water machine yacht

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Landing Page
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• View All 3583
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Filter By Destination
• More Filters
• Latest Reviews
• Charter Special Offers
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Special Offers
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Finding a Yacht Broker
• Charter Preferences
• Questions & Answers
• Add my yacht

View More Photos

• Luxury Charter Yachts
• Motor Yachts for Charter

Watermachine

• Amenities & Toys
• Rates & Regions
• + Shortlist

WATERMACHINE YACHT CHARTER

33m  /  108'3   gulf craft   2023.

• Previous Yacht

Cabin Configuration

Special Features:

• Full-beam master cabin with dressing room and study
• Built in 2023
• 1,500nm range
• Interior design from Gulf Craft
• Sleeps 12 guests

Primed for discerning charter guests, luxury yacht Watermachine offers the height of luxury living

The 31.68m/103'11" motor yacht 'Watermachine' is an excellent new superyacht for the luxury charter market. Delivered by the Emirati shipyard Gulf Craft and featuring interior styling by Emirati designer Gulf Craft she can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests in 5 cabins.

For outdoor living nonpareil, Watermachine is the number one choice, offering a variety of spacious living areas and fabulous amenities, vacations aboard this yacht are sure to be nothing short of spectacular.

Guest Accommodation

Families will particularly love Watermachine thanks to her child-friendly setup. Built in 2023, She offers guest accommodation for up to 12 guests with a layout comprising a master suite located on the main deck, two double cabins and two twin cabins. The supremely spacious full beam master suite incorporates its own study and dressing room. There are 9 beds in total, including 1 queen, 2 doubles, 4 singles and 2 pullmans. She is also capable of carrying up to 6 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht charter experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

A charter on Watermachine is comfortable and convenient thanks to the provided amenities, particularly a steam room, all you need to relax muscles and reduce stress.

Whatever your activities on your charter, you'll find some impressive features are seamlessly integrated to help you, particularly Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stay connected at all times, should you wish. You can stay comfortable on board whatever the weather, with air conditioning during your charter.

Performance & Range

Built with a GRP hull and GRP superstructure, she benefits from a semi-displacement hull to provide exceptional seakeeping and impressive speeds. Powered by twin MAN engines, she comfortably cruises at 12 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 20 knots with a range of up to 1,500 nautical miles from her 15,141 litre fuel tanks at cruising speed. Her low draft of 1.58m/5'2" makes her primed for accessing shallow areas and cruising close to the shorelines.

Set against the backdrop of your chosen cruising ground, you and your guests can enjoy fun on the water with the collection of water toys and accessories aboard Watermachine. Principle among these are waterskis that are hugely entertaining whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. Another excellent feature are two F5S SEABOBs, offering a truly remarkable experience that lets you skim along the surface or swim with the fishes quietly and safely. Additionally, there are wakeboards so guests can show off at speed. If that isn't enough Watermachine also features inflatable water toys and paddleboards. When it's time to travel from land to see, it couldn't be easier with a Axopar Chase Tender.

Watermachine is available upon request for charter this winter. She is already accepting bookings this summer for cruising in the Mediterranean.

A charter on motor yacht Watermachine will offer you a week of unforgettable family memories

TESTIMONIALS

There are currently no testimonials for Watermachine, please provide .

Watermachine Photos

Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Watermachine has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

Watermachine is reported to be available to Charter with the following recreation facilities:

• 1 x Axopar 28 T-Top Chase Tender

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

• + shortlist

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

'Watermachine' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

€112,000 p/week + expenses Approx $121,500

High Season

€126,000 p/week + expenses Approx $136,500

Cruising Regions

Mediterranean France, Italy, Monaco

HOT SPOTS:   Amalfi Coast, Corsica, French Riviera, Sardinia

Winter Season

October - April

Please enquire .

Charter Watermachine

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker , or we can help you.

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker or

Update your yacht

Yacht Owner, Captain or Central Agents - Send us latest Photos, Charter Rates or Corrections Send Updates

SIMILAR YACHTS FOR CHARTER

55 Fiftyfive

31m | Cerri Cantieri Navali

from $98,000 p/week ♦︎

34m | Benetti

from $180,000 p/week

33m | Custom Line

from $125,000 p/week ♦︎

35m | Benetti

from $168,000 p/week ♦︎

Almost There

34m | Sanlorenzo

from $130,000 p/week ♦︎

30m | Princess

from $92,000 p/week ♦︎

from $119,000 p/week ♦︎

Another One

from $140,000 p/week

Anything Goes V

33m | Overmarine

from $110,000 p/week *

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

SEASONAL CHARTER RATES

• Share on Facebook
• Share Yacht

SIMILAR LUXURY CHARTER YACHTS

Here are a selection of yachts which are similar to the current charter yacht. To view all similar luxury charter yachts click on the button below.

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Everything you need to know about watermakers

• February 24, 2023

An onboard watermaker will free you from ever worrying again about where your next freshwater stop will be. Andy Pag looks at the latest models available for your yacht

The feeling of autonomy that a watermaker gives a yacht is unique. It transforms that weekend-only cruiser into a go-anywhere, life-on-the-hook, adventure craft, breaking the tether to marinas.

Filling your water tanks at the fuel jetty will always be a cheaper alternative to the eye-watering cost of buying and installing a watermaker, but there will be times when your plans are limited by having no access to a tap or if the only source available doesn’t look particularly appetising. And in the event of a burst pipe or accidentally draining your tank mid-passage, it means you’ll be able to keep sailing at the flick of a switch, rather than having to reroute to refill.

Watermaker desalination process

Watermakers – technically known as desalination units – use a process called reverse osmosis (RO) to make drinking water. By forcing salty water at a high pressure against one side of an RO membrane, fresh water will slowly seep through, leaving the salt and bacteria behind. The output is notably devoid of minerals, but the taste can be a little strange at first. Think of the membrane as a filter so fine that even bacteria and salt molecules can’t get through it.

But as well as the pressure, a membrane also needs to have the water flowing over it to flush away all the stuff that didn’t pass through as it would otherwise block the membrane’s pores. In this way it’s different to a filter because a membrane has a salty inlet, a freshwater output, and a saltier discharge outlet.

Much of the cooking done onboard needs fresh water. Photo: Tor Johnson

High pressure pumps

Creating high-pressure water, which is also flowing at speed, takes a lot of energy, and there are two methods watermakers use to achieve this. One is simple: a high-pressure pump. This can draw a lot of current but it creates the speed of flow needed, and the forceful pressure too. The saltwater is directed to the membranes and the pressure is created by closing down a tap, called a needle valve, at the discharge to build up pressure on the membrane while still allowing water to flow out through the needle valve at the required speed.

High-pressure pump watermakers are fast, but they aren’t the most energy- efficient way of creating clean water. They are usually tuned to produce 60 litres per hour or more but can draw upwards of 500W and while there are 12V versions, they typically use mains voltage pumps and are better suited to being run from a generator than a battery bank.

They’re designed to fill your tanks quickly so you don’t have to run the generator for long. Mechanically, they’re simple, and apart from the high-pressure pump there are no moving parts to go wrong.

A watermaker and its many parts.

Energy recovery

The alternative method is a Clark pump watermaker, also known as an energy recovery device (ERD). This uses a fast-running but much lower-pressure pump which needs less power. To obtain the high pressure required, the pressure in the discharge water is harnessed by a couple of reciprocating pistons and used to boost the inlet pressure. It takes a few minutes to build up pressure and during that time the output is slow and not very clean.

Watermaker running costs

An ERD unit will typically produce 20-60 litres per hour. The lower demand on the pump means it can be reasonably powered by 12V with as little as 9A, and can produce a litre of water with just 4-5Wh of energy. High-pressure units need between two and three times that energy per litre. If you run your boat from solar panels or don’t have a generator, this is the type of watermaker to go for.

Devoid of minerals, the taste can be a little strange at first

In fact, your boat’s power source is the first thing to look at when considering which type of watermaker to get. But it’s also worth remembering that the extra complexity of ERD units make them expensive to buy and more prone to breakdowns.

When choosing an ERD watermaker it’s therefore really important to consider the availability and costs of spare parts because sooner or later they will need servicing.

