Piston pumps are notorious for have a low tolerance for poor inlet conditions. Being a much better mechanic than a sailor, it occurs to me to locate the water maker below the waterline to create what we call a flooded inlet condition. Excavator manufacturers etc. etc. do this to make their piston pumps last longer and reduce cavitation noise. Of course not being familiar with sailboat "stuff" perhaps this isn't feasible.

@captainjollyrogersailingso6809

6 ай бұрын

Put the thru hull below the water line a primer pump will do the same job idk if he is using one yet

@freelectron2029

4 ай бұрын

all desals use a feed pump

@stephenburnage7687

18 күн бұрын

By poor inlet conditions, you presumably mean that it does not self prime? And that is resolved by having the inlet below the waterline?

You two are too down to Earth and normal for KZread (meant as a compliment). I bet this will become your most viewed video. Thanks!

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!! 😊

Another plus for DIY watermakers is componets can be put where they individually fit instead of one big space for an assembled unit.

Thanks for showing all the updates. If really help!

Amazing, as a bonus.. you built it, so you can repair it.

Got all the information I was looking for in a single post. Outstanding. Thank you.

I kinda like the size, but I don''t really like that pump. I have a 12v 1hp pump. It pulls 80 amps, but I can get 40 gallons per hour on the high side and 35 pretty much in any situation. It cost around $1800. So just as a comparison to make 40 gallons of water on your system, you will probably run for 13 hours at 14 amps per hour. That is 182 amps. I would use 83 with the boost pump and be done in an hour rather than watching the system all day. You can go to SV Adventurers watermaker video:How to make a 30 gallon per hour watermaker. The parts are there in the more section and comments.

@stephenburnage7687

18 күн бұрын

This pump would be around 1/4 hp, but I guess the real point is that it fits well with a solar system, in that, you can use it for a few hours a day, after the solar controller has finished charging the batteries (and would otherwise be dumping that power). 14A would be doable with a 300 or 400W system. Sure, a bigger pump would deliver water more quickly, but then you probably have to think of a different way to provide the electric current, and if that is a generator, you might just be better of running a 110 (or 220V) AC directly to the pump. In other words, this looks like a neat solution for smaller boats that have surplus solar power (at least some days). The only downside might be the noise level for an extended period, but i didn't hear them comment on that, so maybe that is not an issue.

Thanks for the great video! I’m definitely going to do this!

My husband and I really like your videos. You’re our new favorite streaming show to binge watch!

Hey thanks for doing this for us.

Brilliant video, with excellent content. Very great full to have watched this. Thank you ❤❤❤.

Thank you: super useful video. I'm curious how you set things up to do the fresh water flush after each use. Oh, and your dog looks so sweet!

New subscriber here...AWESOME video on your 12v DIY watermaker.👍👍👍👍👍

Nice Job guys! We just built a water maker also... We were able to salvage some parts from a HRO system that we had on board... long past it's prime, from previous owners... I'm sharing your video with some sailing friends who have space, energy and budget constraints. Your design may fit their needs! Thanks, Corey (Salty Escape)

Your pup looks so much like our Molly.

Wow Sailor great episode ❤

Great informative video. Thanks for the details. Cute white dog, the mellowest dog I've ever seen.

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

He is getting to be an old man so he has definitely mellowed out but he still can zoomie with the best of them on a beach!

Appreciate the info, but I must say.. it’s pretty easy to make some brackets with some scrap material, and a hole saw or jig saw, but even two mounting type zip ties at each end, one fastened above, and one fastened below, would secure your filter better than with string.

Could you recommend a 1 line diagram for assembly. Thank you

Its very common for those pumps to leak at the seals most pressure washers always leak

Brilliant video, many thanks. Maybe a rundown of the new setup at some point would be worthwhile to viewers?

On the technical side, it would be very informative to hear and feel the difference of using pressure damping hoses and/ or accumulator dampener. Try reaching the manufacturer or supply shop for a demo. Good follow up video. Thanks for the video. Very fascinating.

Love your watermaker solution. I was wondering if you put together a diagram for the installation? If so, is it available for someone to access or purchase. I am planning on following your plan for my installation. Thanks

Very cool

Would you do this again and it still holding up? Thank you

Well done, and many thanks. I would just add a three way fitting to let in the sugar, yeast and lemon!

