SAILBOAT TECH: How to install a DIY watermaker (SeaWater Pro) // Ryan’s Tech Corner #5
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- Опубликовано: 24 июн 2019
- Check out Part 1 of the water maker series - How to make water on a sailboat? • How to make water on a...
**Update 2021/11/16**
It's been over two and a half years since we installed our watermaker. It has been performing flawlessly ever since and has afforded us some well-needed and appreciated self-sufficiency throughout the Mediterannean (where marinas are super expensive), through ocean crossings (yeay for showers) and through covid lockdowns (where we had zero possibility to get water otherwise).
We added a control panel in our galley which has been incredibly practical and have upgraded the membrane to the latest SeaWater Pro one. We've been buying filters and parts in hardware stores all over the World (way easier than having to order proprietary parts) and we produce 19-20 gallons (70-75 liters) of fresh water per hour.
Two and a half years later, we also received an affiliate link to SeaWater Pro watermakers, which allows us to receive a small commission on purchases made through it, at no extra cost to you! So if you are in the process of acquiring your own, it would mean a lot to us if you considered using it :)
Check out SeaWater Pro watermakers: seawaterpro.com?sca_ref=1318773.3ThbpgMEbt
Our kit: seawaterpro.com/products/110-...
*****
April 2019:
It took us a while to produce this video about how to install a DIY watermaker, as we wanted to really test out our installation and put it to the test.
We are absolutely delighted with our watermaker and the water production that we get out of it, especially at the price that we payed for it compared to of-the-shelf branded watermaker such as Ecotech, Spectra, rainman or aquabase watermakers.
In this video, Ryan explains how to install a DIY watermaker, that is a watermaker that you build from scratch with parts that you source yourself.
We go through what to think about before buying parts, how to power your watermaker, where to install it, how to buy all the parts for your watermaker, the tools that you will need to install your units and what to expect when you assemble all your parts.
Finally, we give you a tour of our own watermaker installation and analyze the results we get from it.
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It's been two and a half years since we installed our SeaWater Pro watermaker, and it has been performing flawlessly. it has afforded us some well-needed and appreciated self-sufficiency throughout the Mediterannean (where marinas are super expensive), through ocean crossings (yeay for showers) and through covid lockdowns (where we had zero possibility to get water otherwise). We added a control panel in our galley which has been incredibly practical and have upgraded the membrane to the latest SeaWater Pro one. We've been buying filters and parts in hardware stores all over the World (way easier than having to order proprietary parts) and we produce 19-20 gallons (70-75 liters) of fresh water per hour. If you consider ordering a SeaWater Pro watermaker, we have just gotten an affiliate link, that allows us to receive a small commission on every purchase at no cost to you. We would be incredibly grateful if you considered using it! Thank you :) seawaterpro.com?sca_ref=1318773.3ThbpgMEbt
Hi this is amazing! How often do your filters need to be changed? What's the cost of that per month? I'm sure this may be in a video or comment so apologize if it's already been asked. -- Geoff
Ryan is definitely a more sunny person these days. The watermaker project must have suited him! Nice videography, Sophie!
Hi guys! Really hope you liked the video, we absolutely LOVE our watermaker! In a couple of weeks, we are going to do a Q&A special DIY watermakers. If you have any questions about our installation, the process of choosing parts or any other topic we haven’t adresses in this video, SHOOT! :)
What are the things most likely to break down and how to have back up plan if water maker for whatever reasons fails during long passages.
So, will include just a bit of the video I bet was running when Ryan tried to tighten something under pressure.....! - Robert
Hey Ry, finally thanks for doing the diy vid. It's going to sound weird but I'm installing a water maker on my 45-ft Sea Ray I almost pulled the trigger on a $3,000 rain Man but do not want to spend money I'm a budget freak and those are way over my budget Where did you get all the hoses Sorry the question's so long Hope to pick your brain. Definitely going to build my own. Thanks brother 👍
Behind every successful sailor is an exhausted woman. Well done video guys, presentation and editing.
Those push-fit elbows are designed for always-pressured mains systems, as in buildings. They like to stay pressurised. Fitted to flexible pipes that are alternating between even minimal above bar and bar they will move in and out. Then leak. Then blow off. Push-fits that incorporate screw collars might be a better option.
Thanks for covering all the modules off. I agree that self build equals knowledge (and confidence). Great work.
Bill
Hello Ryan. Thanks you for this. Now i'm planning my own WM and came back to this video. What is really helpful for a newbie as myself.