Most manufacturers have a dealer network that can provide advice, but don’t count on them stocking parts or offering servicing. These machines are notoriously fiddly to repair, and one dealer told me discreetly it’s not financially viable for him to offer a repair service as the time it takes can spiral into hours. That leaves you with the option to send the machine back to the manufacturer at great expense, or do it yourself.

Article continues below…

How it works: The diesel engine: The 4-stroke cycle

Understanding how your diesel engine works is key to knowing how to look after it, and fix it when it…

How it works: Looking after fuel: diesel, hoses and filters

Looking after fuel is essential for keeping your engine running smoothly. Callum Smedley shares his top tips

After-sales service

Spectra has one of the best reputations for after-sales service. In most places you’re more likely to find Spectra and Schenker dealers, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll have parts in stock, and all manufacturers will ship parts to you. Spectra also offers rebuild kits which come with step-by-step instructions and special tools to get to those hard-to-reach O-rings. They feel like a lot of money for a bag of O-rings, but are a cheaper option than sending the unit back to the factory.

If you’re buying new, a warranty is highly valuable but once it runs out you’ll find out how pricey the parts really are. Some manufacturers give longer warranties if a certified technician installs the system.

Most ERD units are made out of engineering plastics such as Delrin which can split around fittings if over-tightened or if warm water is used during cleaning.

One leading UK dealer who sells all brands told me that since Spectra changed the type of plastic used a few years ago he’s had no returns, unlike rival brands. Spectra were tight-lipped on the material they use when Yachting Monthly asked them for details.

An average-sized watermaker will easily squeeze into the space under a bunk

Watermaker instillation tips

A bad installation can render a good machine useless, so there are a few key points to know. Use dedicated through-hulls for the saltwater intake and brine discharge. Make sure the intake is low enough that it won’t be exposed when heeling or in big waves to prevent air bubbles entering the system. Don’t install the intake where there will be turbulent flow, behind the keel, for example, or near the props and rudders. The discharge should be above the waterline.

To give the pump the best chance of producing the pressure needed, install it as low as possible in the boat. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on hose diameters and avoid long hose runs and tight turns that restrict flow.

Finally, use correctly sized wiring as the 12V pumps will underperform if there are voltage losses in the wiring.

Monitoring quality

A Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter measuring impurities in the output water coupled to a diverter valve can automatically protect the purity of your tank. Anything under 500ppm is fine to drink but a well-installed system should deliver 200-300ppm.

You can buy inline TDS meters, or stick meters that you dunk into a sample cup to monitor it manually. You’ll see it slipping over time if there’s a problem developing with the pump or membrane.

It’s important to flush or ‘pickle’ your watermaker if you decide to not use it for any period of time

Membrane care

The membranes will produce more output and cleaner output in warmer and less salty seas. For the best lifespan, use them every few days. Drying them out, or running chlorinated water through them will do irreparable damage.

According to Dupont, which makes the widely used Filmtec membranes, they should not be left unused for more than 24 hours, but in practice they can be left for around five days before organic growth risks building up on the membrane, which blocks it and reduces performance. This can sometimes be remedied with an alkaline flush if caught early.

The other thing that can block them is carbonate deposits. In this case, an acid flush will restore some of the membrane’s performance.

If idle for a few days, it’s worth flushing the membrane with fresh water. Some manufacturers recommend doing this after every use, but that’s to protect other components in their systems.

If the machine is going to go unused during the off-season, the membrane can be pickled in propylene glycol. Most manufacturers offer branded pickling solutions and restorative solutions which conform to their warranty and don’t react with other materials in the system.

Avoid using the watermaker in anchorages where other boats aren’t using holding tanks. Although the membrane will sift out e.coli, the pre-filters will become a nasty Petri dish of bacteria.

Pickling tablets will be less aggressive on internal metal components

Don’t leave me this way

Different manufacturers have different recommendations, but, as a general guide, here’s what to do if leaving your watermaker unused for any period of time.

1-5 days: In practice, leaving the membrane sitting in saltwater won’t do too much harm, even though the membrane manufacturer warns against more than 24 hours. Check your watermaker manufacturer’s recommendation though. For instance, Spectras suffer from dramatic internal electrolysis if left soaking in sea water.

1-2 weeks: Definitely flush it through with fresh unchlorinated water. Use a carbon filter to remove chlorine if you are flushing with tap water.

More than a month: Pickle it.

They used to recommend using acid (hence the term pickling) but now manufacturers recommend propylene glycol, which is less aggressive on O-rings and other metal components. Buying the branded solution for your machine will give you peace of mind.

If your boat lives in relatively clean water, think about setting a timer so the machine runs automatically every few days for 10-15 minutes. That’s long enough to flush the membrane and prevent organic build-up.

Enjoyed reading this?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price .

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals .

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

• Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
• Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
• Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations

Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology

Do You Need a Watermaker for Your Sailboat?

• By Jen Brett
• Updated: October 2, 2019

I remember, in the not too distant past, when having a watermaker aboard a cruising boat seemed to be the ultimate luxury. Plenty of sailors considered them too expensive and complicated. Fortunately times have changed. With improved technology and a range of price points on the market, now even average cruising boats of modest means carry a reverse-osmosis system. And really, is there anything that feels better after a day spent sailing and swimming than a hot shower? The freedom and security that come with full water tanks are also a nice bonus, particularly if you’re cruising in an area where fresh water is difficult to come by and pricey when you do.

Choosing a Watermaker

As with any major system, there are many factors to consider when you choose a watermaker. You’ll need to figure out your freshwater needs, the space you have available for the system and how you’re going to power it . Generally speaking, in a reverse-osmosis desalination system the raw water is run through a series of pre-filters, and then a high-pressure pump moves the water through one or more membrane housings. The wastewater, or brine, is released overboard and the product water goes into your water tanks.

Since all of the watermakers that are currently available for cruising sailboats use this process for desalination, the major differences between the systems are how you power the high-pressure pump and the user interface. Powering options include 120/220-volt AC, 12- or 24-volt DC and engine/belt driven. All have their pros and cons.

“The first question I ask a potential customer is ‘Will your boat have a ship’s generator?’” said Rich Boren of Cruise RO Water. “If they plan to have a generator, then the decision to go with a 120-volt high-output watermaker seems natural. While running the generator for battery charging and other loads two to three times per week, they can keep their water tanks full without having to make generator runs just to make water.”

A 12-volt system, such as the Spectra Catalina 300 Mk II or the Horizon Reverse Osmosis Seafari Quest, makes a lot of sense for smaller cruising boats since they don’t need a generator to run and have fairly miserly power consumption. On a breezy, sunny day, a solar panel and/or a wind generator will likely keep up with the demand. “The only difference between 12-volt DC low-output and 120-volt AC high-output watermakers is how the high-pressure pump brings seawater up to the 800 psi needed to drive fresh water through the reverse-osmosis membrane,” Boren said. “The membrane and support equipment, like pre-filtering and plumbing, are the same.”

These systems typically produce anywhere from about 6 to 16 gallons per hour, and some units can do so for about a 1-amp-per-gallon power draw.

“Many smaller sailboats, under 45 feet or so, often utilize solar panels,” said Berkeley Andrews of Parker Hannifin, which produces Sea Recovery, Horizon Reverse Osmosis and Village Marine watermaker systems. “Their entire electrical backbone consists of 12-volt or 24-volt. So they must have a watermaker that can operate on low voltage. These customers have limited amp hours on their batteries, so all of their equipment must be suited to handling this.”

In choosing a watermaker, Bill Edinger, owner of Spectra Watermakers, said to be realistic about water needs. “When helping customers decide which system is right for them, first we like to determine their approximate water usage with questions like ‘How many people are aboard normally? Are you going to be living on the boat full time? Do you have a washing machine? Any children? Are you going to be cruising full time or leaving the boat for extended periods?”

A common error people make is choosing a watermaker that is too small for their needs. “The most common mistake I see cruisers making in their watermaker purchase decision is underestimating how much water it will take them to cruise comfortably,” Boren says. “I’m not talking about the minimal amount of water it takes for the crew to stay alive, because there is a big difference between staying alive and comfort. Selecting a watermaker that will only meet their minimal drinking-water needs but not keep up with the comfort needs of the crew can lead to crew tensions and feeling like camping rather than cruising.”

