Atmospheric Watermakers?

[CapnCrunch]

I'm seeing scattered info online about atmospheric watermakers (or water generators) but there doesn't seem to be much about units/systems adapted for cruising. Does anyone have any experience with them? How practical are they in terms of space required, power usage, output, etc.

[SV THIRD DAY]

They just don't make enough water to be functional on a boat, but they do get mentioned from time to time.

[Ribbit]

If I use a 50 pint a day dehumidifier twice a day (I need to, to keep on top of molds and spores, plus to keep everything down below aired as much as possible, so usage will revolve around two cooking periods to tackle the steam), I'll be able to get about 8 pints a day off it, from 2 x 2 hour sessions. Bacteria, mold, and spore content may be quite high though.

I'll save the water into 6 gallon jugs, and when near full, will add some chlorine to kill any nasties. It'll be handy for clothes washing, showering, rinsing off the anchor and chain, sails, that sort of thing, and will help extend the duration of the water in the tanks.

In an emergency, I can always put it through a water purifier like a Berkey, plus it will be handy for topping up batteries.

It isn't going to throw a reverse osmosis watermaker from near the top of my 'future purchases' list though.

[Adelie]

The solar stills I've seen make enough for survival rations, more if you get multiple units. But it would be hard to get enough units to take baths, flush toilettes or even take long showers.

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/memss.html

If you want something that can produce just enough water for drinking and maybe a freshwater rinse after a saltwater shower every other day that's probably doable.


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