Maximizing Your Yachting Experience with a Dependable Water Supply

Ensuring a steady supply of fresh water while cruising is essential. However, relying solely on a limited supply of potable water on board can quickly become problematic, especially if you have a larger crew or are planning longer trips. This is where a watermaker comes in.

Watermakers, also known as reverse osmosis desalinators, are devices that turn seawater into potable water by removing the salt, minerals, and impurities. They use advanced filtration and purification technologies to produce high quality water that’s safe to drink, cook and wash with.

Yachts typically feature a potable water supply ranging from 100 to 200 gallons, but it’s important to keep an eye on your consumption to avoid depletion. A reasonable approximation is to allocate 25 gallons per day per individual, which accounts for drinking, cooking, cleaning and other necessary tasks.

For example, the average person uses the head (toilet) about 10 times per day, which translates to one gallon per flush. The average shower on board uses 1.5 gallons per minute, and you also need water to make ice, prepare food and do dishes. If you’re cruising with four people, you could run out of water in as little as 24 hours, which can cause pump failure and other issues.

After researching and testing various watermakers, I’ve had the best luck with the AC Watermaker produced by Blue Water Desalination. My favorite is the Legend 750 model, which is capable of producing up to 750 gallons per day. This means that in the morning after spending the night at anchor, you can start up your generator and switch on your watermaker, and in just three hours, your water tank will be full.

Not only does a watermaker provide a constant supply of fresh water, but it also produces higher quality water than city water, making it safe to drink straight from the faucet or use to make ice. Plus, it can save you money and reduce your environmental impact by reducing the need to purchase and transport bottled water.

Investing in a watermaker can be a wise decision to ensure you always have access to safe drinking water while cruising. With the right watermaker, you can enjoy a constant supply of high-quality water, without worrying about running out or compromising on quality.