve comfort while cruising. A watermaker is a piece of equipment that requires a little upkeep for its constant operation. But when you become knowledgeable with the function of the device, use it regularly and keep it in proper working order, a watermaker is in fact a wonder to behold.
Why would you want a watermaker? There are several reasons to consider installing a watermaker aboard your boat.
1. It will reduce your boat's weight and improve performance since you don't have to fill the water tanks. It is a worthwhile endeavor as 50 gallons of water weighs over 400lbs.
2. They will extend your range of cruising. Not having to design your passage around water refills amounts to more choices for selecting your route.
3. It will save you money in ports where clean water can be very expensive. Many Bahamian ports charge as much as 25¢ per gallon, that's $75.00 for our 300-gallon tank.
4. They will provide a protected water supply onboard, in particular in parts of the world where the water quality is questionable. This helps you steer clear of health risks that can be found in contaminated water.
2. They will extend your range of cruising. Not having to design your passage around water refills amounts to more choices for selecting your route.
3. It will save you money in ports where clean water can be very expensive. Many Bahamian ports charge as much as 25¢ per gallon, that's $75.00 for our 300-gallon tank.
4. They will provide a protected water supply onboard, in particular in parts of the world where the water quality is questionable. This helps you steer clear of health risks that can be found in contaminated water.
How does reverse osmosis work? Reverse osmosis watermakers create fresh water by placing salt water under pressure at about 800 psi and forcing it through a semi-permeable membrane. Water molecules can pass through the membrane, but virtually all other molecules (salt, bacteria, etc.) cannot pass through the membrane. The residual condensed seawater and contaminants, referred to as brine, are then discharged overboard and the fresh water is retained. It is a constant process that turns 10% of the incoming salt water into fresh water. Ninety percent of the incoming water is discarded.
What type watermaker is best? Other than the desired water output, a crucial question is how the watermaker will be powered, i.e. battery, 120V AC or powered by a belt from the engine? AC driven systems will require a generator to operate so their use is not best on smaller boats. Belt driven systems require an engine to be operating so they have drawbacks too. DC watermakers are the best choice on small boats because of their smaller size and current draw. Our Katadyn 80 watermaker uses about 8 amps when operating.
How much water do you really need? The World Health Organization recommends at least one quart or one liter of fresh water per person per day to sustain hydration. Clearly, that figure is for survival circumstances, not cruising in the Bahamas. A fresh water intake of two gallons per person per day is more realistic, for drinking, showering and cooking. On our trawler, we have measured our daily consumption at about 10 gallons per day for two people; of course, we don't waste water but yet don't ration it either. Your water use will also depend on the type of weather and the kind of behaviors you perform during the day. The level of perspiration when resting in the shade of the bimini is quite unlike that from scrubbing the decks. On a well-appointed vessel with a large watermaker, a crew of 6 or 8 might use 100 gallons per day, taking hot showers and washing clothes. The end result is that your water utilization can vary significantly based on your daily life and your capability to make fresh drinking water. We chose to go with the 80 gallon per day unit partly because of the space we had to install it.
What are the energy requirements? The greater the water output the greater the current draw. Using 10 gallons per person per day requires about 180 minutes of watermaker operation for our PowerSurvivor 80E, equaling 24Ah of battery capacity consumption per day. You must plan accordingly to replenish those amp hours back into your battery.
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