One thing many people don’t realize about the Teflon tape is that it is not a seal but a dry lubricant that aids in making the connection tighter than it would be without using it.
I love these types of videos, boats and mechanicals. A bonus that Sophie keeps my attention the rest of the time. By the way my last job assignment was in Iowa, an hour Southwest oh Des Monies.
was hoping to see you install it, not just the finished product.
Ryan was very awake today hahaha . Explained simply and intrestingly . I do like some technical boat issues . Cool stuff !!!!!!!!!!
thanks! :)
plumbers tape is galvanized with holes in it, normally used to secure pipes. teflon tape is used to seal the threads. a wise handyman always lays the screw gun on the side so it doesn't fall and break itself or what ever it falls on.
it's rare that those channel locks would be called plumbers pliers (at least here in the usa).
Well done Ryan. It is great that you shared your successes and well minor set backs with grace and style. It gives DYI people confidence that although they may screw up they are not alone in the world and even the best plans can go to crap on a moments notice. Take care and congrats on your build.
Thanks David. Ryan
Another great, well presented, how-to video, Ryan. Oh, and beautifully videoed and edited, Sophie!
Aw thanks Edward! Glad you enjoyed it :) /Sophie
You took it all in stride and came out alive. A better crew and wiser too. Thank you and You Tube!
Extremely enjoyable and very informative. Wife and I were live-aboards for a number of years (without water maker). While I may be considered ancient, am considering returning to live-aboard status and water makers are something I have considered. I think Your videos fill a great need in the cruising community. Best of luck.
I'm not likely to ever build a water-maker on a boat, but I enjoyed your video very much. Well done!
What a dude. These videos are great
Fantastic series, ill deffinitly be checking out more of your videos!!!
good video....many good tips and warnings for the DIY assembly crowd! Thanks, Andrew
thanks Andrew! glad you got something out of it :) /Sophie
I built my watermaker long before someone like you was around to make it easy but I can say you did great job I imagine lots of thanks are heading your way from other boaters. Very clear well done. !!!!
Thanks sailaway01. There is no way i could have done it without the internet... so its impressive you accomplishments. Good job. Ryan
Well done. I'm thinking of doing this myself and you are helping me a lot! Love your channel!
Second Iowa t-shirt!
Excellent info. I am thinking of converting My Ac water maker to DC. So I learned a lot. Yhanks.
You are a gifted presenter and teacher. Well done. Side Note: Brian is getting to be a big boy.
Brian has grown some serious hair those last few months! :D /Sophie
That was an awesome video! I watch a lot of videos from some really handy people, but I have never seen anyone build their own water maker! You are really a remarkable man, Ryan and maybe all of those other channels should be watching all of your videos before they tackle any projects?
Thanks, I will use your knowledge to install this .
Such a great video guys. Looking at building one and your tips really helped. Thanks so much
Thanks you did a great presentation.
Nice job! I'm going to have to reference this when we finally move from fresh to salt water sailing.
Thank you for sharing this 👍
Awesome. Thank you!
Super duper excellent and very instructive vid. Thanks.
Thanks Philippe! 🙏
You did a great job...Thanks for sharing...
Great videos!!!
Another great video thanks it’s given me the confidence to go DIY with this 👍👏
Thats Awesome! Just go for it. Ryan
Another brilliant vid.
When will you write a book with all these instructions and tips included? These are things one needs in well illustrated book. A must have for sailors, I would think.
Nice simple directions, thanks,
Glad you liked it Ken! :)
Its a great video Ryan. Thanks for all the valuable advise you guys gave. It definitely will aid me when I go sailing. Keep up the good work. Capt. Raj
Thank you for sharing this with us. I've been waiting for this video and whoopie! here it is.
Yes please. Continue the tech videos. Missed Sophie this time. Give us at least a HI form her in your videos :-)
Cheers,
Jay ⛵❤
I just gotta say very good video. Thanks for the great information. Sophie’s hair is gorgeous, making Ryan’s hard work worth every cuss word. You should start a cuss box for use on special occasions. 😉
Looking forward to the next video and adventure.
Keep having fun.
🙏👍❤️😁🍺🍺
Great very informative .
Great video. Thank you.
I found that helpful.. Thanks.
An engine use for power would be nice, even if the knowledge is required in a backup situations.. Great video.
Loved the video and all the advice! Thanks for sharing. 👍👍👍👍👍👍😍⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵
Good work mate
Very Good!