Remember that “watermakers are rated in gallons of production in a 24-hour period,” Edinger said. “So a 300-gallon-per-day watermaker system sounds like a lot of water. The important thing is that it produces about 12 gallons per hour. Normally a system like this will be run three to four hours per day if power is not a critical issue, in this case producing 36 to 48 gallons of water. It’s better for a system to run for a few hours every few days than an hour every day.”

Watermakers for Small Boats

If space is at a premium, consider purchasing a modular system instead of an enclosed one. In a modular system, the components, such as the membranes and filters, can be mounted separately. Another power source for the high-pressure pump is the boat’s diesel engine. In these engine-driven setups , the pump and an additional pulley are mounted on a custom bracket next to the engine. The watermaker can then be run while motoring or using the engine to charge the batteries.

While engine-driven watermakers can produce a large amount of water, 20 or more gallons an hour on average, the downside is that the installation can be more complex than for other systems. “Unlike the 12-volt DC or 120-volt AC watermakers, where you simply bolt the high-pressure pump down and then run the wires and plumbing hoses, the hardest installation aspect of an engine-driven watermaker is finding space. Some boats simply have no room in the engine compartment to mount the 5-pound pump with a 7-inch pulley on the engine while still leaving access to other engine parts that need to remain serviceable,” Boren says.

A relative newcomer to the marine market, the portable watermaker is a good solution for cruisers who want the convenience of a watermaker but don’t want to permanently install one. The Rainman is one such system that is available as a self-contained unit driven by a gasoline-powered Honda motor, or as a 115-volt AC-powered unit. “The bulk of our gasoline-powered system customers are sailing yachts between 30 and 50 feet,” said Ron Schroeder of Rainman Desalination. “Our customers seem to prefer to have a simple and somewhat manual system over one that relies on control panels, software and solenoid valves. We are also attractive to those customers who have had bad experiences with the installation process of an installed system.”

The Spectra Passport is another portable system. Edinger said it has already proved popular with offshore race crews and cruisers who need a watermaker for only a limited time.

Maintenance for Watermakers

Watermakers have long had a reputation for being difficult to maintain, but the equipment has improved over the years and overall, routine maintenance isn’t more challenging than with other onboard systems. “The best rule of thumb is to operate the watermaker in water that looks good,” Andrews said. “There are a few factors in the feed-water condition that come into play. Operating a watermaker in dirty harbors will most certainly result in repeated pre-filter changes and a clogged sea strainer. If you have extra filters on board, you can get by, but it’s not recommended. The environment in the open ocean and remote anchorages is much better. Also consider how shallow the water is where you’re anchored. Sometimes there can be a lot of tidal movement, which can kick up fine particulate and sediment. This too can also contribute to more frequent filter changes and even damage other components. A nice option is an automatic freshwater flush, which will rinse the watermaker’s membrane element after use. It helps keep the membrane vessel housing free of any biological growth that could foul the membrane and reduce your ability to produce fresh water.”

Whatever system you choose, with proper use and maintenance you can expect years of service from your watermaker. And plenty of hot showers.

Jen Brett is a CW associate editor. This article first appeared in the February 2015 issue of Cruising World.

Aqua Marine: www.aquamarineinc.net

Blue Water Desalination: www.bluewa​terdesalination.com

Cruise RO: www.cruiserowaterandpower.com

Dometic Marine Sea Xchange: www.do​metic.com

ECHOTec: www.echotecwatermakers.com

FCI Watermakers: www.filtrationconcepts.com

Horizon Reverse Osmosis (HRO): www.hrosystems.com

Katadyn: www.katadyn.com

Rainman: www.rainmandesal.com

Sea Recovery: www.searecovery.com

Schenker Watermakers: www.schenkerwa​termakers.com

SK Watermakers: www.skwatermakers.net

Spectra Watermakers: www.spectrawater​makers.com

Village Marine Tec: www.villagemarine.com

Watermakers Inc.: www.watermakers.com

• More: DIY Sailboat Projects , How To , systems
• More How To

How to Protect Your Spars from Corrosion

Sailing totem refit series: the forward head makeover, fatty goodlander: dealing with chafe while cruising, how to rig everything in your favor, one mile offshore with christian williams, winds of change.

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Home » Blog » Gear » Watermakers: a guide to marine desalinators and making water on a boat

Watermakers: a guide to marine desalinators and making water on a boat

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: March 23, 2022

There’s something magical about a watermaker—at least that’s how I felt after we installed one on our boat. That may sound overblown, but think about it: watermakers transform salt water into fresh water, providing a near-endless supply of potable water for drinking, bathing, and cleaning! THAT my friends is an amazing piece of technology!

(If you don’t share my enthusiasm, try going without a shower for a few days and you’ll begin to see my point).

Having experienced living on a boat and cruising, both with and without a marine desalinator, I can attest that it’s a game-changing piece of gear. However, you definitely don’t need one to go cruising. There are plenty of low-tech ways to collect and make water on a boat.

Marine desalinators do offer some major benefits: there’s more water for showers, it’s easier to travel farther afield, you can spend more time in a remote location. However, these benefits have to be weighed against the drawbacks: namely a hefty price tag and ongoing maintenance.

Deciding whether a watermaker is right for you will come down to the type of cruising you’re doing, how much water you need, and your budget. Read on to learn about the pros and cons, costs, and key features of marine watermakers.

Table of contents

• 1 How does a watermaker work?
• 2.1 Benefits
• 2.2 Drawbacks
• 3.1 Powered or handpump
• 3.2 Electric or engine drive
• 3.3 Energy recovery watermaker
• 3.4 Modular, self-contained, and portable watermakers
• 3.5 Automatic flushing systems
• 3.6 Automatic Pressure Regulation and adjustable pump speed
• 3.7 Remote control panels
• 4 Top watermaker brands

How does a watermaker work?

A watermaker on a yacht converts seawater into fresh water through a process known as reverse osmosis (RO). A high-pressure pump pushes seawater through a semi-permeable membrane that filters out salt, organics, and bacteria. The fresh water is pumped into your water tanks while the remaining brine bi-product is discharged over the side of the boat, back into the ocean.

Marine watermakers: the benefits and drawbacks

Less water rationing.

When we started our 13,000 mile trip across the Pacific, we didn’t have a watermaker. We were on a tight budget and decided to prioritize other pieces of equipment like a life raft and wind vane.

As a result, we became experts in conserving water on a boat . We would carefully ration out water for washing dishes, taking showers, and even brushing our teeth!

After getting a watermaker we became far less meiserly because we knew we could always make more water if we needed to. It was a relief to not be constantly thinking about how much water we were using over the course of a day.

That being said, we couldn’t relax completely. We had to keep our tanks topped up, so as not to run the pump dry. We also always carried potable water in reserve, in case our watermaker broke in the middle of a long passage.

More luxuries

Can’t live without a proper shower? A boat water maker can make water-intensive luxuries like freshwater deck washdown, freshwater flushing heads, laundry, daily showers, and even baths, a possibility.

As great as this sounds in theory, we were surprised to find that we didn’t indulge in more showers after we got the watermaker.

We continued to use a hand pump pesticide sprayer to shower on deck despite having a watermaker and shower below. While some of this came down to habit, we also disliked running our engine (and consuming diesel) just to run the watermaker.

No hauling water

For us, this was by far the greatest benefit of having a watermaker!

While cruising in the US and Canada, we could refill our water tanks at a dock or marina. This was a minor hassle because it involved pulling up the anchor and docking the boat.

In Mexico, it was more challenging to get water. We would fill 5-gallon jugs at the local water purification plant in town and wheel them back to our boat on a collapsible dolly.

It often took a couple of trips with the dolly and dinghy to fill our water tanks. Oh, and we broke our dolly, twice!

We realized that if we wanted to spend more time exploring, and less time hauling water, we would have to invest in a watermaker. When we reached La Paz, Mexico we bought a refurbished watermaker, and we were so glad we did!

Our sailboat water maker gave us the gift of time, especially in places like Mexico and the South Pacific, where there were limited opportunities to fill water tanks up at the docks. It also saved us paying docking and water fees.

We estimate that our boat water maker saved us anywhere from four to six hours every week, time that we could spend exploring the wonderful places we were visiting.

A clean, safe water source

In places where the drinking water may be suspect, a boat water maker can be a reliable source of safe drinking water (assuming it’s in good working condition!).

