Water makers

[Jovietal]

There is severals good water makers out there and they vary in $$$ by a large amount. The last two on the list are one from Aquamarine and one from US Watermakers. My preference would be the US watermaker. The best GPH for the $$. Can someone help me out making my final decision? Is this a good machine, reliable and easy to get parts from the Company?

[Hawkeye25]

I have a Village Marine and it freaks me out because it is a VERY PRICEY unit, and it was given to me but I have to keep it because it seems bulletproof and the factory support is the best I have experienced anywhere for practically any product. Don't get me wrong, some other companies MATCH the support, but none are better. Anyway, back on point.

Research the support and reliability of each unit, as well as the ease of maintanance. The best gal/$ is nothing if the unit breaks down or is so hard to flush and bio after each use that you let it slip and ruin the membrane. Gallons per dollar doesn't speak to whether or not the unit WORKS FOR YOU, which is the single truly important issue. Well, some people are also very concerned about space consumption as well, which is also valid.

One last thing - the most you might get here is discussion and a bit of experience - you will probably have to do your homework in more forums than this.

Hawk

[svsirius]

No idea on those two, we have a Sea Recovery unit. It's one of their ultra efficient series. 300 gal/day at about 16 amps. so just over 1 amp/gal. the 400 gal/day unit burns the same power but has a larger membrane so is more efficient. It is auto everything so it's just push the button and it takes care of itself. After my research it came down to either this unit or a Spectra. Energy consumption per gallon was a key requirement for me.

[Jovietal]

Village marine!! Lucky you. I almost put this one of the list because of your concerns. The more at look at water makers the more I get confused. So be it . I will start drinking salt water. This might help me make a quick decision.

[Valiente]

A slight sidetrack here: I have two 100 gallon water tanks, but I want an "emergency" manual water maker for the abandon-ship bag. Now, as I understand it, watermakers want to make water in order for the membranes to stay in working order. I don't mind manual bilge pumping, I prefer manual windlass operation, I'm installing foot pumps for head and galley, and I don't mind keeping the tanks topped with manual watermaker water.

You get the picture: Electric operation if necessary, but not necessarily electric operation.

Which SMALL watermaker is appropriate for low-volume water making and could be thrown into a go-bag in a step-up-and-off situation? I picture something I could mount in the galley, give 40 strokes and get a sinkfull of rinse water. Cruisers need more exercise, anyway.

[camaraderie]

Valiente: Here ya go...
http://www.landfallnavigation.com/-sas35.html
That 1800 strokes for 1.2 gallons of water and $1800 bucks. I think I'll just pack some instant water.

They also have a 4 amp draw electric version that delivers 1.5 gallons per hour...which converts to manual for $3k.
For emergencies there is also the sea still for $200

[Freesail99]

I am looking at buyng this week a SK watermaker. The model is the DC150. I like the unit because it's modular and uses over the counter parts.