Awesome video, thanks for the detailed walk through! Debating weather to save up for a watermaker for my boat...and also debating weather to go DIY or possibly that potable DC Rainman one. Saves a lot of hassle for the installment and no extra through hulls, but if sth breaks 😬😬😬 then possibly tricky to find replacement parts and fix it urself. Will do some more googling, thanks for this super helpful video!
Cheers, Nike
No problem Nike,
The biggest plus with the DIY is the parts. I have fixed ours a number of times with random parts found on the boat. For through hauls we just used the old salt water foot pump but I know people have tapped in to other lines. Don't use the raw water for the engine though.
Regardless, a watermarked changed our life on board.... can't remember how big your boat is but for it being a home its a great investment. I'm really glad we did it. Ryan
Great job guys! Very informative. Well thought out and presented. GOD bless. JC
it would be great if you were giving the measurment in Mertric System also
Hi Sophie and Ryan, thanks for sharing your fantastic journey. I just found your RUclips channel a few weeks ago, so I am a couple of years behind still 😄
I used to work a lot with RO systems although in a more industrial scale and there are two things I wondered about.
1) Usually the taste of RO water is very “flat” , as there are no minerals or other impurities that will give tap a slight bit of taste. How does your water taste?
2) When I worked with RO systems I was taught that RO water is not healthy to drink in large quantities. This should be because the RO water would start a osmosis process in the body and thereby draw salt from your body. I am not sure this is true but have you come across this and was it something you considered when designing the system.
Keep going. Your videos are awesome 👏🏻
1. It taste okay but flat is a good way of describing it. I sometimes add a splash of lemon 🍋 to it and that helps.
2. Yes... drinking only RO water over a long period is not good as it also takes out vital minerals from the water. That said if you drink juice, or other items (not soda) it should make up, as well as eating healthy.
Ryan
Nice job
Ryan ~ thanks for this. Best explanation I’ve seen! The flush timer - does it use the low pressure or some other pump? How does the flushing fresh water get through your system? Thanks in advance.
Great videos! Go hawks
Big like love from Israel
Thank you for sharing such a valuable DIY project!! Any idea how to keep the noise low when the watermaker runs? It looks kinda noisy in the video.
How do you pickle your system? My understanding is that any time you shut down the system for over A couple of weeks the membrane needs to have a special solution to keep it functional. Like if you go on the hard for a couple of months
Good video by I was wondering how it turned out
Well done Ryan. I have a question, when you start the clean mode the valve pressure should be always at 50 bar or is necessary open it? Thanks for your reply
Thanks Ryan, could you please do a year later update: How it performed?
It's probably best to use all the same threads and/or proper adapters, hopefully available at hardware stores worldwide. It would also be good to have spare parts onboard. Good job on the DIY watermaker and the video.
You can test inside the marina. Disconnect the supply from the thru hull and place it in water containers filled with clean water. You are not trying to make large amounts of water, just check for leaks and pressures.
Hi guys, Love your videos! Can I reccomend an inline UV steriliser for the sweet water side of the system to reduce bactirial build up? Useually AC , but low consumption for the protection they offer for around £50 Looking forward to following in your wake next year fingers crossed.
Hi Ryan and Sophie, congratulations for your great videos, so usefull. Here in Portugal is very dificult use find some of the items you have showned. By any chance you can tell me the model of the High pressure pump you have used? Kind regards
That's the one we were waiting for! Great warts and all video! Well explained options. I think we will be starting on our parts list soon, to install in the winter. What was the rough cost of your 12v system with the parts from the USA? Sail safe guys. Ant, Cid & the pooch crew xx
Thanks Ant! That system costs around 2200$ (we chose some "advanced" options :))
Amazing job for having no plumbing experience
@Ryan & Sophie Sailing
I first posted a version of this on your first video about water makers...
Over the years I've seen a few water makers .. mostly DIY ..
I suggest people get advice regarding what I write... as this is just some thoughts...
From what I saw on your videos...
You could do with pressure relief valves in the system, discharging over board .. particularly one just after the high pressure pump (do same with low pressure) .. this would also have a pressure switch with relay (have spares, automotive or lorry or agricultural ones might be big enough) set to a lower pressure than the relief valve to turn off the motor !!! ...
then you could go through a one way valve and have a large pressure tank .. some are stainless but apparently there is now a type of plastic tank with another switch .. with a delay to stop cycling .. to control the motor ... I would fit a similar setup after the low pressure pump.
