Making your own water-maker

[colemj]

You came to the same conclusion, using the same reasoning, as us when we decided to get a new watermaker.

Mark

[Dulcesuenos]

Plus resale value on a boat with a professionally built,known watermaker is a little better. A a homegrown system with unknown lines, wires, pumps, that are just strewn about can actually devalue a boat.

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[ColdEH]

I actually built my own water maker because I could source components that are of far better quality then most manufactures . When I see watermakers at boat shows I shiver . Some of the connects/ pumps/ filters /switches /hoses........ I really would not want to rely on. I built my own and over sized everything, from off the shelf parts . I know and understand it . If it breaks which I don't think it ever will I can fix it myself with spares that i have on board .

Regards

[wsulli]

Typhoon will you please post a list of parts and sources to help that are thinking of building their own watermaker

[accomplice]

I'm not recommending one brand over another, but one of the things I like about our watermaker (a SeaRecovery )-- which would be true about a DIY or about some of the commercial units -- is that it is comprised of many separate pieces that can live in different places around the boat. Our controller and membrane are in one place; the booster pump, another; the high pressure pump, another; the pre-filters and charcoal filter are in another. I suggest keeping this in mind as you make your selection.

[Cheechako]

I've done it twice but with a proper saltwater pump. The key may be if your pump lasts long enough in salt water. Does a pressure water pump pass any oil? that would ruin a membrane.

[RaymondR]

I looked into the home built engine driven thing a few years ago and with a Cat pump with SS water end and electric clutch and a SS pressure regulating valve and fairly large capacity membranes the cost worked out about 1/3 of a similar capacity commercial unit and I had complete component placement flexibility with the home built.

Another advantage with the home built is that in acquiring the parts you are aware of the supplier for spares which can be a bit of a headache with some professionally built units and you learn how the system works.

I did not build my own as I lucked onto a used Katadyne Survivor Pro and really only needed a water maker because I was going to fairly waterless places and wanted the backup ability. However, if you have the technical skills the DIY approach is a good route to go. I have met a couple of cruisers who built their own and thay were very satisfied with the result.

[Cheechako]

Yes , one of my home built was made from a 120V AC unit that had a Cat pump on it. I bought a new electric clutch and engine mounted it. Removed all the fancy trouble prone bells and whistles.
If you run across a used 120V AC unit it can be a bargain. they are big and heavy due to the 1.5 HP or larger AC motor etc. But you don't need that. Thus don't resell well and go cheap. Think "Motor yacht repair facility"