Watermakers.

[ccscott49]

OK guys and gals, who's got a watermaker? What type? How do you like it? Does it work fine?
I need a watermaker, 60lph preferably, auto flush, preferably 24volt or 220volt at a push.
I need some input here to make a decision. It doesnt need to be the cheapest, but a reasonable price would do.
I already have a PUr 80E, which is fine, but not big enough output.
Any help would be appreciated, I've looked at a few on google, thanks.
Colin.

 

[pvb]

ARC feedback...

There's some feedback on various makes used in the 05 ARC here on the Yachting World site.

 

[ccscott49]

Re: ARC feedback...

Thanks, excellent info. Gives me somewhere to start.

 

[ccscott49]

Obviously not many folks around hereabouts have watermakers. Can anybody point me to a site where folks may have them, ocean cruising site or whatever?

 

[pvb]

Cruising World...

Might be worth trying the Cruising World forums.

 

[Guest]

Some of us do have them, but what put me off answering was you requirement for "auto flush".

The more complicated they are, the more costly to maintain. Anything that needs a box full of electronics is a waste of time. I know, I spent 2/3 of the Pacific fixing one water maker on a US boat that was cruising with us. The company used the computer output to decide what part next to replace. It was not until Fiji that they decided the computer was lying.

Mine is the other end of the spectrum(hint) it has no switches, only one control (the pressure regulator) and has no three way valves. Just plug it in. Flushing is done in the cockpit using quick connect type pipe fittings.

The main reason for "auto flush" with fresh water is normally because the water maker is designed marginally and the excess salt and deposits would build up too fast without the flush cycle. A properly designed one only needs a pickling when not using it regularly and as part of the maintenance cycle.

 

[ccscott49]

OK, I see what you mean, maybe auto flush is a step too far. I would like the option of flushing, but maybe just a couple of valves would do it.
This is not the first time I've heard this actually, so maybe set my sights lower and get a cheaper simpler system, without all the bowlocks. Thanks.

 

[KellysEye]

SolarNeil is right about autoflushing, it's a feature you really don't want. We have a 240 volt HRO that we are very happy with, it doesn't need flushing just use once a month or pickle. 240v kit seems to be more 'industrial grade (i.e. lasts longer) than 12v kit.

 

[ccscott49]

Good, getting some info now, auto flush is now out! I had considered mains, as I thought whilst charging batteries, I'd make water, do the washing etc all at the same time. More industrial and probably more available than a big 24v dc motor. thanks.

 

[Guest]

The assumption is that you have a generator. By the sounds of it the water maker is a luxury not a necessity.

If you do have a generator and you do not mind losing the water maker if the generator goes down then go for 230v. However, you then get into the motor starting problems and bad generator design issues. I have never seen a watermaker run off a sinewave inverter. They definitely do not run of normal inverters.

Our system is just marginal and the poor generator nearly stalls when the starting current goes through it. It is about 7 times the running current.

If you are using any of the brushless generators I would stick with a 24v motor. Although the down side of that is the losses in the generator and charging system.

However, if you intend it to be run only while the engine is running the 24v option is the best. If it is in anyway a necessity then go for 24v. But make sure its a properly sized 24v motor not one of the weedy ones. Basically whatever energy you need for 240v you need the same for 24v. So if it does not scale then either the 240v one has too larger motor or the 24v one is too weedy.

A lot depends on your requirements and existing boat.

 

[rogerthebodger]

have a look here and here

I have this one also but not commissioned yet

 

[ccscott49]

I do have genny, (4.5kva with soft motor start technology built in)
I was thinking exactly along the same lines as you, 24v, I have always, two engines with 75a alternators.
Sinewave inverter, 3kw, 440ah 24v battery bank and 320w, solars. I can make water as I motor or motorsail which is a benefit.
Then have enough at anchor anyway. So it comes down to which one!
I'm not sure whats available in 1.5-2 hp, 24volt continuous service motors and the price of them (probably expensive). Have to start looking, I have an eye on a secondhand watermaker, whch needs a motor! I like secondhand!!