7 Best Sailboat Watermakers For Liveaboards 2024
If you’re a liveaboard sailor looking for the best sailboat watermaker then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best watermakers on the market and show you how they can help make your sailing experience more enjoyable.
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of sailing on the open water. If you’re a liveaboard sailor, though, you know that keeping your boat stocked with fresh water can be a challenge. That’s where sailboat watermakers come in handy.
Not only do they produce fresh water for drinking and cooking, but they also help keep your boat clean by providing water for showers and dishes.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the best sailboat watermakers available on the market today. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each model so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing one for your boat.
So, whether you’re looking for a compact unit that is easy to install or a high-performance model that can handle large volumes of water, we have something for you. Keep reading to learn more.
How do marine watermakers work?
What are the benefits of having a watermaker on your sailboat.
- How do I choose a sailboat watermaker?
How big a water maker do I need?
How much does a sailboat watermaker cost, how much power does a watermaker use, how much space does a marine watermaker take up, maintaining your sailboat watermaker, the best sailboat watermakers for liveaboards.
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Marine watermakers are devices that convert salt water into fresh water, making them an essential tool for sailors and boaters. But how do they work?
At the heart of every marine watermaker is a reverse osmosis membrane. This is a thin, semi-permeable film that allows water molecules to pass through, but blocks out larger molecules like salt.
To create freshwater, salt water is forced through the membrane under high pressure. This process is known as reverse osmosis, and it leaves the salt behind in the brine stream. The freshwater that comes out of the other side is then collected and stored in tanks.
Marine watermakers are powered by either electricity or a diesel engine, depending on the size of the unit. Some small portable units can even be powered by a car battery.
You will probably want a pretty decent battery bank and solar or wind setup to power your watermaker. By far the easiest solution is to get a reliable, drop in battery. We highly recommend BattleBorn’s lithium batteries which is what we use to power our watermaker.
⚡ Check out BattleBorn batteries here
If you’re thinking of outfitting your sailboat with a watermaker, you’re in for a treat. Adam and I put off buying one for two years, as we weren’t sure it would be worth the big investment. But after a year in the Cyclades where finding free town quays with water was near impossible, we decided to bite the bullet and commit.
It’s the one thing we wish we’d done sooner. A sailboat watermaker has literally changed our lives at sea and we couldn’t be without one now.
Not only will you have a reliable source of fresh water, but you’ll also be able to enjoy extended stays at sea. Here are just a few of the benefits we’ve found of having a watermaker on your sailboat:
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of having a marine watermaker is that you’ll never have to worry about running out of fresh water. Whether you’re sailing around the world or just spending a few weeks cruising the coast, a watermaker will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have an unlimited supply of fresh water.
Obviously, fresh drinking water from the watermaker is great, but it also means we don’t worry about taking a shower or the huge amounts of washing up caused by certain meals or having people over for dinner!
In addition to providing an endless supply of fresh water, a watermaker can also help extend your cruising range. By making your own water, you won’t have to make as many stops to restock your tanks. This means you can stay out on the open water for longer periods of time and explore more distant ports. It also saves a lot of money on marinas and a lot of trips to beach showers!
Finally, having a watermaker onboard can be a real lifesaver in an emergency. If your boat is disabled and you’re stuck at sea, having a way to make fresh water can mean the difference between life and death.
How do I choose the best sailboat watermaker?
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a watermaker for your sailboat. There is no one size fits all when it comes to choosing the perfect watermaker for you, so take some time to read the pros and cons of each model before you commit!
If you’re just cruising around the local waterways, you can get away with a smaller unit and top up your tanks with water from the dockside. But if you’re planning on venturing out into the open ocean, you’ll need a larger unit that can produce more water.
You’ll want to take into consideration the amount of people you’re likely to have onboard. Adam and I find out Rainman naked 12V system keeps up with our needs just fine, but after taking on two more members of crew we quickly ran out of water and struggled to keep up with the new demand.
You should also track your water usage habits for a bit to see how much water you use on a daily basis. If you can’t live without daily long showers, or you need fresh water to wash down the boat regularly, or you have fresh water flushing toilets then you’ll obviously be using a lot more water than others.
The amount of water you use when you have a watermaker is likely to increase a little from your needs now, as you’ll be a little less careful with it. Factor this into your decision!
Like everything in sailing, you can spend as much or as little as you want on a watermaker. There are even some people who have successfully made their own watermaker and only spent money on the parts (some of which you can source second-hand).