More time in remote locations

A watermaker is a great tool if you’re drawn to remote locations where you might be the only boat in the anchorage.

It wasn’t until we reached Los Frailes, a secluded village on the Baja, that we really began to think about buying a watermaker.

There we were in an idyllic anchorage, surrounded by spectacular hiking and fishing. There was only one problem—every two days we had to walk 10 miles into town with our water jugs and hope that some kind samaritan would give us a lift back to our boat.

Before having a watermaker, we’d often leave a place we loved just because we needed to fill up our tanks. With a watermaker, we were more self-sufficient and could stay an extra few days, or as long as we wanted!

The number one drawback is the cost. We were able to find a refurbished water desalinator for $3,000, which was a great deal but also a considerable slice out of our cruising kitty.

How much does a watermaker cost?

Powered desalination systems for your average recreational cruising boat range from around 3,500 USD to 11,000 USD, with the more expensive options offering higher production (gallons of fresh water per hour).

Ongoing maintenance

Watermakers are yet another piece of boat equipment that needs to be maintained.

The majority of watermaker problems are caused by not using it enough or not using it properly.

If a watermaker is not used for a few weeks, the planktonic organisms in the seawater will die, rot, and clog the membrane and filters. This can eventually damage the reverse osmosis membrane in the watermaker.

For this reason, boat water makers should be used frequently and regularly flushed with fresh water.

Watermaker flushing

Check your manufacturer’s instructions on how to flush.

Rainman recommends flushing the seawater out of the system with fresh water if you are not using the system for more than a day or two. After another week, you need to freshwater flush the system again or pickle it for long-term storage.

Of course, it’s easy to forget, so we made it a rule to freshwater flush our watermaker after every use.

This is one good reason to choose a watermaker with an output that will meet your water consumption needs but not exceed them. If you’re using it every second day, you won’t have to try and remember whether you’ve flushed it or not.

Flushing a watermaker is relatively simple but it does involve a bit of work. We used a system with buckets of fresh water to flush our system and it generally took about 5 minutes.

You can also buy systems that automatically flush your watermaker at pre-determined times—even when you’re away from the boat (more on autoflush systems below).

Whatever you do, don’t use chlorinated water to flush as it will destroy reverse osmosis membranes. It’s possible to buy a carbon filter to remove chlorine from water sources at the dock.

Pickling a watermaker

If you don’t plan on using your watermaker for a while it needs to be “pickled” with a special biocide to prevent growth and buildup which could render your reverse osmosis membrane totally useless.

A watermaker should also be pickled every so often to chemically cleanse the membrane.

In addition to flushing and pickling, you will also need to clean out and replace the raw water pre-filters.

Operating costs

When properly cared for, a membrane should last five to ten years. If you don’t properly flush or pickle your watermaker, it can be a lot sooner and membranes aren’t cheap, generally costing in the range of 200-700 USD.

You’ll also need to purchase pre-filters and pickling solution, which are generally quite affordable. It’s also a good idea to carry spare parts

Power consumption

Watermakers can be real power hogs. When Practical Sailor tested a dozen DC watermakers they found they could draw anywhere from 12 to 48 watts per gallon, a huge range in efficiency!

According to Practical Sailor, “for maximum efficiency none of the systems drawing 15 amps or more should be operated without running the engine at the same time.”

We had to run our engine for hours to fill our tanks, which was annoying (and loud) when we were hanging out at anchor and also used up another finite resource—diesel fuel.

In our view, this was the single largest drawback to having a watermaker aboard.

Keep in mind that your power supply will determine what type of watermaker you buy. You may need to upgrade your electrical panels, get a generator or high-powered alternator, add solar panels, or increase battery capacity to supply the demand.

You can’t make water everywhere

While watermakers offer great flexibility and freedom, you can’t just make water in any old spot. If you make water in a polluted marina or anchorage, you’ll risk clogging up your filter. Most cruisers will head out to open water to ensure the saltwater they’re using is as clean as possible.

Key features to look for

Powered or handpump, handpump watermakers.

Handpump watermakers tend to be small and portable, the perfect thing to keep in your ditch bag in the event of an emergency. They’re less expensive than powered watermakers and produce far less water, usually around one gallon per hour.

Though I do know cruisers who have used a handpump watermaker for everyday use, they typically tend to be kept aboard for survival situations.

Powered watermakers

Powered watermakers run off your electrical supply or engine and can produce tens of gallons of water per hour. They tend to be a lot more expensive, but they’re productive enough to replenish your tanks.

Electric or engine drive

Powered watermakers can be electrically driven, by AC or DC, or run off the boat engine.

AC watermakers

AC models can produce in the range of 20-60 gph and are ideal for cruisers with an AC generator or alternator on board. They can also be used on boats with ample solar or wind sources and an inverter.

DC watermakers

DC watermaker systems typically produce in the range of 10-30 gph and are ideal for boats with solar power or 12V battery power.

Engine-driven watermakers

On an engine-driven watermaker, the high-pressure pump is belt-driven. These can produce a considerable amount of water, even on small engines. For instance, engine-driven units produce between 20-60gph, twice what a DC unit can produce.

Energy recovery watermaker

DC watermakers have become more efficient in recent years thanks to energy recovery systems (ERS). When the water leaves the watermaker it is still under pressure. ERS uses a set of valves to make use of this excess pressure to help drive the pump, which can reduce energy consumption by as much as 80 percent.

Modular, self-contained, and portable watermakers

Watermakers can be bought as modular, self-contained, and portable units. Choosing the right one may depend on your boat size and layout and whether you’re comfortable installing the watermaker yourself.

Modular units

Modular units come as several separate components that you can mount and connect yourself. This obviously offers a lot more flexibility and is particularly useful on smaller vessels where you may not have a lot of space. The downside is that these systems will take longer to install.

Self-contained units

Self-contained units arrive pre-assembled. While easier to install, they’re often bulkier and best suited to a bigger cruising sailboat with a large engine room.

Portable watermakers

Portable watermaker systems, like the Rainman watermakers, are entirely self-contained. Their compact design makes them easy to move and stow and you can completely avoid a permanent installation.

Simply put the intake and brine discharge hoses overboard, the freshwater hose in your water tank and you’ll be making water in no time.

If you race, have multiple boats, or plan on selling your boat, a portable watermaker is a great option because it can be easily moved from boat to boat.

If we were to buy another watermaker, we would probably opt for a portable one.

Automatic flushing systems

Automatic flushing systems use your boat’s freshwater supply to flush the watermaker for several minutes every few days. These systems require additional components (e.g., a timer, carbon filters, and a motorized valve) and installation but they take a lot of the maintenance out of having a watermaker onboard.

Automatic Pressure Regulation and adjustable pump speed

Your watermaker’s efficiency will be affected by the temperature and salinity of the water you’re cruising in. Cold and highly saline waters (e.g., in the high latitudes) will be more work for your watermaker, so it will take longer to purify.

Some units feature Automatic Pressure Regulation (APR) and adjustable pump speed which can help compensate for fluctuations in water temperature and salinity.

Remote control panels

Some watermakers have the option of a control panel which allows for easier access and remote control. Control panels tend to have a fairly simple interface with just a few gauges but may include a salinity sensor—so you can keep tabs on water quality—and auto-flush integration—so you can flush your watermaker with the flip of a switch.

Top watermaker brands

If you’re considering buying a watermaker for a boat, here are some of the top brands to consider.

• Cruise RO Watermaker
• Echotec watermakers
• Horizon Reverse Osmosis (HRO)
• Sea Recovery watermakers
• Schenker watermakers
• Spectra watermakers

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

33m luxury motor yacht WATERMACHINE delivered and available for charter

• Inspiration

Related News

Popular news this week, popular news this month, latest news.

• Yacht Charter & Superyacht News >

Written by Rachel Kelly

Having just been delivered, 33.00 m (108′ 3″) Gulf Craft motor yacht WATERMACHINE is now available for charter along the French Riviera and in selected locations around Italy . She is only the second Majesty 100 from the UAE’s premiere shipyard and offers accommodation for up to 12 guests across five staterooms.

Luxury yacht WATERMACHINE

Sociable al fresco spaces across the flybridge sun deck are complemented by a generous water’s edge swim platform so guests can relax on board with a cocktail or venture out on the water toys which include everything from high-speed jet skis to more sedate paddleboards.