@ckeilah

3 ай бұрын

YEAST?!? I was right there with you to the lemonade part....

Another comment is in regards to your needle valve. You mentioned lack of sensitivity to reset. In hydraulics we always turn to a Parker (Fluid Power) product called a color-lock. they have a very fine thread and a long slender taper needle. Just don't know if you can get them in stainless.

A big Thanks! What is the pump model number? The website link is broken an d there is no additional information other than a broken link.

How long will the membrane last?

Can i ask what the noise level is like? Obviously, by going with a smaller pump you will need to run the unit longer (several hours) but is the noise level disturbing?

is this still holding up? and thanks for the video btw👍

Your amp draw is that ac amps or DC amps? Because depending on your inverter you DC amps is seven times the ac amps

Thank you very much for sharing your experiences with this DIY watermaker. Sounds like a great addition to many boats, both in terms of space and energy consumption as well as cost. Do you have a diagram of the final configuration with priming pump, dampening hose and flush connections that you could share? The manual operation may be a big plus on boats that dont run the engine to generate electricity regularly (each day). A bit more effort, but never a surprise of having the watermaker draining the batteries on cloudy days.

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

Hi Jonathan! Andy is working on a diagram for our Patron Resource Library. It should be available to our patrons in the next hour or so!

do you have an update link for the pump?

I’m a transplant from scho and jo. Well…. Don’t forget Ollie too. I like your videos.

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

I am so sad that this will be their last cameo on our channel for a while! But glad to have you here!!

Would a 40" membrane produce more water? The recovery claims to be 8% on the 40" while the 15" is 2% or am I misunderstanding

Well done Gwen and Andy! Thanks for taking the time to document your installation and explain all you went through. Also, thanks for sharing all the components you used on your installation. I'm sure, many of us will use your "recipe" to build a more affordable watermaker. However, I wonder why you choose the smallest membrane... (Space, Cost, something else)? Thanks, Pedro - SV Tulip

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

Hi Pedro! Space was the main reaso since we original built this system to fit on our Alberg 30 and had already bought all the components just prior to buying our Tartan 37. Cost was a factor as well since we were trying to be under $1000 but it was mostly a space issue.

@losbolsossiemprelistos3863

4 ай бұрын

Hello and thanks for all the info you are giving us. Do you happen to know what is the biggest membrane this pump would work with? thanks again, I'm amaze at what you've done. @@AbroadReachTravel

I can’t find the details on the pump, will you kindly send me the details, please. I’m in Canada, thank you.

Is this the 107SS model?

11:35 how come you aren't flushing you system with sodium metabisulphite (a winemakers biocide) when not in use

Great episode, thank you. How loud is the pump while running? With how much it would be running I'm concerned about the noise all day.

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

I think loudness will definitely be relative to where you mount it. Ours is mounted to a bulkhead which did not help. The noise went down significantly after we installed the pulse dampener. I don’t have decibels (it’s currently pickled so I can’t grab it for you), but I will say I can’t hear it in the Vberth when it’s running and you can definitely still hold a normal conversation in the rest of the boat without it being intrusive. It’s significantly quieter than the engine and only slightly louder than our fresh water pump. Hope that helps! I’ll try to remember to come back here and update with decibels when we get it running again in a couple months!

@chadbeaulieu7876

Жыл бұрын

@@AbroadReachTravel Perfect thank you for the update. That is what I was looking for, comparative to the fresh water pump is a great comparison.

Hello I check the company to buy the pump and it appear that they sale a new model all stainless steel do anybody have return on this pump?

I would have recommended flushing the system (operating it) for hours before drinking the water. Also, not sure if the teflon tape used was WRAS (or NSF) approved but I would look for that as well as meeting T-27730A mill spec.

@jeffoneill3429

Жыл бұрын

Me too. You need to flush out the manufacturing preservative before consuming it yourself, or giving it to your dog… or dock neighbor… ❤

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

This was the second round of running it so it had already been flushed once before when the sealant failed a few days earlier. And it had been run for over an hour the second time but no one wants to watch it just running for an hour. The magic of editing. I promise we didn’t poison anyone.