If you aren’t a wizard with things like that though, you’re going to be looking at spending a decent amount of money on a sailboat watermaker. On average, they cost around £3000-£5000 for a watermaker for a cruising sailboat (around 40ft).
You can spend more like £10,000 on a watermaker for a larger boat, and you can spend less on a second-hand marine watermaker or a DIY one.
We’ve put together a guide to help you work out your needs based on what you use aboard.
Different brands of watermakers are more efficient than others, but from our own experience and that of others we’ve talked to, it takes around 10 Watt-hours to make a litre of water – i.e. about 0.8 Amp-hours from a 12-volt battery.
Things like the chemistry of your battery bank, the length of your cable runs, and even the temperature of the sea, can all make a difference to the amount of power you’ll need to make a certain amount of water, but this is a rough average.
We’ve got a guide on working out how much power you’ll need.
A marine watermaker is a very useful tool, but it’s not exactly small. In fact, depending on the model, a watermaker can take up quite a bit of space.
The average unit is about the size of a small freezer, and some models are even larger. Given that most boats are fairly limited in terms of space, this can be a bit of a problem.
The good news is that there are now several manufacturers who offer compact watermakers that are designed to take up less space. These units are often smaller than a standard coffee maker, making them much easier to find a spot for on your boat.
We’ve included some great options for smaller boats below.
Like any piece of equipment, a watermaker requires regular maintenance. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that you can take to keep your watermaker in good working condition.
First, be sure to check the filters on a regular basis. Not only will this help to ensure that your water is clean, but it will also help to prolong the life of your watermaker.
Second, be sure to check the seals and o-rings for leaks. These are essential for keeping your watermaker operating efficiently, and any leaks can lead to costly repairs.
Finally, be sure to perform a yearly “spring cleaning” by flushing the system with fresh water.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your watermaker in good working order for years to come.
You should also account for the fact that parts are bound to break and need fixing or replacing. Most watermakers come with proprietary parts which make them a pain to fix in remote places, but there are a few that take non-proprietary parts. We would recommend these to anyone planning a larger cruising ground.
#1 Rainman naked 12V Marine Watermaker
The Rainman naked 12V watermaker is a great option for anyone looking for a compact, efficient way to produce fresh water.
The unit is simple to set up and use, and it produces up to 30 litres of fresh water per hour for a smaller unit, or up to 140 litres per hour for a larger one.
One of the main reasons we were drawn to Rainman watermakers is that they use all off-the-shelf, standardised parts. If your Rainman breaks down, it almost doesn’t matter where in the world you are – you’ll likely be able to get standardised spares in the nearest major city. For any liveaboards hoping to circumnavigate this should be an important consideration.
Installation was really very straightforward. End-to-end it took two days to install and test the unit, plus an extra day to get the autoflush set up.
We were pleasantly surprised to find that the unit came with almost everything we needed to install it. We were expecting to supply our own hoses, sundries, etc. but Rainman supplies everything you need.
Whether you’re sailing around the world or just weekends on the lake, the Rainman naked 12V watermaker is a great way to ensure you have access to fresh, clean water.
Check out our full Rainman watermaker review for everything you need to know.
#2 Spectra Newport 400c Watermakers for Sailboats
Spectra watermakers have an excellent reputation among the sailing community and you can’t go wrong with one of their marine watermakers for your sailboat.
They make a range of different sailboat watermakers to suit different needs and sizes of boat, from hand-operated desalinators that can make 6 gallons a day to their largest system that produces 20,000 gallons of fresh drinking water per day.
The Newport 400c model operates on as little as 4 watts per liter, so you can run it on a small generator, solar, wind, or even just straight off the batteries. It’s a great option
The Spectra Connect system means you can operate and monitor your watermaker from a remote device, and it has lots of other clever features including a fill tank mode and suggested maintenance intervals.
You can choose the speed operation on this sailboat watermaker for maximum flow or maximum efficiency depending on your power management onboard. This is a great ‘all bells and whistles’ watermaker that takes the guesswork out.
#3 Spectra watermaker Ventura Series
As with the Newport 400c, Spectra ensure these watermakers are built to last and they have a really great reputation.
The Spectra watermaker Ventura series is designed to be energy-efficient and lightweight and is the perfect watermaker for smaller spaces.
It produces 24 litres an hour, which is less than the Rainman model but still enough for a couple living aboard a small sailboat if you’re conservative with water usage.
You can also opt for a warm water model that will produce slightly more water per hour and is the same size (but you’ll need to be sure your cruising area is only warm water!)