Expansive floor to ceiling windows bathe the main salon in light and the contemporary furnishings have been kept neutral to ensure the space feels fresh and welcoming. The staterooms boast a master suite, two VIPs plus two twin staterooms making the layout ideal for families or groups of friends.

Light filled interior

Luxury guest suite

Power is provided by twin MAN diesel engines which deliver a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.

Be one of the first to charter pristine luxury yacht WATERMACHINE , with its six crew members, to be guaranteed a first-class vacation. Cruise along the French Riviera or the Italian Coast for the quintessential luxury yacht experience.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "33m luxury motor yacht WATERMACHINE delivered and available for charter".

• Charity & Fund Raising
• CharterWorld News
• Classic Yachts
• Coronavirus
• Cruise Ship
• Ecological Yachts
• Expedition Yachts
• Expert Broker Advice
• Feature Superyachts
• Interior Design
• Legal & VAT Yacht Issues
• Luxury Catamarans
• Luxury Gulet
• Luxury Phinisi
• Luxury Trimarans
• Luxury Yacht Design
• Luxury Yachts
• Marinas & Harbours
• Marine Ecology
• Marine Electronics
• Marine Equipment
• Mega Yachts
• Modern Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• New Launch Yachts
• New To Charter
• Open Style Sports Yachts
• Private Jets
• Sailing Yachts
• Social Media
• Sports Yachts
• Superyacht Crew
• Superyacht Photographers
• Superyacht Products & Supplies
• Superyacht Refits
• Superyacht Reviews
• Superyachts
• Uncategorized
• Yacht Builders
• Yacht Charter
• Yacht Charter Destinations
• Yacht Charter Picks
• Yacht Charter Specials
• Yacht Delivered to Owner
• Yacht Designers
• Yacht Events & Boat Shows
• Yacht Fashion
• Yacht Industry News
• Yacht Photos
• Yacht Racing
• Yacht Racing & Regattas
• Yacht Safety Equipment
• Yacht Support Vessels
• Yacht Tenders
• Yacht Videos
• Yachting Associations
• Yachting Awards
• Yachting Business
• Yachts For Charter
• Yachts For Sale

Quick Enquiry

Superyacht news:.

Email Your Yachting News to: news @ charterworld.com

French Riviera

St Jean Cap Ferrat

Sensational brand-new Sunseeker 131 superyacht Lady M accepting Western Mediterranean charters

Charter new luxury yacht ISLA in the Western Mediterranean

Brand new luxury yacht Imagine ready for Western Mediterranean charters

Brand new luxury yacht COME TOGETHER delivered and available for Western Mediterranean charters

Mulder Yachts Launches the Seventh Mulder ThirtySix, motor yacht Q43

Sailing catamaran FELICITA makes her debut on the charter market

Mangusta announce the launch of the sixth hull in the MANGUSTA 104 REV series

49m sailing yacht ACAPELLA is offering a fabulous June ‘fill the gap’ special offer on charters in Croatia

Explorer style motor yacht ROCKIT available for charter in select locations around the world

Mulder unveils the luxury yacht MULDER THIRTYSIX Hull #8

Florida charter yacht REAL SUMMERTIME offering 10% discount

Westport announce the first hull of their 36m W117 range is nearing completion

Superyacht LAUNCHPAD previously Feadship 1010 delivered

Croatian charter yacht LA PERLA offering 10% discount on exclusive vacations in the Adriatic

33m luxury yacht FREEDOM for charter in the Caribbean and New England

News from Feadship about superyachts PROJECT 712 and PROJECT 715

Charter a yacht during the Monaco Historic and F1 Grand Prix festivals and soak up the atmosphere from on deck

39m luxury yacht EVOLUTION for charter on Australia’s east coast

WATERMACHINE

2023   gulf craft    108ft  /  33m.

WATERMACHINE Yacht Charter

WATERMACHINE is actively available for charter.

The luxury motor yacht WATERMACHINE was built by Gulf Craft and delivered to her owner in 2023.

The exterior of WATERMACHINE is designed by Gulf Craft.

The 108ft / 33m WATERMACHINE has been constructed with a grp hull with a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 20 knots.

Charter guest accommodation

WATERMACHINE has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 12 charter guests in 5 suites.

The guest cabins comprise a primary suite with a queen size bed and en-suite bathroom facilities, 2 cabins with a double bed and en-suite bathroom facilities and 2 cabins with a twin bed and a pullman bed and en-suite bathroom facilities.

Your luxury charter crew

Your luxury charter on board motor yacht WATERMACHINE will be managed by the crew of 6 including the captain.

The crew will ensure you have a relaxed and enjoyable charter experience with all of your needs catered for while on board.

The 6 crew have their own separate crew quarters allowing guests to enjoy increased levels of privacy.

Amenities & Entertainment

Amenities on board for the charter guests include Air Conditioning, Outdoor shower, Sauna, Stabilizers At Anchor, Sun pads, Sun loungers, Swim platform and Wi-Fi.

An extensive list of further amenities and water toys can be seen under the features and amenities section.

Yacht charter destinations

WATERMACHINE is Currently cruising in the West Mediterranean.

Sample itineraries for the cruising destinations can be supplied by your professional charter broker allowing you to plan your luxury yacht charter vacation in detail.

• Balearic Islands
• Corsica & Sardinia
• Sicily & Aeolian Islands
• Amalfi Coast
• French Riviera
• South of France
• North Africa
• Air Conditioning
• Outdoor shower
• Stabilizers At Anchor
• Sun loungers
• Swim platform
• Inflatable Watertoys
• Paddleboards
• Water skis - adult
• 1x Axopar Chase Tender

Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

How much to charter watermachine.

WATERMACHINE has a weekly charter price starting at €112,000 and an estimated daily charter price of €18,700.

How many guests on board WATERMACHINE?

WATERMACHINE can accommodate 12 sleeping guests on board in 5 cabins.

Legal Disclaimer

Motor Yacht WATERMACHINE is displayed on this page for informational purposes and may not necessarily be available for charter. The yacht details are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed, please check with your charter broker. Charter Index does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or images displayed as they may not be current. All yacht details and charter pricing are subject to change without prior notice and are without warranty.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection

The yachting industry has no global listing service to which all charter yachts must subscribe to, making it impossible to ascertain a truly up-to-date view of the market. Charter Index is a news and information service and not always informed when yachts leave the charter market, or when they are recently sold and renamed, it is not always clear if they are still for charter. Whilst we endeavour to maintain accurate information, the existence of a listing on Charter Index should in no way supersede official documentation supplied by the representatives of a yacht.

Specification

Popular related yachts, west mediterranean.

Watermachine motor yacht

108’ / 33 m | Majesty Yachts | 2023

Designed and built with love by Majesty Yachts , the luxury motor yacht Watermachine was launched in 2023 complete with ultramodern technology and innovative features, delivering a yacht holiday with an extraordinary comfort. Watermachine spans 108 feet of luxurious living space and playground above water. With 6 cabins that sleep 12 guests and accommodating up to 12 people on a day charter with a professional crew of 6, Watermachine will exceed your expectations.

Major Features

Promising contemporary luxurious comforts, Watermachine is an epic motor yacht that is shaping the future of luxury yacht charters. From her unique exteriors down to the chic and modern interiors, the designers carefully selected the most stunning and tasteful furnishings, as well as finishes, to provide guests with relaxation and indulgence in mind.

Perfectly blending world-class technology with comfort and entertainment in mind, Watermachine provides several opportunities for both fun and pampering on board. She is the top choice for discerning yacht enthusiasts looking for a luxury yacht with Swim Platform.

Amenities and Toys

Watermachine is a game-changer when it comes to small group luxury yacht holidays. Equipped with more gadgets and innovations than the average yacht, you will truly feel like you’re sailing on board a boutique 5-star hotel above water. Below deck, you can find stately suites and roomy living spaces, offering you private, comfortable, and intimate relaxation after a full-day of exploring the most exciting destinations.

Watermachine stands out from the rest with an impressive range of watersports toys, including Jet Ski, 2 Seabobs, and Jetsurf, for a holiday packed with fun and adventure. With more luxurious amenities and better service than a 5-star hotel, you can expect your VIP crew to be professional and discreet in meeting your every need on board.