@jeffoneill3429

Жыл бұрын

@@AbroadReachTravel LOL! Very good. Nice job on the video and installation by the way.

At 3 gallons per hour that means an average sized tank would take 10 hours to fill. That's an awful lot of power if there's not much sunshine. Does a better pump mean more output of fresh water?

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

I think most of us use far less than 30 gallons of water per day. Our average usage is 4-5 gallons. We typically run the watermaker for a couple hours most days so we are definitely keeping up with our usage. We have set up our solar so that on sunny days our batteries are topped up by noontime so we run the watermaker on the “extra”. A bigger pump would mean more output but you’d also need to add a membrane or get a bigger membrane and your costs add up quickly. And a bigger pump would also consume more power.

How's the system 10 months later?

This looks like a fine system for folks like me, solo live aboard cruiser with purely 12v charging system and single 300ah LFP battery. Wondering if there is anything you would have done differently with the benefit of hindsight?

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

I think our only regret was not redesigning for a bigger system (a second or larger membrane) when we bought our bigger boat. But then our costs would have gone up so I’m still not sure we would have done it. Two seasons in and it’s still chugging along! Just made 10 gallons yesterday!

nice, new sub here

How do you maintain a proper hardness of the water? You cannot drink destilled/ too clean water ? Do you add minerals? Or have a mineralizing filter ?

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

The water that comes out is not distilled. There are still some left over dissolved solids (ie minerals/salt). The lowest we’ve ever seen is 100ppm but it typically runs around 200-250ppm which is similar to tap water. 😊

@Sailingengineer74

Жыл бұрын

@@AbroadReachTravel OK! thank you for info , I have been working with ship evaporators and there the water comes out destilled and requires a mineralizing filter, RO seems much more simple - I going to build a small RO unit to evaluate the function :)

I posted these questions on your blog but I think the answers would have a broader audience here. Greetings, We were just about to push the button on a $3500 water maker when we found you. Thank you for the article. Couple questions. Why only 1 pre filter? Most if not all WM use a 20 micron followed by a 5 micron. Second is that a brass fitting I see on the product outlet of the housing? I just spent 2 days replacing a rotted out brass fitting in our boat. Is there enough pressure on the product port to push the water say 25 feet to the water tank? Also what is the pressure on the brine output port? I see the pressure gauge read 800 psi but the hose after that is a reinforced plastic hose. How does that hose take that kind of pressure? Also you mentioned you wanted to upgrade the pressure regulator, have you found one yet?

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

We only used one pre filter due to space constraints and the conditions we operate in. You can definitely use two. A plastic fitting could be used, but we haven’t had any issues with brass fittings on our freshwater plumbing. We had a hard time sourcing fittings locally at the time, so we used what was available and on hand. 25 feet shouldn’t be an issue, but try to keep the restriction to a minimum. Any restrictions will need to be overcome by a slightly high operating pressure. The needle valve is used to control the pressure of system by creating a restriction. Therefore upstream of the needle valve sees high pressure, downstream is very low pressure.

Do you have a way to pickle the membrane?

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

Yup! It is easily pickled through the flushing port! We have been flushing with product water so that we can guarantee there isn't any chlorine so the flushing input is just a hose we can stick in one of our 5-gallon jugs. Easily replaced with a bucket of pickling solution! Since we are in the Chesapeake for the summer it’s currently pickled, we will bring it back to life once we are back in Florida!

Great video really liked it. Seemed a little mean to let your friends drink the water right after the dog.

I think you should have had a few cuts from the Waterboy. That's some fine H2O

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha missed opportunity! 😂

3 gallons an hour... For the aggravation alone, I'll just do the rainman portable. While I appreciate the DIY approach, and certainly your willingness to share, I personally think that's why a proven system is likely the best route for most folks to consider.

