Watermakers on C34s

[Stu Jackson]

Has anyone installed one?  

If so, what brand?  

Centralized or decentralized (modular)?  

Where did you install it and what piping was associated with it.

What reasons led to the installation?

[Gary Wilson]

Stu,

It has been a long time since you asked the question about watermakers.  Have you ever heard of anyone's experience with one on a C34?  I think it woiuld be a nice upgrade and allow a little more independence from shore facilities.

Gary Wilson
Childsong #138

[sailmed]

I don't have personal experience with it, but have read very positive comments by Practical Sailor readers about their Spectra Ventura 150's.  They are intended for racing and small cruising vessels.

[Stu Jackson]

Gary

In the past three and a half years, since that post, I haven't heard anything.  I haven't pursued any other sources, like the C36 board, either. 

Just waitin' to hear from someone...

[Ron Hill]

Stu : It's been a number of years since I decided to NOT install a water maker.  Unless you're going off shore or plan to be in an area for a long length of time where (like the Bahamas) good RO water costs more /gal than diesel; I believe you're better off getting it from a shore facility.  Here are some of the things I took into consideration:
1.  The initial cost $$ is NOT cheap!!  The smaller (Power Survivour) unit will run $3K
2.  That unit will only put out about 1 1/2 gal per hour
3.   It draws 4 amps per hour or 1.5 amp hrs / qt of water - at best
4.   You need to be in a place where the water is moving - oil will KILL the expensive membrane
5.   When not in use you'll need to "pickle" the unit

I thought of drawing water from my "salt water" pump thru hull and mounting it between the hull and battery compartment floor next to the bilge.   
Then I took a look at the 5 item listed above and decided to get water ashore as the most practical/prudent way to "water up"!!