#4 The Ultra Whisper
The Ultra Whisper by Sea Recovery is one of the best watermakers out there for smaller boats, or boats not set up with adequate power to run one of the larger units.
It can run on either AC or DC and claims a 75% reduction in power consumption compared to the other products listed here. It’s also super quiet, which if you’ve run a watermaker before, is actually a huge bonus!
This is a small but perfectly formed piece of equipment that will enable you to make water with the smallest power setup, but obviously, on the downside, you won’t produce as much water so you’ll need to be careful with your consumption onboard.
Sea Recovery has more watermaker models on offer in a wide variety of size and capacity options. There’s even a really tiny version that measures only 2-3 cubic feet for sailboats that can’t compromise on space.
#5 Village Marine – Little Wonder series
Village Marine is another of the most popular marine watermaker brands and has a reputation for making reliable and efficient sailboat watermakers in a range of different models to suit different needs.
The Little Wonder series is one of the smallest (the reason for the name) and weighs only 69 pounds with the ability to produce 180 gallons of freshwater per day.
It has a low RPM high-pressure pump in a modular design, which means you can install it in different parts of the boat to maximise your space. This is really handy for smaller sailboats.
Installation is quick and easy, and a competent DIYer can do it. It is anti-corrosive and as a bonus, is also quiet to run!
This is one of the best watermakers on the market for smaller sailboats, and should last a long, long time.
#6 Village Marine – LW Watermaker Series for bigger boats
For anyone out there looking for a serious sailboat watermaker for a bigger boat, Village Marine has something suitable. The LW watermaker series caters to boats up to 100 feet in length.
This watermaker can produce up to 1800 gallons of freshwater a day, which is a crazy amount and will give you complete water independence on board.
It’s a much larger unit, obviously, so you’ll need to make sure you have space on board. It’s also a lot more expensive so it really is only suitable for larger boats and commercial vessels.
#7 Rainman Portable Sailboat Watermaker
Rainman make a portable watermaker that has many benefits over an installed version. it won’t suit all sailboats but it’s a great option to have for the following reasons.
- You don’t need to install the system. You can cut out a lot of the faff and make fresh drinking water within minutes of receiving the product.
- You don’t need any extra holes in your hull to use the watermaker.
- If you race your sailboat you can store the watermaker ashore to save on weight.
- It’s a great option for smaller sailboats as it can be moved to accommodate for extra guests.
- You can take it with you from boat to boat.
- You can share the watermaker and potentially the cost!
- You can use it for all your trips away from water supplies. Take it on road trips, fishing trips etc.
A portable sailboat watermaker might make a lot more sense for your needs, and it’s great to have the option to choose between the two. This watermaker comes with all the benefits of the Rainman installed version, so you can check out our Rainman review to help with your decision.
Conclusion for the best sailboat watermakers
If you’re in the market for a watermaker, we hope our review has helped you narrow down your choices. We believe that the best sailboat watermakers are those that are reliable, powerful enough for your needs, and easy to maintain. So if you’re looking for an efficient and durable watermaker, be sure to check out the options on this list.
If you’re looking for more liveaboard tips or want help with planning your move onto a boat then check out our ‘ How to run away to sea ‘ guidebook for everything you could possibly need to know about living on the ocean.
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Freshwater Systems
Clean fresh water is life’s number one necessity, so it’s imperative to always have the best quality of water on board. The quality of the components selected for the onboard fresh water system will determine how long the stored water remains safe and potable. VETUS uses sophisticated materials to make sure the water in the tanks remains fresh for a long time.
Why choose a VETUS f resh water system?
- Our water tanks are made of synthetic material, perfect for fresh water
- Our tanks can be cleaned easily because of the large inspection cover
- The tank wall thicknesses vary from 5-8mm
- We offer complete water pressure systems with integral pump and water pressure control
- Our electrical components are available for 12 and 24VDC systems
- Our systems are quick and easy to install
- Our tanks are available in a wide range of capacities
- Our tanks completely dispense with the corrosion problems associated with metal tanks
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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.
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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.
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Best Water Filter for Sailboats: Marine Systems
Modern developments have made marine water filters cheaper and more efficient than ever.
In this article, we'll cover five of the best water filtration systems for boats. We'll also explain the difference between the most common types of marine water filters and analyze the pros and cons of each to help you make the right choice.
