Suggestions for Watermaker

[Brent Swain]

Originally Posted by bvander66

We worked with George at quality water works in NC and custom built our watermaker which uses common industrial components. Its a modular system which allowed us to scatter/fit in the components where they fit. George was great and his website shows good examples plus he will provide great diagrams and suggestions.
The big option is go with 12V system or a 120v system. A lot depends on if you have an onboard generator.

Go direct drive, with a V belt off the engine. Wolf said electric drive was the main source of problems with watermakers.

[bvander66]

Originally Posted by Brent Swain

Go direct drive, with a V belt off the engine. Wolf said electric drive was the main source of problems with watermakers.

Great if you only want to make water when underway but otherwise your using main engine under a small load which is hard on it, as well not very efficient use of the expensive diesel. If you really want direct drive and do have a generator then look at coupling it to that, then you charge btys while making water.
In my research most watermaker problems were in order
-sensors for the fancy ones which have auto functions
-electronics for the auto controllers
-membranes from either not pickling or fuel contamination.
-HP pump from either corrosion or air intrusion.

A good quality electric motor (DC or AC) will perform and last well on a boat as long as its not in an overly wet environment (ie bilge).