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During the past few months, we have been working to expand our trawler's ability to operate independently from shore. In a little while, we anticipate to be cruising to the Bahamas where being self-supporting is essential. To begin with, there was an inverter, now we have installed a water maker. Today's water makers use a reasonable amount of power to turn undrinkable salt water into clean fresh water. A well-designed, well maintained water maker will significantly improve comfort while traveling. A water maker is a piece of equipment that calls for a little upkeep for its continual functionality. But when you become familiar with the function of the piece of equipment, utilize it frequently and keep it in proper operable fashion, a water maker is in reality a wonder to behold. Why Would You Need a Water Maker? There are a few factors to take into account before installing a water maker aboard your yacht.
1. It will lessen your boat's load and enhance performance since you do not have to top off the water tanks. It is a valuable venture as 50 gallons of water weighs over 400 pounds. 2. Water makers will broaden your limit of cruising. Not having to design your passage around water refills means additional choices for selecting your itinerary. 3. It will save you money in ports where uncontaminated water can be awfully costly. A good number of Bahamian ports charge as much as 25¢ per gallon, that's $75.00 for our 300-gallon tank. 4. Water makers will provide a protected water reserve on your vessel, particularly in parts of the world where the water condition is questionable. This assists you in avoiding health risks that can be located in impure water. How Does Reverse Osmosis Work? Reverse osmosis water makers create clean water by putting salt water under pressure at approximately 800 psi and pushing it through a semi-permeable membrane. Water molecules can pass through the membrane, but practically all other particles (salt, micro organism, etc.) can't pass through the film. The residual condensed seawater and contaminants, named as brine, are then discharged overboard and the fresh water is retained. It is a continual practice that changes 10% of the incoming salt water into fresh water. Ninety percent of the incoming water is discarded. What Brand of Water Maker is Optimum? Besides the preferred water yield, an essential question is how the watermaker will be driven: battery, 120V AC or driven by a belt from the motor. AC driven systems will call for a genset to run so their use is not optimum on smaller yachts. Belt driven systems need an engine to be functioning so they have drawbacks too. DC water makers are the top choice on small boats because of their smaller bulk and current pull. Our Katadyn 80 water maker draws about 8 amps when running. How Much Water Do You Really Need? The W.H.O. (World Health Organization) recommends at the very least one quart or one liter of fresh water per person per day to maintain hydration. Obviously, that number is for survival conditions, not navigating in the Bahamas. A fresh water intake of two gallons per person per day is more sensible, for ingesting, showering and cooking. On our yacht, we have measured our daily consumption at about 10 gallons per day for two people; naturally, we do not waste water but yet don't limit it either. Your water utilization will also depend on the sort of climate and the kind of chores you carry out during the day. The degree of perspiration when resting in the shading of the bimini is completely contrasting that from scrubbing the decks. On a high-end vessel with a considerable water maker, a crew of six or eight may utilize 100 gallons per day, taking hot showers and washing apparel. The final result is that your water use can fluctuate drastically based upon your daily life and your capability to produce fresh drinking water. We decided to buy the 80 gallon per day component to a degree as a result of the room we had to install it. Energy Requirements
The larger the water output the greater the current pull. Utilizing 10 gallons per person per day demands roughly 180 minutes of watermaker functionality for our PowerSurvivor 80E, equaling 24Ah of battery capacity consumption per day. You must plan accordingly to refill those amp hours back into your battery. Mike Dickens, the author, is a live aboard boat owner and owner/Broker of Paradise Yachts in Florida USA. Paradise Yachts offers used quality yachts to customers worldwide. National and international sales. We ship Used Trawlers, Motor Yachts and Cruisers worldwide. Located in Florida, USA. 904/556-9431
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