The best reverse osmosis water filter systems for saltwater are the Seawater Pro Watermaker, the SeaXchange filter system, and the Pelikan 2-Stage RO water purification system. The best freshwater filters are the Aquasana 3-Stage Filter, the West Marine HighFlo filter, and the AquaBrick system for small boats.
Information in this article comes from marine filtration system manufacturers, owners of these filters, and the advice of marine filtration system installers.
Table of contents
Saltwater vs. Freshwater Filtration Systems
The type of filter you need depends a lot on the type of water you need to filter. For freshwater filtering (such as from a lake or onboard freshwater tank), a standalone inline filter will suffice. Special filters should be used if you intend to drink lake water, and some people recommend reverse osmosis for all water sources.
Reverse osmosis filter systems are required for filtering salt water into drinkable water. The process itself is called desalination, and reverse osmosis systems can do it effectively. Another way to convert saltwater into drinkable freshwater is through distillation, but this process only works efficiently at scale, and it's impractical for personal sailboats.
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is the most effective small marine water filtration system available today. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are compact and energy-efficient, and they have become quite affordable.
Reverse osmosis is essentially a pressurized filtration system with an extremely fine filter. The process forces dirty water to pass through a membrane which traps all particles (including salt) that aren't pure water. These systems are just as effective with saltwater as they are with fresh water, though they'll need to be cleaned more often when used in the ocean.
Should I Buy a Reverse Osmosis Filter for my Freshwater Boat?
You don't need a reverse osmosis system to make freshwater drinkable. Charcoal filters will usually do the trick, and many people are satisfied with them. Freshwater filters don't always require electricity, whereas reverse osmosis systems always require some source of power to produce the necessary pressure.
That said, reverse osmosis systems can produce large volumes of highly purified water, and they do a better job when combined with charcoal filters than charcoal systems alone. Additionally, reverse osmosis filters are the only kind of marine filters that can desalinate water on a small scale.
Best Reverse Osmosis Boat Water Filters
Reverse osmosis filters are the best water purifiers available for boats. These systems purify freshwater and desalinate saltwater, making them ideal for all environments. Here are three of the highest-rated RO filter systems on the market.
1. Seawater Pro Reverse Osmosis Desalinator and Watermaker
The best modular water filtration unit available for boats is the Seawater Pro three-membrane system . This all-in-one marine water purification machine is designed for medium-sized sailboats and powerboats.
This Seawater Pro system is a professional-level filtration plant that produces up to 50 gallons of clean drinkable water per hour directly from the ocean. It's designed to be installed in-line with existing plumbing, and it requires electricity to run.
Seawater Pro watermaker and desalination systems are available in 110v AC or 12v DC configurations, which means any boat with sufficient power can utilize one of these systems. Seawater Pro systems come in different sizes and configurations, and many can run off a standard 1600-watt electric generator.
If you're looking for a long-term watermarking solution for your boat, you can't go wrong with Seawater Pro. The system is compact and reliable, and owners are highly satisfied with the quality of water they're getting.
Key Features
- 50 gallons per hour
- 80 gallon-per-hour systems available
- 110v AC or 12v DC models available
- Stainless steel pressure regulators
- Food-grade pressure vessel
- Many parts are Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty
2. SeaXchange Watermaker XTC Series
SeaXchange produces one of the best self-contained marine water filtration systems on the market today. The SeaXchange III XTC series is their flagship watermaker and filter for boats, and it's available in multiple sizes.
For smaller boats, the SeaXchange XTC600 is ideal. It has a single membrane that can purify up to 25 gallons of water per hour. Larger boats can utilize the XTC200, which has an hourly purification capacity of 92 gallons.
The SeaXchange XTC is a reverse osmosis watermaker that functions much like the Seawater Pro unit. This system purifies water and desalinates saltwater using pressure and an ultrafine membrane.
The SeaXchange XTC series is modular, which means it includes all of the specialized components you need to convert seawater into drinkable fresh water; though professional installation is recommended, the modular design of this unit means you can get it up and running quickly without ordering any additional proprietary parts.
- Units available that produce between 25 and 92 gallons of fresh water per hour
- It's the only marine reverse osmosis system with mechanical redundancy
- 70 electronic control display
- Smartphone-compatible controls
- One-touch operation and automated controls
3. Pentair Pelican Six-Stage Filtration System
The Pentair Pelican is the most compact reverse-osmosis water filtration system on our list. And while it might not be the best option for desalination, it can easily purify freshwater from your tanks for drinking.
The Pelican six-stage water filter system is designed for as-needed water consumption, and it hooks up directly to a faucet. This unit uses a six-stage process to remove dissolved substances, sediment, foul tastes, and toxic chemicals. It also removes harmful contaminants such as parasites.
