Quote:
Originally Posted by gkunkle999
Getting ready for cruising. I am planning on installing a water maker in my 1996 Hunter 42 Passage. Looking for any suggestions on where to locate, size, brand. Any and all suggestions or ideas appreciated.  |
You can view some photos of water maker installations on various boats here, which will give you a mental
concept of the size and mounting space required for a 120v AC high output water maker.
Watermaker Reviews & Testimonials | Cruise RO Water & Power
The Big starting point question for you to make is how will you power the water maker. There are two schools of though there and the "right answer" will depend on YOU and how YOU want to set-up your boat.
I'll summarize the two schools of thought for you, but remember there is no "right answer", but just perhaps a "best answer" once you understand the strengths/weaknesses of the different approaches and mesh that with what you need on your boat.
[[Now I sell 120v AC high out put units in full disclosure but I also see the value in the 12v DC lower output units...it all depends on what you want/like]
12v DC Water Makers
Advantages:
The ability to make water strictly from your 12v DC battery bank and have the power replenished from your
Solar,
Wind,
Engine alternator when motoring, or generator.
Do not need a generator to power.
Disadvantages:
Higher cost with a more technically innovative energy recovery
pump
Lower fresh water output per hour
Leading Names:
Spectra would honestly be my only real choice here, their
service is top notch, and when it comes to going 12v DC what really matters is how many Amp Hours it takes you to make a gallon of fresh water. Flat out, no one beats Spectra at about 1 Gallon per Amp hour.
120v AC Systems
Advantages:
You can make a lot of water quickly (20 or 30GPH) for less initial
purchase cost while running your ships generator or a
Honda 2000 generator.
Make water 2-3 times per week due to the large output.
Have a system with more off the shelf components that helps keep servicing costs down.
Disadvantages:
You need to have either a Generator (Diesel or
Honda 2000) but you can use a 2000w
inverter while motoring with your
alternator running. But you are looking at a primary generator powered system.
Leading Names:
Echo-Tech,
Cruise RO (Me), FCI Water Makers, Water Makers Inc, There are lots of 120v AC water maker companies because most of these types are using more off the shelf technology without energy recovery pumps. So the difference from Company to Company has a lot to do with the extend they load the water maker up with electronic.
If your boat already has a
diesel generator that you plan to use several times per week, then the argument for a 120v AC water maker is easy. Just flip on the water maker during your already planned generator run time. If your boat doesn't have a generator and you don't want one, then likewise your decision gets easy, you buy a Spectra hands down in my opinion.
Here is a link to download a copy of my 20GPH 120v AC Water Maker
http://www.cruiserowaterandpower.com/uploads/sm20.pdf
You can get a good feeling for most AC 120v water makers by giving it a review. Now we don't play the electronic controls
game, so some water makers that have those will add $2-8K (yes that is right..a HUGE adder) for the same output as a manual system to trick it out with all the latest touch
screen controls and
IPhone connectivity. Me...as a
live aboard cruiser myself well I think that stuff is crazy, but there is a market for it, and if you go to the Big Boat Shows around the Country you see them everywhere.
Good luck with the decision and Tellie is a valuable resource and I try to be as well.
Call or
email me:
P 619-609-3432
E
Rich@CruiseROWater.com
Linear Mode
Recent Discussions