Hand operated Watermakers?

[Gargleblaster]

Anyone got any knowledge of these? How much maintenance is required? What are the pitfalls of buying second hand? How often the filters have to be replaced? What happens to the water quality if you don't replace the filters? Etc.

I'm looking at how I can reduce the weight I carry and water and books are two things I can reduce. I have discovered Amazon's Kindle for the books. But most of the information on watermakers is for the big electric ones for cruising boats. I would like to keep things simple, if possible.

 

[npf1]

I spoke to someone who had used the small PUR model (PUR06 ??) and they said they probably lost more in sweat pumping the thing than they got out of it in water.

I've used the next size up (can't remember the model but it's got a lever about 18" on the side) and I thought it was quite good and relatively easy to fill a few bottles of water. These do pop on fleabay for around £250-£500. A service kit (new membrane) was, IIRC, about £200 and it was easy to fit.

 

[co256]

Hello John,

You could look at it as water ballast instead and think of ways to put that weight and it's position to good use?!

Just a thought,

Guy.

 

[Gargleblaster]

Hello John,

You could look at it as water ballast instead and think of ways to put that weight and it's position to good use?!

Just a thought,

Guy.

Good idea Guy, but I use Fray Bentos pies as my ballast,

 

[co256]

I should have known better...

Instead of a water maker why don't you brew your own beer instead?!

 

[G12]

These would be a good group buy then.....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lot-5ea-P...619?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item564708adfb

Often thought about one for a long trip incase my tank split or something.

 

[Jabs]

Watermakers

Wow!

$999 plus, say, $400 shipping for five units works out at about $300 each.

I would be interested in one. Any other takers?

Tony.
CO266

 

[G12]

I would also be interested BUT there's always the fat slice that the tax man will add onto the top when importing into the uk. There really is no way of disguising those as a gift!
Does anyone know if this tax applies to safety related stuff?

EDIT: Infact, if it wasn't for that tax Id've bought them already!

 

[Georgio]

Wow!

$999 plus, say, $400 shipping for five units works out at about $300 each.

I would be interested in one. Any other takers?

Tony.
CO266

Read it again, it is $999 for one unit not five.

still not a bad price.

 

[G12]

I don't think you're right............they've got 10 lots of 5.

5ea is 5 each, not part of the part number which is PUR 35.

 

[Jabs]

So is anyone interested in a bulk buy of five?

 

[CPD]

Hi john, If it were me, I would plan on carrying all the water and at least 50% of the books. Any extra water you could generate by hand (or collect) could be used to "enhance" your comfort (showers, washing etc), and kindles, like most consumer (and marine come to that) electronics, is prone to give up at the worst posisble moment. Looking forward with envy to hearing of the on-going plans .........

 

[Gargleblaster]

So is anyone interested in a bulk buy of five?

Yes, I'm interested in one. But only as a backup, I've decided to carry all the water I require in 2L bottles as I have for the last few trips.

 

[jollysailor17]

I looked into this and found that Mactra Marine in Weston Super Mare, Somerset buy ex US Marine Corps Katadyn Survivor 35's, from time to time, recondition them and sell them for around £900 each. See http://www.mactrashop.co.uk/mactra-used-marine-equipment.htm
I also did a search on Cruisers Forum and found a guy in Hawaii selling a used PS35 for £600 with a load of spares and his unit had the hand pump but also a 12v motor and could be used on board or thrown in the grab bag! I asked Mactra about that one and they told me that they could service it if required.

 

[Gargleblaster]

http://www.mactrashop.co.uk/mactra-used-marine-equipment.htm

Thanks for the link. Could be very useful.