Drinking water filter for short lake cruise

[trswem]

Hello all. We would like to keep a water filter on our boat for short lake cruises. I have some experience with the Katadyn filters, but it's been 15 years and I didn't know if there has been an improvement in technology. I'd also prefer a gravity system for time efficiency. We have a four day cruise coming up for my small family of four, and I'd prefer to not have to pack 20 gallons of water on my small boat. There are also places we could purchase water along the way, but my preference is to be self reliant as much as possible.

Thanks!

[leecea]

We have one of these mainly because we used to use this brand for years backpacking and never got sick from the water. It takes a while to filter a gallon, so it would seem more like a backup plan than the primary source of water for 4 people.

[Lepke]

Depending on power you can use a house type reverse osmosis water maker on a fresh water lake. You need a booster pump that runs on 12v and makes 5o+psi. Membranes are rated in gallons per day (24 hour). You also should add a 12 UV light to sterilize the lake water.

You can find systems on ebay or Amazon.

[peghall]

A faucet filter on the galley sink should be all you need.


--Peggie

[sv_pelagia]

What is the purpose of the water filter?



IF it is to remove bacteria and/or parasites (e. g., giardia), you'll need more than a "faucet filter".


Something similar to these:
https://rainfresh.ca/product/SST-cottage-water-filter

[peghall]

I'm assuming that the water would be from his water tank, not lake water. If the water in his tank isn't safe, he needs to find another source for it and recommission his fresh water system, which should be done every spring as part of his total spring recommissioning. I can provide detailed instructions for doing that.


--Peggie

[sv_pelagia]

Indeed, it is not clear where the OP intends to get water.



Apparently on a MacGregor 26... so limited tankage, storage, and power.... Still, as Peggie suggests, the tanks should be clean/safe.



Maybe backpacking filters OR a Steripen (our water purification method while trekking) are worth considering.


More information from OP required to get answers.

[trswem]

Yes, filtering lake water. Sorry, I thought that was clear from the context.

So far I’m leaning towards just using the Katydyn. It’ll make a good chore for the kids.

Thanks!

[wholybee]

I believe that Lifestraw is the gold standard for filtering fresh water to make it safe. It is is given to poor countries and villages to provide safe drinking water from known contaminated or unsafe water. They publish lab results from each of their filters on their website.

They have several types of filters, a straw, a filtered water bottle, and gravity types. They are also reasonably priced, and your purchase contributes to providing safe water to those in need.

https://lifestraw.com/