Destinations

Watermachine is based in Mediterranean and sails to France, Spain, Monaco, Malta, Italy . While the yacht itself provides a first-class experience where all the modern comforts of yachting technology are present, the destinations offer another layer of discovery and exploration. Get to jump from one island to another, experiencing unique cuisine, ancient sites, and of course, exquisite natural beauty.

Whether you’re on your romantic getaway or vacationing with family and friends; a luxury motor yacht Watermachine packs on the romance and relaxation you need to make lasting memories while fulfilling a life-long dream of handling a sail or two.

Charter Watermachine in Italy

THANK YOU FOR YOUR REQUEST

Your message has been received, and our team will contact you within 12 hours.

• Seasonal Prices
• $22,859 day
• RESERVE NOW

CONTACT SUCCESSFUL

Watermachine

33’ - 108 ft - majesty yachts.

5 Best Watermakers for Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

With the right Watermaker, the ocean becomes an almost immeasurable supply of fresh and clean drinking water to keep you hydrated during your offshore sailing adventures.

Many sailors do spend a lot of their time and money on various parts of the sailboat including the sails, engine, electronics, and generators especially when preparing for long-distance voyages.

While there's absolutely nothing wrong with this, they often overlook one crucial part of general human survival: having an ample supply of fresh drinking water.

Whether you have freshwater drinking tanks on your sailboat or planning to cruise in areas where you can easily access clean drinking water, the hassle involved in having to come to the dock to fill the water tanks can be quite overwhelming.

This is exactly why you need to find the best watermakers for sailboats.

Like many other nautical technologies, watermakers have significantly advanced in the last few decades to become very efficient and more reliable. They're no longer a luxury on your sailboat but a necessity. Better still, watermakers have become relatively affordable and are meant to keep you hydrated as you explore areas that do not have clean and fresh drinking water.

In this article, we'll take a look at how watermaker systems work, highlight its benefits, and highlight the best sailboat watermakers on the market right now. At the end of this read, you should be able to choose the best watermaker for your sailboat.

Table of contents

Benefits of Having a Watermaker on Your Sailboat

The freedom and security that come with having full water tanks on your sailboat are of immense importance, especially if you're cruising in an area where fresh drinking water is hard to come by and quite expensive when you do. As such, having a watermaker aboard your sailboat is no longer a luxury like it used to be in the past. With a steady supply of fresh and clean water, your life on the sailboat will be a lot better. This is because you'll have enough clean water to drink, cook, wash, and shower, which is beneficial if you want to enjoy your sailing adventures.

Honestly speaking, many sailors do not actually need a watermaker. Well, if you're planning to sail just near the shores, then there's a chance that you can easily access fresh and clean water by the dock. But this can be limiting if you've been dreaming of going off the grid and sailing to some exotic and unknown places in the world.

With that in mind, a watermaker makes a lot of sense to most sailors. You won't have to worry about having to carry aboard gallons of fresh water for cooking and drinking during your voyage. You won't have to treat freshwater as a precious commodity that must last until you can refill at the next port. With a watermaker, you can simply go ocean crossing without worrying about running out of water.

A watermaker allows you to have a steady supply of fresh and clean water to keep everybody well-hydrated and healthy. You can clean the water anytime you feel like and all you have to do is replace the filter once in a while and you'll be good to go. In essence, a watermaker is probably one of the most important equipment to have aboard your sailboat, so installing it is of great importance if you're a serious sailor.

The Basics of Modern Marine Watermakers

Modern marine watermakers essentially follow the principle of reverse-osmosis to produce pure, drinking water from seawater. During this process and through very high pressure, seawater is forced through a semipermeable membrane that only allows freshwater molecules to pass through it but not salt, bacteria, or any other organic material. The newly made pure, drinking water is then piped to the sailboat's water tanks while the leftover (brine) is discharged overboard.

Even though marine watermakers may differ in the type of pump that's employed and how it is driven, this is one of the most important features in every watermaker. In most cases, water can be electrically pumped or powered directly off the boat's engine. If you have an AC generator or alternator on your boat, it would make much sense to use the AC output to drive the watermaker directly. You can also choose the DC-powered models if you rely on renewable energy from solar or wind. Alternatively, you can still go for AC-powered watermakers but you'll have to buy an inverter.

All in all, DC-powered watermakers are more efficient since they integrate a power-saving energy recovery system (ERS). You must, however, keep in mind that your energy consumption levels might be quite high if you're sailing in colder and saltier areas. This is because the water purification process might be a bit slower in such areas. As such, you should consider investing in a more high-powered watermaker system if you will be sailing in colder and saltier areas than if you're planning to sail more in warm and less salty areas.

As far as an engine-driven watermaker is concerned, you should mount the high-pressure pump on the engine so that it can be belt-driven using an automatic clutch. An engine-driven watermaker should be your first option if you want large quantities of fresh drinking water. This is more productive than AC or DC-powered watermakers. Even with a relatively small engine, this setup has an automatic regulator that constantly pumps the water. With that in mind, engine-driven watermakers are ideal if you want to reduce your energy consumption. To put it into perspective, an engine-driven watermaker can lower energy consumption by an enormous 80%, especially when compared with conventional AC or DC-powered watermaker systems.

How to Choose the Best Watermaker for Your Sailboat

There are many factors to consider when looking for the best watermakers for your sailboat. Here are the most important things to consider.

Your Freshwater Needs

One of the most important things to consider before spending your money on a watermaker is your freshwater needs. What quantity would be enough to keep you going on your sailing adventure? While the quantity might differ from one sailor to the other or from one boat to the other, you should consider the number of gallons that a particular watermaker can produce per day. This will help you in choosing the ideal watermaker; a model that will ensure that you never run out of water. Do not underestimate your water needs, especially if you're planning to sail with your children or if you're planning to stay on the boat for an extended period of time.

Do you have enough space on your vessel to accommodate the type of watermaker you're looking to buy? While most watermakers are designed to fit in the smallest of space, you should consider the actual size of the watermaker and find out whether you have enough space on your vessel to fix it.

Watermakers can run on electricity, renewable energy such as wind and solar (if you have them on your vessel), or both. When looking for the perfect watermaker, you should consider how to power it and whether or not the watermaker has low-energy consumption, which is definitely a great feature. Again, there are also engine-driven watermakers, so it's important to know exactly what you're going for.

Maintenance

Watermakers have a reputation for being difficult to maintain. Fortunately, the equipment and components have improved in the last few years so you should go for a model that's easy to maintain. You should use the watermaker in water bodies that look good, You should avoid using the watermaker in dirty harbors as you may have to change the filters every so often or even damage your watermaker altogether.

Best Watermakers for Sailboats

Let's take a look at the best watermakers available on the market right now.

The Ultra Whisper

Engineered by limited electrical options that can run on either DC or AC, THE Ultra Whisper by Sea Recovery is one of the best watermakers currently available on the market. In addition to being very quiet, this watermaker features an automatic operation that requires very minimal operator adjustment.

This watermaker is ideal for small powerboats and sailboats since it can serve as an efficient water supply. This model boasts about a 75% reduction in power consumption, especially when compared to other models.

• ‍ Smooth and quiet water production
• Can produce up to 2,280 liters per day
• Ideal for small boats
• It is energy efficient
• ‍ It might not be perfect for large boats

Echotec Watermaker

If you want a watermaker model that can produce 60 liters per hour flawlessly and with no maintenance apart from changing the filters, look no further than the Echotec Watermaker. This model is designed for ultra-reliable performance and easy customer installation.

This watermaker is made from high-quality components that can withstand the continuous harsh marine environment, making it one of the most durable watermakers on the market. This is essentially a series of modular watermakers ranging from 12-volt to 24-volt DC-powered models. They bring forth energy efficiency, a computerized energy recovery system, and ultimate reliability to ensure that you never run out of fresh drinking water while out there on the sea.

• ‍ Energy efficient
• Cost-effective
• ‍ Comes with a very low speed
• Not ideal for large boats

Spectra Katadyn PowerSurvivor

As a compact and energy-efficient watermaker, the Spectra Katadyn PowerSurvivor is arguably the most affordable watermaker currently available on the market. We are talking about a model that only requires 4 amps to desalinate water for your sailboat. It can produce 1.5 gallons of fresh drinking water per hour, which is an excellent return for a watermaker of its size.

