That's funny Terry, I wonder what her 'longest
leg' smelled like.
Maybe that's why she went alone.
leg' smelled like.
Maybe that's why she went alone.
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Just a few, Fred...
Fred, my impression is that our cruising styles are usually pretty similar; docks are normally strangers to us, as well. But in small island nations, as you should remember, facilities are few and its very common for small commercial vessels (lighters, ferries, coastal patrol boats, etc.) to share the local waters with the yachties. But to your question: Here are just a few examples that pop to mind, all of which we've visited in the last 4 years, where I would not use a watermaker if I had one: 1. Chaguaramas Bay - perhaps the most anticipated of E Caribbean yachtie destinations but colocated with commercial and govt'l vessels; besides that, I'll just bet if you were here you were at a dock (the anchorage is small, deep, overcrowded, has poor holding and enjoys lots of afternoon T/S's) and, because you were at a dock, you had water from a spigot. (We surely did...) 2. Let me give you a different combination: Luperon, DR; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; St. Martin (either inside Simpson or outside on the French side); Anse Mitan (gosh, I've forgotten how to spell that) or Fort de France on Martinque; Porlamar, VZ, Port Antonio, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, all in Jamaica; Isla Mujeres, MX; Horta on Faial, Azores; Falmouth, Cornwall, England and I really could go on (The Yealm, Portsmouth, Plymouth, etc.) - not because watermakers were never used in these places but because they were either overpopulated with cruising boats, enjoyed limited tidal flushing, offered water in abundance from other sources or were near commercial docks...or a combination of the above. In G'town, Grand Cayman, the cruise ships (5 on occasion) were anchored 100 yds behind the yacht moorings (we couldn't legally anchor there), while the lighters full of tourists (all diesel powered; no cruise ship dock) zipped back & forth all day long. Perhaps I'm being overly conservative; perhaps the folks I know who chose not to run their watermakers in these very same places were conservative, too. But hey, it's "my" watermaker, so I get to use my low tolerance for petroleum contaminants.<g> The dirty commercial harbor in T&C is right around the corner from the popular Sapodillo Bay anchorage...but that's a different issue. I mentioned the T&C Is. as an example where cisterns are mandated by building code. The same is true on St. Johns (and I'm guessing parts of St. Thomas, as well). I think this is a common Caribbean notion, as otherwise the strapped island govts. need to install infrastructure they can not afford nor maintain. My point is that cisterns are hardly 'history', in my experience. In Bermuda, an islander wanted me to see her cistern because her roof was built 200 years ago of slate taken from a Bermudan quarry and still worked so well. ("Better than the new roofs, don't you know", she said with a smile). Bermuda is a First World country, and even they still rely on cisterns to the extent they can. Fred, I'm not picking a fight. You're not only welcome to your watermaker, but you have my congratulations for finding something so satisfying and adding so much to your cruising. Each of us have some of those things aboard our boats, and that's a good thing. The fact you don't know about the many boats not equipped with watermakers is your issue; it's not mine. And to take this back where it began, 'systems' seem to be where it's at these days while, at least in my experience, the joy and adventure we get from sailing usually comes from other things. Jack P.S. Ile a Vache, Haiti was safer than any other place we visited in the Caribbean, bar none. Hard to believe (until you look at a chart) but true; 10,000 Haitians who were as scared as you or I to visit the mainland.
Fred, my impression is that our cruising styles are usually pretty similar; docks are normally strangers to us, as well. But in small island nations, as you should remember, facilities are few and its very common for small commercial vessels (lighters, ferries, coastal patrol boats, etc.) to share the local waters with the yachties. But to your question: Here are just a few examples that pop to mind, all of which we've visited in the last 4 years, where I would not use a watermaker if I had one: 1. Chaguaramas Bay - perhaps the most anticipated of E Caribbean yachtie destinations but colocated with commercial and govt'l vessels; besides that, I'll just bet if you were here you were at a dock (the anchorage is small, deep, overcrowded, has poor holding and enjoys lots of afternoon T/S's) and, because you were at a dock, you had water from a spigot. (We surely did...) 2. Let me give you a different combination: Luperon, DR; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; St. Martin (either inside Simpson or outside on the French side); Anse Mitan (gosh, I've forgotten how to spell that) or Fort de France on Martinque; Porlamar, VZ, Port Antonio, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, all in Jamaica; Isla Mujeres, MX; Horta on Faial, Azores; Falmouth, Cornwall, England and I really could go on (The Yealm, Portsmouth, Plymouth, etc.) - not because watermakers were never used in these places but because they were either overpopulated with cruising boats, enjoyed limited tidal flushing, offered water in abundance from other sources or were near commercial docks...or a combination of the above. In G'town, Grand Cayman, the cruise ships (5 on occasion) were anchored 100 yds behind the yacht moorings (we couldn't legally anchor there), while the lighters full of tourists (all diesel powered; no cruise ship dock) zipped back & forth all day long. Perhaps I'm being overly conservative; perhaps the folks I know who chose not to run their watermakers in these very same places were conservative, too. But hey, it's "my" watermaker, so I get to use my low tolerance for petroleum contaminants.