Experience with Shenker or Katadyn watermaker?

[lyralicious]

After numerous postings Demonboy and I have decided that we will definitely be buying a watermaker. We've narrowed it down to either the Katadyn 80E or the Shenker Modular 35, both 12v systems.

Do you have any experience with either or both, and if so, what do you think of them?

Which would you choose?

Do you know where I can find the best deal for either of them?

Look forward to hearing any comments from people with first hand experience...

 

[Travelmate]

Have used the 80 for many years during our trip from Aust and around the Indian Ocean. No problems except the housing tended to pit internally after about 10 years. Have replaced the piston and seal several times. Uses about 8 Amps/Hr to make 12 Ltrs of water. Use it from our 4 solar panels or every time we use the motor. Quiet and reasonably afficient.
Engine driven watermakers will produce more water but of course the engine must be run.

Do not know of the other brand.

 

[jeremyshaw]

My watermaker experience is limited to Sea Recovery AC, but the SSCA’s equipment survey has just been reposted and I noted that of the 196 watermakers reported Katadyn accounted for 47 and Schenker only 1.

This may of course be a function of the SSCA’s membership being largely USA based, and the distribution of the products. The Katadyn was reported as having 0.16 breakdowns per unit per annum against an average of 0.23, so that's good.

 

[ccscott49]

80E is a good machine, simple and robust, you cant gpo wrong with that one, as I've said many times before!!! Liz!! Listen sometimes!

 

[lyralicious]

OK, OK, I'm sold! Thanks, Col.

We've now got to find the best place to buy one...