It is also one of the most portable watermakers around. You can choose to either install it permanently or temporarily in case you want to take it somewhere else. This portability is also essential if you're looking for a space-saving model that can fit in the smallest of compartments. Its simple but rugged design is essential in ensuring that it can perform at its best even in harsh marine conditions. In terms of its power capabilities, this is the only model on the market that will convert to a hand-operated system or manual power if there's a power shortage.

• ‍ Portable and lightweight
• Rugged design to withstand harsh marine environments
• Efficient and reliable
• Can revert to manual power if there's a power shortage
• Perfect for off-grid sailing
• ‍ Gasoline or diesel can easily damage the semi-permeable membrane

Village Marine - Little Wonder Series

Whether you're looking for a watermaker for your small sailboat or looking for a watermaker that can efficiently serve those huge yachts, the Village Marine Little Wonder Series provides everything. This model is meant for experienced sailors who are looking for various capacity options. This watermaker weighs just about 69 pounds but can produce nearly 180 gallons of fresh drinking water each day.

Designed with a low RPM high-pressure pump, this model remains one of the most efficient and economical watermakers on the market. That's not all; this watermaker is designed with corrosion-resistant features and is one of the most serviceable watermakers in the game. It is reliable, quiet, and portable; all factors that make a watermaker great.

• ‍ Easy to operate
• Corrosion-resistant
• Easy to maintain
• Quiet and versatile
• ‍ It doesn't have automatic adjustment controls

Ventura 150 Watermaker

This is one of the most versatile watermakers on the market. It can use both electricity and renewable energy. This model is engineered to be lightweight and energy-efficient and its compact and modular design makes it a great option if you're looking for a watermaker that's easy to use and install in confined spaces.

The Ventura 150 watermaker is highly efficient as it can produce over 6 gallons of water an hour, which makes it quite perfect for small vessels. This sailboat watermaker features a controller that allows you to operate and monitor the device remotely. It also has the auto store button that will automatically flash the system after every five days.

This watermaker is quiet and surprisingly compact despite its ability to produce about 150 gallons of water per day. It also gives you the option of going for the automated manual or manual model.

• ‍ Very versatile
• Can use both electricity and renewable energy power
• It is smooth and quiet
• It is compact and lightweight
• ‍ The manual model has analog controls

To this end, it's easy to see that having an ideal watermaker aboard your vessel is one of the first crucial steps towards being self-sufficient and sustainable. With a watermaker, you'll be able to access fresh drinking water at all times when sailing even in far-flung places. Most of these models are well-constructed and incorporate some of the best technologies that make them efficient, reliable, and easy to install, use, and maintain.

So when it comes to choosing the best watermaker for your sailboat, it may all come down to what is ideal for you in terms of energy consumption, efficiency, the quantity of water produced, among many other things. With an ideal watermaker, you can remain off the grid for as long as you want without ever worrying about running out of water and this is of great importance in enjoying your sailing adventures.

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Sailboat Upgrades

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor

August 16, 2023

Cost To Sail Around The World

May 16, 2023

Small Sailboat Sizes: A Complete Guide

October 30, 2022

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

WATERMACHINE

WATERMACHINE is a 26.14 m Motor Yacht, built in Italy by Ferretti and delivered in 2019. She is one of 31 850 models.

Her top speed is 31.0 kn, her cruising speed is 27.0 kn, and she boasts a maximum cruising range of 310.0 nm at 26.0 kn, with power coming from two MAN diesel engines. She can accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 staterooms, with 5 crew members waiting on their every need. She has a gross tonnage of 124.0 GT and a 6.28 m beam.

She was designed by Zuccon International Project , who also designed the interior. Zuccon International Project has designed 643 yachts and designed the interior of 625 yachts for yachts above 24 metres.

The naval architecture was developed by Ferretti Engineering Department , who has architected 575 other superyachts in the BOAT Pro database - she is built with a Teak deck, a GRP hull, and GRP superstructure.

WATERMACHINE is in the top 30% by speed in the world. She is one of 5740 motor yachts in the 24-30m size range, and, compared to similarly sized motor yachts, her cruising speed is 4.8 kn above the average, her top speed 4.5 kn above the average, and her volume 11.98 GT above the average.

WATERMACHINE is registered under the Portugal flag (along with a total of other 56 yachts)

Specifications

• Name: WATERMACHINE
• Yacht Type: Motor Yacht
• Yacht Subtype: Planing Fast Yacht
• Builder: Ferretti
• Naval Architect: Ferretti Engineering Department
• Exterior Designer: Zuccon International Project
• Interior Designer: Zuccon International Project

Yachts like this

From our partners, sponsored listings.

• Marine Electronics

A Guide to Marine Watermakers for Your Boat

• By Marlin Staff
• Updated: March 4, 2015

The World’s Largest Watering Hole

Once considered an extravagant option aboard a sport-fishing boat, watermakers are pretty much standard equipment today, with many boats even utilizing two units. Having a steady supply of potable water to shower, cook, live aboard and wash the boat with at the end of the day is a huge benefit. Converting salt water to fresh via the reverse-osmosis process gives you virtually mineral-free water, so it is far less damaging to topcoat finishes and Isinglass curtains than city or dock water. It’s also better for ice machines and the entire freshwater system.

Similar Operation

Boatbuilders who frequently install units have their favorite vendors for a host of reasons, and captains do as well, typically familiarity and service. The basic operation of any unit is very similar, so adapting to different manufacturers isn’t really a big deal as you move from boat to boat. Having the ability to get parts and reliable service should you have a breakdown wherever you fish or travel is always a top consideration.

The integration of automated switching and the ability to start and stop the water-making process without entering the engine room are major conveniences. One of the more recent trends has been the integration of wireless remote control of the units through the use of apps on smartphones and tablets. Not only will these tools start, stop and freshwater flush the units, but they can also be set to run for a specific time or maximum gallon production needed. They can conveniently monitor intake flow, product flow and total gallons, depending on the settings in the app. Several manufacturers also have the ability via a NMEA 2000 backbone to display and operate the units on shipboard monitors.

Blue Water Desalination is a relative newcomer to the marketplace with their Legend series of reverse-osmosis marine watermakers. The Legend series offers units with capacities from 475 to 1,850 gallons per day. Available in modular (shown) or container configuration, Blue Water units include a full-color 7-inch touch-screen display for simple operation. The large user interface with easily recognizable icons takes a lot of the worry out of operating the unit. Blue Water’s proprietary software continually monitors operation, helping to maximize production and quality. Featuring remote operation with NMEA 2000 or optional 3- or 7-inch color screens, the Legend series also features high-rejection membranes, freshwater flush and long-life Monel transducers, making it a full-strength competitor in the market.

The Aqua Whisper DX series from Sea Recovery has the NMEA 2000 remote-compatibility feature that allows monitoring of all functions on any NMEA-compatible display. These units also have a full-color digital touch-screen display that reads in metric or U.S. standard units for managing all critical functions. They also offer an optional remote screen that allows for the same control mounted on the bridge or in the salon. Made with special attention to noise reduction, the Aqua Whisper units feature a low-noise manifold system and a unique high-pressure plunger pump that has been designed specifically for reverse-osmosis applications. Sea Recovery also offers an optional upgraded pump that is water lubricated, eliminating oil and oil changes, and it can operate up to 8,000 hours between maintenance requirements.

Watermakers, Inc. has been ­supplying ­reverse-osmosis units to boats and ­remote locations for many years, and their ­WMS-1000 is a workhorse unit that can be set up in a container or ­modular configuration. It features a ­heavy-duty 316 ­stainless-steel ­direct-drive ­high-pressure pump and plumbing, high- and low-­pressure ­shut-offs, multitank control, an LED salinity monitor and auto diverter, as well as freshwater rinse and clean for maintaining membranes. Optional upgrade features include automatic start/stop with a manual override, and unattended rinse and remote operation via separate control panels. The WMS series is widely accepted and commonly found on today’s finer custom boats, offering units with daily ­capacities of 550, 1,000, 1,400, 1,700 and 2,200 ­gallons per day.

