Size depends on use
I own a Hunter Passage 42. We are now equiping her to cruise the Carib starting in Oct 2000. We are installing an EMS Spectra 12 VDC watermaker that delivers 16 GPH. It is the most efficient (1 watt/gallon) and quiet (65 DB's) on the market per Practical Sailor in their competitive tests(January 1, 1998). It uses a double action Clark pump. The benefit of going DC is that if we have 3 sources of DC power: 8KW genset into the Heart Invertor to charge batteries, a 150 amp Balmar alternator on the main engine and shore power. That gives us 3 redundent powers sources. Measure your normal water usage via your tanks. How much do you normally use in hot weather ? My wife and I use about 50 gals/day, showering 3 times a ady each and doing dishes. So, that's 3 hours running time on a 16 GPH rig. We normally run our generator 1.5 - 2 hrs morning and evening to make water, top of refrigeration, charge batteries, fill scuba tanks and do laundry in our washer/dryer. Our watermaker is equipped with a remote operating panel, UV filter (to kill viruses),fresh water flush source and a computerized cycling system that automatically turns the system on for 5 minutes per day when you are not aboard. This allow us to leave the boat for 5 days without pickling the system. Yes, it's the most expensive way to go. But if avoiding hassles is important to you, with 1800 units out there now, I believe this is the way to go. Linda & Dave Fraser S/V Voyager
