In late September 2004 we decided to add a watermaker to our equipment list. We had gone back and forth on the idea contemplating the pros and cons such as cost, space, energy use and maintenance. Some of the pros were we would have a source for fresh water in the event none was available or if the quality was questionable, it would also allow us to stay in more remote areas without worry of running out of water. Some of the cons involved were the cost, space needed to mount it and it’s energy use. To help offset some of the cons and after talking with Dee Dee at Katadyn we decided on the Pur 40E. The 40E is the smallest unit offered at only 1.5 gallons per hour but it was within our budget constraints as well as being within our energy budget at only 4 amps. The 40E also comes with a handle and can be operated temporarily in the event power is lost. We also purchased the cruising kit which included additional filters, a seal kit and more biocide.

We were limited on space in the boat as far as where we wanted to mount it, and after a day of going through the boat we decided that the forward compartment under the pullman berth not only had enough space but would also allow for easy servicing.

Surprisingly, the installation was quite easy and only took one day, probably one of the easiest projects done on the boat in a while. First thing we did was unpack all the components (20 micron filter assembly and the watermaker) and move them around the compartment until we found the placements that best worked for us. Next was to mount the water filter on the forward bulkhead and the watermaker on the outboard bulkhead. The watermaker was through bolted through the bulkhead with four 1/4” bolts and large fender washers to help distribute the load (the unit weighs 22 pounds).

Once the two pieces were mounted all we had left was to run two wires for power and connect three hoses. The 12vdc was supplied by the distribution panel and I also installed a dedicated on/off switch inside the compartment as well. The raw water intake was teed off of the air conditioner thru hull and a series of valves installed to control the water flow either to the air conditioner or to the watermaker. This hose was connected to the intake on the water filter via another valve. A 3/16” hose was also installed at the valve for the water intake so that when the watermaker is not in use we can flush it with biocide to prevent any unwanted bacteria or algae growth. The fresh water hose coming from the watermaker is 7’ long so that we can route it to a jerry can which can easily be stowed and secured in the shower while under way, and when not in use the hose stows easily in a small canvas pocket inside the watermaker locker. And finally the brine, or waste water, discharge hose was routed and connected to the galley sink drain. It was truly amazing that we actually had a boat project that went so well and quickly. Unfortunately we have not yet tested the system because of the poor water quality here at the marina. We’ll be testing it on our way to Florida and don’t expect that we’ll have any problems (though if we do we’ll have a couple weeks in Florida to take care if it).