One study found that an average person uses 55 gallons or 206 liters of water a day in the United States. He needs at least one and a half liters of water to keep his body functioning normally. Although this calculation does not match with one another due to one’s height, weight and various other reasons. However, it can be considered as a fairly adult human being.
When it comes to a small boat or a yacht, it is always important to consider that its motor and every inch of space is expensive. So in these cases, no matter how big or small, it is very difficult to conserve water here. And this is exactly the place where a good quality water maker is needed.
Cruising is unthinkable without some essentials, water maker must be one of them. When one thinks of water in the endless sea, one of the famous sayings of Samuel Taylor Coleridge comes to mind.
Water, water, everywhere, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.
So it’s important to know how important a watermarked is for a sailboat when it comes to getting good fresh water at sea.
How does Watermarked Work?
The technology on which each watermarked is based is called ‘reverse osmosis’ system. It’s a small, complicated process. The water filter that we usually see works in a much less complex process than that.
Inside this reverse osmosis is the membrane which we can easily call the heart of this process. With a very high quality pressure pump, seawater is forced to flow through this membrane. Through its system, water escapes through the other side but salt cannot.
It is usually possible to purify 99% of the saltwater easily and this water can be fairly drinkable. However, it may vary by brand or product.
Types of Watermaker in General
There are two main types of water makers available in the market. One is electric and the other is manual watermaker. Electric is often called automatic because it can purify saline water on its own.
Manual watermakers are usually used for small boats or short distance travel. On the other hand, in the case of large boats, electric is usually used.
The electric maker can purify a few gallons of water per hour but it depends on its amps. If you want more water to purify in a very short time, you can use a large type amps based watermaker even though its price will be quite a bit higher than the usual one.
What are the Best Watermakers in the market?
There are many types of water makers in the market. Almost every company calls their own device the best in the market, though that is arguable.
A good quality maker can usually go from 12 to 15 years although it depends on many factors. How long it will serve well depends on a number of other factors besides the company’s products, models, water conditions, etc.
- Echotech watermaker
- Rainman watermaker
- Spectra watermaker
- Osmosea watermaker
- Schenker watermaker
However, it is not the case that all the products of these companies will always be good. Their service may differ slightly due to differences in model features and water quality.
Do’s and Don’t In Case of Watermaker
We all want to use any device for a long time and make the best use of it. In this case you should also know how to use this device as well. Then you will be able to use this device for a long time and in the best possible way.
Below are some things that must be done well:
Do’s
- After using it, clean it well by running plain fresh water through it.
- It should be checked regularly if there are any leaks and erosions.
- Always keep the membrane of reverse osmosis wet. If it is dry, it is likely to spoil very quickly.
- Try to use it every day if possible.
Don’t
- Excessive amounts of dirt in saline water can quickly damage the membrane of the filter. So you must avoid such water.
- It is advisable not to clean it with chlorinated water.
Some Tips on Watermaker
- There are two types of watermakers available in the market, automatic and manual. If possible, use the automatic device. It can save you a lot of time, effort and money in the long run, although initially the price of the automatic is a little higher.
- There are several portable watermakers available in the market. You can also use them if your boat is not very big or as a spare. It will help you a lot in emergency situations in different places.
- This device requires a good amount of power to operate. It consumes a lot of battery power from your boat or yacht. That’s why always try to use it as little as possible.
Final Thoughts
Just as water is an essential element for our bodies, so too is a good quality watermaker an essential element for a distant destination at sea. You certainly don’t want to live a day without ordinary fresh water in the middle of the boundless sea.
And so of course a good quality watermaker is needed to meet more daily needs besides drinking water. That’s why when you buy a good quality water maker; you must buy it after researching its quality, customer reviews and its features.
Happy Sailing with good, fresh and safe water !
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to drink reverse osmosis water? How the water taste its’s like?
Yes, it’s completely safe to drink RO water. It’s low in mineral, oxygenarate, delicious and softened which you can drink without any hesitation at all.
How long in general does it take to make fresh water from sea water?
Generally speaking the truth, it takes a couple of seconds to make fully purified water which you can drink right away.
How long can a good quality watermaker be used?
It actually depends on a number of factors. How much of it has been used through good management, what kind of water has been purified, etc are some of the issues involved. So it is not possible to say very quickly how long it is possible to use.
However, you can use a good quality device for seven to ten years effortlessly. It can be used up to 15 years with very good maintenance.
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