Water Maker's

[Jim F]

I was wondering what kind of experience anybody has had with the use and installation of any water makers models on there boats. Thanks for any information in advance. Jim F.

[seadog6532]

We would love to have a water maker on Arianna, but we have no idea were to put it. What is your plan.

Mark and Anna of Arianna CD30K #112

[Jim F]

I am just in the I would like to have one but know so little about them that I thought I would throw this subject out to the group to see if anybody has any experience with one that they would be willing to share.

[Como No Cruising]

Como No, our CD 40 has a Village Marine 8 gph watermaker. We installed it in 2000, before sailing across the Pacific. We went with the modular model and worked the membrane in under the port side settee, along with the prefilter and boost pump. The high pressure pump was mounted under the galley sink. The entire project took most of two days and has worked well for our circumnavigation. Our primary issue with this unit is the amount of energy required, approximately 15 amps at 12VDC. For several hundred $ more we could have gone with a Spectra but did not feel that the advantages would be worth the difference. We have found the Village Marine unit to be robust and relatively trouble free.
Still cruising, making water and now in the Caribbean.
Will & Annie

[Russell]

I have a Spectra Ventura 150. I absolutely love it, its very energy efficent for a watermaker (still draws a lot, but less then most others), I have had very few problems with it in 4 years of almost daily use.

One problem though is its size, installation options are limited. I opted to give up a hanging locker and install it in there. I am sure I could have found another spot, but given I am a single guy on a 36' boat, I didnt care about giving up the hanging locker and it makes access to the watermaker easy.

[chase]

Russell,

What does it draw? How much do you run it each week?

Chase