<g> The dirty commercial harbor in T&C is right around the corner from the popular Sapodillo Bay anchorage...but that's a different issue. I mentioned the T&C Is. as an example where cisterns are mandated by building code. The same is true on St. Johns (and I'm guessing parts of St. Thomas, as well). I think this is a common Caribbean notion, as otherwise the strapped island govts. need to install infrastructure they can not afford nor maintain. My point is that cisterns are hardly 'history', in my experience. In Bermuda, an islander wanted me to see her cistern because her roof was built 200 years ago of slate taken from a Bermudan quarry and still worked so well. ("Better than the new roofs, don't you know", she said with a smile). Bermuda is a First World country, and even they still rely on cisterns to the extent they can. Fred, I'm not picking a fight. You're not only welcome to your watermaker, but you have my congratulations for finding something so satisfying and adding so much to your cruising. Each of us have some of those things aboard our boats, and that's a good thing. The fact you don't know about the many boats not equipped with watermakers is your issue; it's not mine. And to take this back where it began, 'systems' seem to be where it's at these days while, at least in my experience, the joy and adventure we get from sailing usually comes from other things. Jack P.S. Ile a Vache, Haiti was safer than any other place we visited in the Caribbean, bar none. Hard to believe (until you look at a chart) but true; 10,000 Haitians who were as scared as you or I to visit the mainland.
Gotcha, Thanks again.
And you're absolutely right about Chag harbor. It's overloaded with Gypsy boats and DEEP! I used it a time or two and could even skinny dip, BUT, I took the dock at Peaks. Then I stayed in the anchorage to the west. Can't remember the name, but when your dingy will do over 30mph, why put up with those hassles?
And you're absolutely right about Chag harbor. It's overloaded with Gypsy boats and DEEP! I used it a time or two and could even skinny dip, BUT, I took the dock at Peaks. Then I stayed in the anchorage to the west. Can't remember the name, but when your dingy will do over 30mph, why put up with those hassles?
Terry, you could add Les Powells...
I met Les in Lymington off the Solent; what a guy! He built his own boat (35' LoA) because he was a laborer by trade and simply didn't have any substantial funds. He's done 3 circles now, all of them singlehanded: no autopilot, 2 using only sextant for LD navigation. I asked him about tankage and got a got a good bark of a laugh. He said he hardly ever used his engine (diesel costs too much for his budget) and, when he sought to singlehand non-stop on his 3rd circle, he put aboard as many 1 gallon water jugs from the local drug store as he could fit on the cabin sole. I may not have the spelling of Les' last name right, but most of you probably read about him. He had to call in to NZ for repairs on his 3rd circle (which prevented him from the non-stop goal) and subsequently left and was not heard from any more. Eventually, he was given up as lost at sea; the Lymington Yacht Club (of which he was an honorary member; he couldn't afford the dues nor the slip he was provided inbetween voyages) even held a wake at the Club in his honor. Imagine their surprise when he sailed in some days later; he'd had a spot of light wind and simply didn't make good time. He mentioned to me he even had a bit of rice and some water left...altho' in truth, not a lot more.<g> Oh, I should add: Les was in his 70's on that last passage. Jack
I met Les in Lymington off the Solent; what a guy! He built his own boat (35' LoA) because he was a laborer by trade and simply didn't have any substantial funds. He's done 3 circles now, all of them singlehanded: no autopilot, 2 using only sextant for LD navigation. I asked him about tankage and got a got a good bark of a laugh. He said he hardly ever used his engine (diesel costs too much for his budget) and, when he sought to singlehand non-stop on his 3rd circle, he put aboard as many 1 gallon water jugs from the local drug store as he could fit on the cabin sole. I may not have the spelling of Les' last name right, but most of you probably read about him. He had to call in to NZ for repairs on his 3rd circle (which prevented him from the non-stop goal) and subsequently left and was not heard from any more. Eventually, he was given up as lost at sea; the Lymington Yacht Club (of which he was an honorary member; he couldn't afford the dues nor the slip he was provided inbetween voyages) even held a wake at the Club in his honor. Imagine their surprise when he sailed in some days later; he'd had a spot of light wind and simply didn't make good time. He mentioned to me he even had a bit of rice and some water left...altho' in truth, not a lot more.<g> Oh, I should add: Les was in his 70's on that last passage. Jack
This is why I want a watermaker
I never imagined that a simple question would spur such a lively debate. I wanted to know "what," but the respondents mostly want to dwell on "why." That's fine. I will tell you why. It is very simple - because it would make my wife happy. You can go on and on about whatever you think sailing should be about, but I know what it is about for me. It's about spending quality time with my wife and sharing time on the water. If I could put a watermaker on board so she could have a shower each day, then she would be happier and we could sail farther and avoid marinas even more than we do now. Gadgets? Your priorities may be to remain a purist. My priorities remain to take care of my wife and make sure she enjoys our time on the water together. If you cannot understand that, you may want to reassess your priorities. Now back to my original question, anyone have a good suggestion on an energy efficient watermaker?
