watermaker, to save money. It will be installed in a 1995 H35.5. Any ideas and/or sugestions? Thank you in advance. Ozana
I want to build my own...
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Probably Not Good Economics
I once looked into a DC diesel generator only to find that the cost of an individual buying the components contrasted to a business with volume discounts for materials made any savings disappear. I'm sure the same thing would hold true of a watermaker. Better to buy one used or refurbished. For the hassle of putting one in, I'd probably go new tho. Rick D.
I once looked into a DC diesel generator only to find that the cost of an individual buying the components contrasted to a business with volume discounts for materials made any savings disappear. I'm sure the same thing would hold true of a watermaker. Better to buy one used or refurbished. For the hassle of putting one in, I'd probably go new tho. Rick D.
Can be done
there was a posting ont he "Metal Boat Society" website about buiding a watermaker. I tried to post it, but they are having problems with their site... The guy had all the plans laid out and he used a pump from a pressure washer, an off the shelf membrane and I forget what else for the pressure tube. he did it for about a 3rd of the cost of a new one. Keep an eye out on that site to see if their forums come back up Brian
there was a posting ont he "Metal Boat Society" website about buiding a watermaker. I tried to post it, but they are having problems with their site... The guy had all the plans laid out and he used a pump from a pressure washer, an off the shelf membrane and I forget what else for the pressure tube. he did it for about a 3rd of the cost of a new one. Keep an eye out on that site to see if their forums come back up Brian
It can be done cheaply, but
The owner doing the work has to be handy. There is a learning curve too. What is your time worth. Are you prepared for the inevitable flaw repairs that pop up during sea trials? If the answer is no to anyone of these parameters, well then, don't do it. Remember too that all of the suggestions that Russ had for choosing a manufacturer don't apply. You're on your own. I am, with my system. I didn't start out that way. They went out of business. Good riddance. I've got it working a lot better now.
The owner doing the work has to be handy. There is a learning curve too. What is your time worth. Are you prepared for the inevitable flaw repairs that pop up during sea trials? If the answer is no to anyone of these parameters, well then, don't do it. Remember too that all of the suggestions that Russ had for choosing a manufacturer don't apply. You're on your own. I am, with my system. I didn't start out that way. They went out of business. Good riddance. I've got it working a lot better now.
"Good Old Boat" magazine...
had a step by step article for a homebrew water maker about a year ago but I can't find the issue right now. You might be able to track it down somewhere. It wasn't especially cheap as I recall but certainly much less than other systems. One advantage to building it yourself is that you'd know it inside and out and could probably maintain it easily. Good Luck!
had a step by step article for a homebrew water maker about a year ago but I can't find the issue right now. You might be able to track it down somewhere. It wasn't especially cheap as I recall but certainly much less than other systems. One advantage to building it yourself is that you'd know it inside and out and could probably maintain it easily. Good Luck!
My friend did this
and bought the parts from a guy in Seattle. The guy turned out to be a flake and would not answer his phone or mail. The system finally did get put together but he had a lot of worry and trouble with it and getting parts to fix it through this guy was a real headache. Just be careful who you deal with. I think it can be done but it can also be a challenge that way.
and bought the parts from a guy in Seattle. The guy turned out to be a flake and would not answer his phone or mail. The system finally did get put together but he had a lot of worry and trouble with it and getting parts to fix it through this guy was a real headache. Just be careful who you deal with. I think it can be done but it can also be a challenge that way.
RE: Pulled Water Maker
You know, it would bother me a lot to have put on a folding prop, optimized the sails, keep the bottom clean et al and then drag something like this. Sort of defeats the objective of sailing performance IMHO. Also, I wonder how long before it snags something. I remember the 'old' days when sailors pulled water generators and logs. Wasn't at all uncommon to lose the drive units. Still, you have to give an A for creativity and I'm sure it has application in some quarters. RD
You know, it would bother me a lot to have put on a folding prop, optimized the sails, keep the bottom clean et al and then drag something like this. Sort of defeats the objective of sailing performance IMHO. Also, I wonder how long before it snags something. I remember the 'old' days when sailors pulled water generators and logs. Wasn't at all uncommon to lose the drive units. Still, you have to give an A for creativity and I'm sure it has application in some quarters. RD
And another thing Rick
The AVERAGE cruiser spends 95% of their time in an anchorage. Wonder how that thing works then.
The AVERAGE cruiser spends 95% of their time in an anchorage. Wonder how that thing works then.
I think its doable
I think making your own is doable, providing you have some mechanical ability. The article last year on a do it yourself version was quite complete. Would suggest not to do as a cost saver, nor time saver, but more of an experiance thing. Most of the parts were standard commercial components so maintenance while cruising wouldnt be a problem IMHO (High preasure pump from Cat, membranes from standard RO Company for example). Will try to find article as well.
I think making your own is doable, providing you have some mechanical ability. The article last year on a do it yourself version was quite complete. Would suggest not to do as a cost saver, nor time saver, but more of an experiance thing. Most of the parts were standard commercial components so maintenance while cruising wouldnt be a problem IMHO (High preasure pump from Cat, membranes from standard RO Company for example). Will try to find article as well.
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