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

If you have the space and cash…yup! 😊 but we didn’t have either when we set up the system and bought the components for our Alberg 30 🤷🏻‍♀️

@hippiewithacowboyhat

Жыл бұрын

@@AbroadReachTravel I get it. I love a DIY approach, personally. Going on my Meridian 459 and space isn't a controlling issue. Though my yacht may seem more extravagant, the only way I have afforded to retire to one, is by hard work and not spending money when I can do something myself, as good, and cheaper. But, in the case of a water maker, I have yet to find a DIY that I can build myself, as good or better than name brand, for any significant savings. The added bonus, is I can pack it up and take it with me if I get an even bigger yacht, or lend it to a fellow cruiser for a few hours in their time of need. I meant ZERO disrespect in my original comment, btw. I actually respect the hell out of not only you trying it, but also sharing your findings and outcome. Your ingenuity and willingness to share make you the best kind of cruisers out there. Fair seas !

does the motor have enough power to use a 40" membrane or two of them?

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

No. The rejection rate is at about 75-80% with this set up. If you added more membrane area your product water would go up and rejection would go down but there wouldn’t be a high enough flow rate to remove salt/impurities. Would a video about how we calculated flow rates/rejection rates be helpful? We’ve been tossing around doing a super technical deep dive on this for those that would find it useful!

@karlslezak

Жыл бұрын

@@AbroadReachTravel I'd be really interested to know how to size a membrane based on available pressure washer (:

@Lana_Warwick

Жыл бұрын

@@AbroadReachTravel Hello, any update on this? This vid is a bit confusing with only some of the assembly/install shown, the final product with additional part requirements discussed only. Also curious about flushing. Thank you.

Hi!

Isn't that a 37 Tartan?

Stick to l battle tested watermakers even if they are costly, especially portable one's just incase

watch the pressure to gal per hr. flow. dont ruin your membrane with too much pressure

At 1:40, Gwen says "Water is going to move through a membrane from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration." - Just the opposite, eh?

@AbroadReachTravel

Жыл бұрын

I think at 1:40 I’m talking about how osmosis normally works. During regular osmosis, water will move across a membrane from an area that has low concentration of non-water molecules (salts minerals etc) to an area with a higher concentration because it will naturally try to make the concentrations equal through dilution. But with reverse osmosis, like we use in desalination, we use a high pressure pump to make it do the opposite. We force the water through the membrane leaving behind the salt and minerals. The product is fresh water the waste is extremely concentrated salt and minerals with a little water left over.

1,000 psi? 🤨

Ahem, if you need a cheap "watermaker" (reverse osmosis water filter), come to Taiwan. A model for home use (just providing drinking water) can be had for USD 300+. There are several filters with different lifetimes of 1-6 months. They work with pretty weak motors, so you can just let it run continuously until the tank is full.

@bearpanda3889

Жыл бұрын

If you could provide a link to a few of them it would be very useful for us not in Taiwan

@OlafFichtner

Жыл бұрын

@@bearpanda3889 Surprise! It worked! Previous comments with links were not so lucky... Edit: Nope, disappeared again. Let's try this: Go to Google and search for these terms: ro濾水器 RO純水機 That should yield a few results.

@bearpanda3889

Жыл бұрын

@@OlafFichtner Thanks for those links. i can see that they work but at the moment the server is busy so I will follow them up in more detail when it is quieter.

Are you sure this dog is not a cat?

Pretty scary. No engineering knowledge wrt pressure boundary codes and construction. No small wonder it leaked at first. No small wonder about the crystalised salt in the pump. No small wonder a booster pump was not used (very common to use a high volume, low pressure centrifugal pump to feed the high pressure pump). I find it incredibly scary at how laissez faire you are wrt pressure boundary. I would not go anywhere near that contraption. There is a reason why actual water makers cost what they do. Finally, your costing only includes the cost of parts and not the huge amount of time you spent jerry-rigging the watermaker. Everything has an opportunity cost. FYI, I am an actual engineer dealing with pressure boundary issues so I know little bit about what I am talking about. Using a high pressure positive displacement pump with no pressure relief valve anywhere in the system.

@maddogmaz1576

Жыл бұрын

Still half the price.

@karlslezak

Жыл бұрын

Many don't go to university and become engineers and know what "wrt pressure boundary" means, but learn by doing (:

@boondog8504

Жыл бұрын

Plenty of cruisers have more time than money, which is why we look at DIY solutions to expensive problems. The poster has been honest about his mistakes, and the unit obviously does what it’s intended to, so I don’t see the issue here.