Industry behemoth Dometic offers the XTC series of watermakers with comprehensive manual control as well as total automatic operation. The XTC series offers a unique and functional platform with the addition of Dometic’s Smart Touch Integrated Intelligence Control (STIIC) software that allows users to remotely access the watermaker from anywhere in the world via smartphone, tablet or computer. There is also a mechanical override in the event of a computerized failure of some sort. Available from 600 to 2,200 gallons per day, the XTC Series also features a built-in 7-inch color touch screen with easy-to-see color icons and graphics. With automatic freshwater flush, a 316 stainless-steel high-pressure pump, high-rejection membranes, 316 stainless-steel flow and pressure components and a totally fan-cooled motor with thermal protection, the XTC series offers everything needed for making fresh water aboard.

With the technological advances, computerized controlling, remote access and dramatically improved components, it is hard to argue against having a watermaker aboard. If you travel, cruise or fish daily, having a watermaker increases your travel range and makes living aboard far more comfortable. It certainly helps with boat maintenance by offering virtually mineral-free water to prolong topcoat life. With a good membrane-maintenance program and annual service, your watermaker will give you years of good operation. Having the ability to easily use and maintain these systems will no doubt make your decision to purchase and utilize the full benefits of having a watermaker aboard an easier one.

• More: Boat Maintenance , Boats , Marine Electronics , Sport Fishing Boats

Free Email Newsletters

Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

By signing up you agree to receive communications from Marlin and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy . You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time.

• More Marine Electronics

New Onboard Marine Electronics for 2024

Top new marine industry technology for 2024, new options for onboard internet, how to track seabirds with manual settings on your radar, on the drawing board: bayliss 76, the best destinations to set world records for marlin and swordfish, native son wins 2024 silver sailfish derby, pelagic rockstar goes to fish tank/galati.

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Tournaments
• Expeditions

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Marlin may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Marlin. A Bonnier LLC Company . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced.

Subscribe to Marlin

Subscribe now to get seven keepsake print editions of Marlin per year, along with instant access to a digital archive of past issues, all for only $29 per year.

• Bermuda Triple Crown
• Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
• Offshore World Championship
• Scrub Island Billfish Series
• Marlin Expeditions
• Casa Vieja Lodge Ladies Only
• Casa Vieja Lodge
• Nova Scotia
• Dominican Republic
• Expert Instructors
• Corporate Retreats
• Our Sponsors
• Newsletters

Marine and portable watermakers

Our Company

Innovative watermakers since 1998.

Established in 1998 Schenker is a leading manufacturer of high quality watermakers based on an energy recovery system . Our company owns 4 patents for unique small scale energy efficient solutions.

Schenker Benefits

Why choose us.

80% less power consumption

Energy consumption can be reduced up to 80% compared to conventional systems.

Maximum space saving

An ultra thin design is ideal for space restrictions and provides easy access for maintenance.

Battery power supply

Our watermakers are powered directly from batteries without the need of a generator, our products, marine watermakers.

Schenker watermakers are simple, quiet, compact, efficient and fully automatic. A Schenker watermaker will allow you – whether you own a yacht, a sail boat or any vessel – to extend your cruising duration and increase your independency from marinas, thus enjoying more time at sea. Schenker’s three-years warranty is backed up by our international network of sales and service representatives.

Wiki RANGE: GAL/H 7.9"> RANGE: 30 LIT/H

Portable marine watermaker

Zen RANGE: GAL/H 7.9-13.2-26.4-39.6-53-79"> RANGE: 30-50-100-200-300 LIT/H

Quiet, small, efficient, inexpensive

Smart RANGE: GAL/H 7.9-15.8-21-26.4"> RANGE: 30-60-80-100 LIT/H

Smart, light and affordable

Modular RANGE: GAL/H 9-15.8-26.4-39.6-61-79-132"> RANGE: 35-60-100-150-230-300-500 LIT/H

A very compact units for all needs

Our products

Emergency portable solutions.

View our products range brochure

Download / View PDF

News & Articles

Share Share Tweet

5 reasons why you should buy a nautical watermaker

Schenker watermaker benefits: everything you should know

Water purification system: a new eco-product by Schenker Watermakers

Worldwide dealers

Find schenker dealers near you, send us a message.

Name (required)

Email (required)

Select Your Country (required)

Aruba Afghanistan Angola Anguilla Isole Åland Albania Andorra Emirati Arabi Uniti Argentina Armenia Samoa Americane Antartide Terre Australi e Antartiche Francesi Antigua e Barbuda Australia Austria Azerbaijan Burundi Belgio Benin Bonaire, Sint Eustatius e Saba Burkina Faso Bangladesh Bulgaria Bahrain Bahamas Bosnia Erzegovina Saint-Barthélemy Bielorussia Belize Bermuda Bolivia Brasile Barbados Brunei Darussalam Bhutan Isola di Bouvet Botswana Repubblica Centroafricana Canada Isole Cocos Svizzera Cile Cina Costa d'Avorio Camerun Repubblica Democratica del Congo Congo Isole Cook Colombia Comore Capo Verde Costa Rica Cuba Curaçao Isola di Natale Isole Cayman Cipro Repubblica Ceca Germania Gibuti Dominica Danimarca Repubblica Dominicana Algeria Ecuador Egitto Eritrea Sahara Occidentale Spagna Estonia Etiopia Finlandia Fiji Isole Falkland Francia Isole Faroe Stati Federati della Micronesia Gabon Regno Unito Géorgie Guernsey Ghana Gibilterra Guinea Guadalupa Gambia Guinea-Bissau Guinea Equatoriale Grecia Grenada Groenlandia Guatemala Guyana Francese Guam Guyana Hong Kong Isola Heard e Isole McDonald Honduras Croazia Haiti Ungheria Indonesia Isola di Man India Territorio britannico dell'Oceano Indiano Irlanda Iran, Repubblica Islamica di Iraq Islanda Israele Italia Giamaica Jersey Giordania Giappone Kazakhistan Kenya Kirghizistan Cambogia Kiribati Saint Kitts e Nevis Corea, Repubblica di Kuwait Laos, Repubblica Popolare Democratica del Libano Liberia Libia Santa Lucia Liechtenstein Sri Lanka Lesotho Lituania Lussemburgo Lettonia Macao Saint Martin (Francia) Marocco Monaco Moldavia Madagascar Maldive Messico Isole Marshall Macedonia, ex Repubblica iugoslava di Mali Malta Myanmar Montenegro Mongolia Isole Marianne Settentrionali Mozambico Mauritania Montserrat Martinica Mauritius Malawi Malesia Mayotte Namibia Nuova Caledonia Niger Isola Norfolk Nigeria Nicaragua Niue Paesi Bassi Norvegia Nepal Nauru Nuova Zelanda Oman Pakistan Panama Pitcairn Perù Filippine Palau Papua Nuova Guinea Polonia Porto Rico Corea, Repubblica Popolare Democratica di Portogallo Paraguay Palestina, stato della Polinesia Francese Qatar Reunion Romania Federazione Russa Ruanda Arabia Saudita Sudan Senegal Singapore Georgia Meridionale e Isole Sandwhich Meridionali Sant'Elena, Ascensione e Tristan da Cunha Svalbard e Jan Mayen Isole Solomon Sierra Leone El Salvador San Marino Somalia Saint Pierre e Miquelon Serbia Sudan del Sud Sao Tome e Principe Suriname Slovacchia Slovenia Svezia Swaziland Sint Maarten (parte olandese) Seychelles Siria Isole Turks e Caicos Ciad Togo Tailandia Tagikistan Tokelau Turkmenistan Timor Est Tonga Trinidad e Tobago Tunisia Turchia Tuvalu Taiwan Tanzania Uganda Ucraina Isole Minori degli Stati Uniti d'America Uruguay US East Coast US West Coast Uzbekistan Città del Vaticano Saint Vincent e Grenadine Venezuela Isole Vergini Britanniche Isole Vergini Americane Vietnam Vanuatu Wallis e Futuna Samoa Yemen Sud Africa Zambia Zimbabwe

Message (required)

Security check (required)

Dimostra di essere umano selezionando stella .

Pursuant to and for the purposes of articles art. 7, 13 and 15 of EU Regulation 2016/679 I declare that I have read the privacy policy of this site and consent to the processing of personal data to receive the answer to my request.*

Main Office

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.