I never imagined that a simple question would spur such a lively debate. I wanted to know "what," but the respondents mostly want to dwell on "why." That's fine. I will tell you why. It is very simple - because it would make my wife happy. You can go on and on about whatever you think sailing should be about, but I know what it is about for me. It's about spending quality time with my wife and sharing time on the water. If I could put a watermaker on board so she could have a shower each day, then she would be happier and we could sail farther and avoid marinas even more than we do now. Gadgets? Your priorities may be to remain a purist. My priorities remain to take care of my wife and make sure she enjoys our time on the water together. If you cannot understand that, you may want to reassess your priorities. Now back to my original question, anyone have a good suggestion on an energy efficient watermaker?
Well???
Hey Guys, Chip's asking a question here!! Fred: You seem happy with your watermaker & seem to have some experience with them. It sounds like Chip is sold. Can you help him get started?? Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
Hey Guys, Chip's asking a question here!! Fred: You seem happy with your watermaker & seem to have some experience with them. It sounds like Chip is sold. Can you help him get started?? Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
Chip, cool web site!
Followed the link on your last posting and read 'Bahama Adventures II'. Great story! Bummer about the Jeep, though. Oh well, it could have been worse, it could have happened when you were launching the boat! I hope to someday get to Florida myself and do some sailing in the areas around it. As to the watermaker, I now see what you mean. Gotta keep the ladies happy!
Followed the link on your last posting and read 'Bahama Adventures II'. Great story! Bummer about the Jeep, though. Oh well, it could have been worse, it could have happened when you were launching the boat! I hope to someday get to Florida myself and do some sailing in the areas around it. As to the watermaker, I now see what you mean. Gotta keep the ladies happy!
Country music says it best!
"If Mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy" I wish I could remember the source better, but someone wrote an article for Practical Sailor, Good Old Boat, Mainsheet or Sailnet about DIY watermakers. That may get you started on finding it. He outlined the entire process including; how to go about specifying components, installation, operation and maintenance. He is in the business of selling the components, but the article was so logically written that it did not seem to be a sales job. Net result, you can build a system yourself for less than half of the cost of a comparable commercial system, with lower energy consumption and insall it in unused spaces. Best of luck, Chris
"If Mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy" I wish I could remember the source better, but someone wrote an article for Practical Sailor, Good Old Boat, Mainsheet or Sailnet about DIY watermakers. That may get you started on finding it. He outlined the entire process including; how to go about specifying components, installation, operation and maintenance. He is in the business of selling the components, but the article was so logically written that it did not seem to be a sales job. Net result, you can build a system yourself for less than half of the cost of a comparable commercial system, with lower energy consumption and insall it in unused spaces. Best of luck, Chris
Efficient watermaker? Ours uses no power at all
We have a watermaker(a waterlog)which uses no electricity. I don`t know the definition of "efficiency" is but if it is DC battery power then i suppose its the ultimate in efficiency
We have a watermaker(a waterlog)which uses no electricity. I don`t know the definition of "efficiency" is but if it is DC battery power then i suppose its the ultimate in efficiency
Dave!!
I've looked at the "water log" web site and it looks pretty interesting. It touts up to 72 gallons per day. I would assume that that would be at top speed. What kind of production do you get out of that thing at sail boat speeds and are there any maintenance problems? Thanks! J.B.
I've looked at the "water log" web site and it looks pretty interesting. It touts up to 72 gallons per day. I would assume that that would be at top speed. What kind of production do you get out of that thing at sail boat speeds and are there any maintenance problems? Thanks! J.B.
Allen, sorry, I haven't been in the market for 14
years, but I went the modular route. Worked for me. And the company I bought mine from has folded. I maintain mine with generic parts. (that's a hint)
years, but I went the modular route. Worked for me. And the company I bought mine from has folded. I maintain mine with generic parts. (that's a hint)
Non electric watermaker
Hi J.B. I think the 72 gals / day is probably the bigger Waterlog. Ours is the middle one (a 200) and gives between 20 and 40 gallons / day depending on speed. We average about 5.5 knots and i suppose it does maybe 1.5 gals hour at that or 36 gpd. You ask about maintenance. never did any in 3 years now so cant comment on that. Chuck in a powder of antibiotic if not in use. They sell them on internet for about $4
Hi J.B. I think the 72 gals / day is probably the bigger Waterlog. Ours is the middle one (a 200) and gives between 20 and 40 gallons / day depending on speed. We average about 5.5 knots and i suppose it does maybe 1.5 gals hour at that or 36 gpd. You ask about maintenance. never did any in 3 years now so cant comment on that. Chuck in a powder of antibiotic if not in use. They sell them on internet for about $4
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