This would mean both the low and high pressure pumps could charge up the system and switch off saving energy and pump wear .. also it would reduce pressure pulses... Big problem.
A pressure relief valve before the adjustable valve is a must.. with a cut out switch.
Another thing to be aware of is the brine output.. it can block the output pipe ... on a plus note it could be useful for pickling or further evaporating, use a black metal tray (oven tray) and place in the sun or on top of a low heat stove to make salt.
On some systems they used collected rainwater with a bit of sea water that had splashed on deck..
It does mean another tank but less strain on the system.. but some considered the pollution near cities could be an issue for the filter... Obviously it can also be used directly from the tank as it is for washing hair etc... and saving the water maker.
An option I like to do for Backup on crossings is loads of 2 litre bottles ( Basic formula 2 litres per crew per day, minus 1 week) that did contain lemonade etc...
Filled with chlorine tap water .. date them with an indelible marker .. and use as adjustable ballast.
Having the things to make a DIY solar still is another backup.
Have you done another video in 2021 .. on how you get on with it, did anything go wrong, any modifications and repairs.
Hope this helps.
Does the fresh water flush system negate the necessity for pickling the system when you are away from the boat for long periods of time, assuming the flusging system continues to run.
My understanding is that it does. If i were gone from the boat for a long period, maybe over two months i would still pickle it so i could shut off my pumps in the boat. Ryan
Hi Ryan, Excellent video!!. One recommendation if you plan to drink the RO water I would install a re-mineral filter post RO Membrane to add minerals back into the water for drinking. This could be done at the faucet. Just my 2 cents. Not that you need it though! :) :)
We have discussed this, im just a bit tired of projects for the moment... in the future for sure. Ryan
What leaked the most? The threaded connections or those push lock fittings?
The push lock fittings make installation easy but do they hold?
I didn't see any check valves in your system. Did you leave them out?
The push fittings are rock solid. The threads were the most of it along with a few things in the pressure vessel.
Ryan
Thanks for the video. Yup don't tighten fittings under high pressure....if you've ever gotten a water injection injury or a big mess that is a bit of good advice.
That didn't happen to us, but Ryan took some shower with the system under low pressure ;) /Sophie
Is it practical to install a watermaker on a small (sub 30') trailerable sailboat? And if said sailboat has a wind generator on it, would that be sufficient to power the watermaker along with all the other electrical systems? I don't own a boat yet, but I'm considering diving into this world in the next couple of years if I can, since I live close to a large reservoir.
ryan you have unc unf npt metric / to name the mocern ones there is also whitworth if you were trying to use older components
How is it holding up the membrane? Nice video
just wondering where you got the oneway valves? Can't find them anywhere. cheers
Good Vlog Mate ,Q: is there a UV light set up that could be used as well ????
No UV in this setup, i did think about it. But RO membranes filter out just about everything. Ryan
I recently bought a sailboat that had a water maker installed. The fresh water flush is hooked into the tank which is not pressurized am I actually flushing the system. Or should it be hooked to the pressure side of the boats freshwater system.?
Is there a smaller version of this system for smaller sail boats any suggestions?. Not everyone has a big boat 😂 lol love the information very helpful thanks
Yes... there are smaller ones. All different sizes
id get an arduino to create the remote control and monitoring panel
Not sure the Q&A video has been posted, but a quick question: how did you mount the vessel/membrane on the wall? It seems to be against the hull ... How is it holding?
Hi Philippe. I used some marina plywood and some heavy duty siklaflex. To the side of the hull. I then used some rubber mounts that wrap around the membrains house. Ryan
Great installation Ryan, but...hehe always is a but, change the location of the 3 way valve, it is very close to the battery selector switch and if you have a hose break, well electricity and water are not compatible, well done man, thanks for share with us.
Its completely different now we installed a panel in the galley so that should not be a major issue. Ryan
If you used the correct pipe thread fittings instead of mashing different thread types together with lots of tape, you wouldn't have had any leaks or maybe just a couple usually because they weren't tight enough. Nice video tho!
What pumps the fresh water through the filter?
What does it cost to replace all those Filters - I know that the first 2 are typically used as water filtration from underground pumps/water supplies (and typically need to be replaced every 3 months when used in a house) - on a boat, running every other day, this could stretch to 1 time a year. But the Massive cost is the Reverse Osmosis membrane and high pressure pump (once the pump fails).
