As a boat owner, ensuring a reliable source of freshwater is essential. While carrying large water tanks or relying on rainwater can work for shorter trips. And if you are close to shore, you can probably find fresh water somewhere close to fill up your tanks. But that option is not available on an ocean crossing. And in many remote areas access to fresh water can also be limited. This is where a water maker can be a valuable investment for any boat owner. The ability to make your own fresh water makes you more independent and less vulnerable as a sailor. But are there any affordable watermakers out there?
How does a water maker work?
First, let’s look at how water maker’s work. Water makers use a process called reverse osmosis to remove salt and impurities from seawater. The seawater is passed through a semi-permeable membrane, which separates the salt and minerals from the water molecules. The resulting freshwater is then collected in the water tanks on board.
Having a water maker or not?
Every boatowner can easily give you a list of this they wish they had for their boat. But what most people don’t separate is the “want to have” from the “need to have”. For me I have a 120 liter fresh water tank on Luna. If I’m alone on the boat and consume 5 liters a day that will last me 24 days. For an ocean crossing that would leave me with very little margins. That leaves me with two options. Either add additional water tanks or install a water maker So, for me I would like to put a water maker in the “Need to have” category for my own safety. But the cost associated with it means I must put it in “want to have” category.
If you have ever looked for a water maker you know how ridiculously expensive, they are. Even the most basic water makers can start at around $4,000 but can easily be as much as $10,000. So Fresh water comes at a hefty price. And not only are they expensive to purchase You might need to upgrade your electrical system too. Water makers are power thirsty machines so make your electrical system can handle the load before purchasing a unit. For me $4,000 isn’t an amount that I currently can afford. So, I must find an alternative solution. As I see it these are the available options:
1. Spend the money and just buy an off the shelf water maker.
2. Make your own DIY water maker. This will save a lot of money, but it will probably still cost you around $1,500-2,000. This option is something that I might explore in the future.
3. Learn to live without a water maker. Maybe add additional water storage on the boat.
4. Buy a low cost manual water maker.
Google is your best friend
After spending an evening googling water makers I stumbled on what I believe is a viable solution for me. I found a manual affordable watermaker called QuenchSea that can produce up to 6 liters of freshwater per hour. And this for a cost of only $130. That blew my mind. Sure, it’s not an automatic system that does the job for you, and it’s not a solution for constantly making fresh water. But making smaller amounts of water occasionally would absolutely do the trick. I would still need to rely on finding fresh water in harbors to fill up my tanks regularly. But I would more or less eliminate the risk of ever running out of water.
The QuenchSea model is a portable and manual water maker that is designed to be used anywhere. Besides the obvious advantages of its low cost. The fact that it’s operated by hand and doesn’t require any electricity makes another advantage. This makes it ideal for boat owners who may not have a reliable source of electricity on board, or who want to conserve their battery power. However, it’s worth noting that the production rate of the QuenchSea is slower than that of electric models, so it may take longer to produce the same amount of freshwater. So, having it as a primary source for freshwater is probably not a good idea.
While the low cost and manual operation of the QuenchSea are certainly appealing, perhaps the biggest advantage of having a water maker on board is the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a reliable source of freshwater in case of emergency. For example, if you were to run out of freshwater on an ocean crossing, the QuenchSea could be a lifesaver. It can produce freshwater quickly and efficiently, even in challenging conditions, allowing you to stay hydrated and continue your journey safely.
In addition to a water maker, there are several other ways to conserve water on board. These include using a low-flow showerhead, washing dishes with saltwater, and collecting rainwater for non-drinking uses. By using a combination of water conservation methods and a reliable water maker, boat owners can ensure that they have a sustainable and reliable source of freshwater on board for extended journeys at sea.
In conclusion, a water maker can be an essential tool for any boat owner who plans to embark on longer ocean crossings or spend extended periods of time at sea. While there are several factors to consider when choosing a water maker, the QuenchSea offers an affordable and efficient option for those on a budget. However, it may not be the best choice for every situation, and boat owners should carefully consider their water consumption needs before deciding. With proper installation and maintenance, a water maker can provide years of reliable service on board and offer the peace of mind that comes with having a reliable source of freshwater at sea.
So will I buy one? Yes, I believe this will be my interim solution before installing an electrical watermaker. But even after that, I plan to keep it as my saft backup.
Buy your QuenchSea online today!
