Are Watermakers worth the pain?

[SeaVenture]

[ QUOTE ]
>a decent sized membrane

I make 45gph three membranes each one just under four feet long. I'm intrigued, how big is your boat?

[/ QUOTE ]

We use two--just under four feet (I know, huge)--that can be tucked away in various parts of the boat, though we're using a forward bunk for most of it. Our boat is 50 feet, and no, there's never enough storage room! But for us, water is a priority. Again, each must choose what they want and need, and we just happen to be less spartan than in our youth. You can write Michael directly at wysiwyg129 at hotmail dot com. The Good Old Boat article by Guy Stevens from the Jan/Feb 2003 issue has wonderful diagrams, an explanation of how to build the system, and suggestions for where to order parts.The issue can be ordered from www.goodoldboat.com

 

[Anonymous]

ttt

 

[Anonymous]

Resurrecting this again in view of another thread appearing and nothing heard about the towed watermaker, I thought I would add our experience into the pot...

We are a cruising couple in the W. Med 42' Nauticat, and we are at anchor for six months of the year. We have a Spectra (fitted by the previous owner and has already done a circumnavigation, PO was always delighted with it).

We enjoy complete freedom of use of water, making around 120l per day when it is just the two of us, more when we have guests (we can make 40l/hr from a system designed for 60l/hr). We regard the watermaker as one of the best bits of kit on the boat - making water in most anchorages and many harbours (principally those with bathing beaches). We watch others going back and forth with cans or going into marinas for water, making do with few showers, unable to wash their clothes, bedding, etc. while we have as much water as we use in a marina. The power comes mostly from our solar panels.

For us, a 'must have' bit of kit. We are happy with the Spectra and it is prossibly one of the most efficient, but I don't have an axe to grind...it is not rocket science and as long as the system is well-designed and used, it will be fine. Don't know about the towed jobby, though. In any case, how would I make water in San Antonio bay - motor round in circles all day?