How often do you need to replace the Reverse Osmosis membrane, I also see that you try and flush the membrane after each use.
I believe the RO membranes can last a number of years IF you treat them right. I normally change the other filters every few months. So there is a cost for filters but generally its small. Ryan
Hi Ryan, having trouble finding a suitable pressure regulator valve. What is the brand/part number you have used?
Sea Water Pro has them seawaterpro.com/product/316-stainless-pressure-regulator/
Does the noise drive you nuts? I think I'd want to put the pumps in acoustic boxes. :)
Its really not too bad inside the boat... running for a month you get use to it as well. Ryan
Hi,
Well explained, now that you have been using it for 1 year was it worth the $3000 Or so... And not to forget the $400 for replacement of filter every year, and at the end of the day Unless you are doing long trips, 40 days without land is it really worthwhile, interested in your thoughts.
Good video, happy sailing.
Its totally worth it. You don't need a new membrane every year. They last a very long time if treated well.
Its not about being away from land that makes the difference, its about being on anchor and not having to go in and get water. Our record on anchor is almost 4 months without going in to a marina and we could have gone a lot longer. I actually think its one of the first things a full time cruiser should install. Ryan
And about a boat Engine (main diesel) Driven watermaker ?
ok follow my logic, a RO watermaker can run continuously without having to freshwater flush the system, not that you'd need it to. theoretically, you can run it on a timer, for an hour everyday, at anchor, without having to freshwater flush the system. obviously freshwater flush b4 pulling into a marina or leaving the boat for any significant length of time. does this sound accurate?
Cool video! How is your DIY setup going now?
Hi Hayley, its working really well! Would love to be on the boat using it right now but I guess we wait a few more months. Ryan
I'm about to start a boat build it's a 20" catamaran sailboat. Which I'm planning on sailing to the Dominican republic lol to see my wife need all the water 💦 I can get
Is the valve you are calling a 3 way, a 3 way or an either/or valve. Another words it sends water either to your tank or overboatd/sample. It is my understanding that you never want to close off the freshwater discharge from the membrane. The valve on my water maker sends water to the tank or to sample, and does not have the ability to shut off the the output/flow.
good one :-)
did you put the discharge brine through an existing through hole, if not why not? same with the saltwater inlet. saves holes :-)
in-case of water maker failure, are you at least practising collecting rain water, if not why not?
and finally, NO Sophie shots! :-((
:-)
Hi Iain. For in inlet we use an old sea water foot pump inlet. The discharge i did add a new one, ill explain why in our Q &A. Ryan
Does the water maker filter out biological or chemical contamination?
do you really need to kill the post membrane pressure valve after each use? seems not that useful to me but i'm no expert!!
from seawaterpro website: "If your system has already been in operation, the pressure should be
left at 800 PSI, and after turning on the pump you should NOT have
to re-adjust the pressure regulator."
I know this is old now, but how long is that pipe you have the membrane in?
Is that 40” and some. A bit over a meter?
And around 4” diameter??
Fair winds,,,/),,,,
Without being at the boat and messuring, that's correct. They are generally a standard size. You could find the exact dimensions of some online. Ryan
@@RyanSophieSailing No, that’s good enough for me. I just like to plan ahead. I’m going to stay in Norway for at least a year. Here is water everywhere. Thanks.
When you tie up to the dock and hook up the water line, you will need to have a chlorine filter between your tank and the flush pump, or you can kiss the membrane good bye in short order. Otherwise you darn near nailed it.
Cheers
That was the carbon filter he installed under the sink. He talks about it in the first video. art 1.
Go Hawks
Pump seems rather noisy. Are all high pressure pumps that loud?
yes, many of the watermakers out there are noisy, some worse than others. After awhile you dont even notice.
ryan
@@RyanSophieSailing I carry 220 gallons, so water hasn't been a huge issue yet, but thinking it will be nice to have to extra. Have you been happy with the unit so far? Any issues? Is it producing per the claimed rates? I really like the idea of non-proprietary equipment. Spectra sure is nice, but you have to buy all their stuff if/when it breaks or needs replacing. Not a bad little unit - the seawater - for around $2500.
Do not tighten any fitting under pressure, it will not end well. - The best advice of the video - Grin
When the industry gets their head screwed on right, they'll have a device with a few hoses that you stick in buckets and gator clips for 12 volts. Open it up, change small standard filters, and you're set. Until then, it's rainwater and jugs onshore. Everybody's boat tank gets contaminated. Pee Yew.