The process starts with reverse osmosis, which does the majority of the actual purifying. Next, water passes through a pre-filter, then to the specialized filter itself. After, water makes its way through an additional membrane to remove any remaining contaminants. The final steps in the process are polishing and mineral re-introduction for improved taste and health benefits.
The unit itself is designed for home use, but it can work just as well in the galley of a sailboat provided the pressure and power requirements are met. The Pelican Six-Stage reverse osmosis system is the most affordable of its kind on our list.
- 17.9 Gallons per day
- 40 to 80 PSI operating pressure
- Designed for use with a single faucet
- Reverse osmosis and filter combination
- Made in the USA
- 6 to 18-month filter life
Best Standard Filtration Systems for Boats
Now, let's move on to standard filtration systems. Standard filters don't desalinate, but they're much simpler and more affordable than reverse-osmosis systems.
Most marine water filters utilize activated charcoal as the primary purification medium. Activated charcoal removes chemical contaminants, foul smells, bad tastes, and most pathogens. This method of filtration is usually backed up by additional filters which remove larger particles such as tank sediment, plant matter, and dirt.
Many of these marine filtration systems are passive and use existing water pressure to operate. That means that they don't require any additional power, assuming the water is either pre-pressurized or drawn up from the tank with a hand-pumped spigot.
1. Aquasana Three-Stage Water Filter
The Aquasana Three-Stage water filtration system purifies freshwater using a unique combination of large particle and charcoal filters. The company claims that this compact filter system "reduces 15X more contaminants than the leading pitcher filter..." Also, the Aquasana system is passive and requires no additional power.
Aquasana's three-stage Claryum system relies on three separate inline filter canisters, which are easy to replace. Simply twist off the canisters, remove the cylindrical filters, and replace them. The filters have a combined service life of 600 gallons, though the company recommends replacing them every six months.
The first stage in the process is a large particle pre-filter. This filter removes dirt, rust, and other sediments that would cause your water to look murky. The second and third filters contain various kinds of charcoal, which are responsible for most of the true purification. A combination of activated charcoal, catalytic carbon, and ion-exchange material remove 99% of lead, 96% of PFOS/PFOA, pathogens, and 75 more harmful substances.
This filter has a relatively low 5 gallon per minute flow rate, though it's sufficient for most galley faucets. The kit comes complete with a faucet as well, which is available in three colors.
- Passive three-stage freshwater filter
- Meets NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401
- Six-month/600-gallon filter life
- 40-80 PSI operating range
2. West Marine HighFlo KDF Water Filter
West Marine offers an excellent water filter that's designed specifically for boats. The West Marine HighFlo filtration system is a compact single-canister freshwater filter designed to be an inline addition to your existing plumbing.
Over time, freshwater tanks on boats accumulate grime and sediment. Worse yet, boat tanks can harbor pathogens and leach toxic chemicals into your drinking water. Not to mention the fact that, more often than not, marina water isn't the cleanest or best-tasting either.
The West Marine HighFlo KDF filter mitigates these issues without any additional electricity. This-filter has a capacity of five gallons 5 gallons per minute, which is about twice the flow rate of many similar products. The filter contains activated charcoal, which traps bacteria, dirt, and toxins such as lead and chromium.
The filter itself is easy to install and maintain, as filter replacements should only occur seasonally. The filter itself also removes chlorine, which could be leftover from tank cleaning. This filter is highly affordable, and replacement filters are readily available through West Marine,
- 2.5 to 5 GPM flow rate
- The charcoal filter removes particles 5 microns and larger
- One-season filter lifespan
- Non-electric
- Inline installation
3. Aquabrick Portable Water Filtration System
The Aquabrick water filtration system is an excellent option for small boats based on freshwater. This system is designed for survival use, but it can also serve as a water storage and purification system for your boat. It’s compact and pressurized, allowing you to enjoy strong water flow. With a bit of engineering, you can connect it directly to a faucet in your boat.
The Aquabrick consists of a tank, a hand pump, a filter, and a spigot attached to a line. By pressurizing the tank with the hand pump, you force water through the DuraFlow filter and into the spigot on the end of the line. The tank itself stores three gallons of water, and the filter is good for up to 700 gallons overall.
According to the manufacturer, the Aquabrick DuraFlow filter “removes 99.99999% of all bacteria…” along with 99.99% of viruses. Additionally, the filter removes chemicals such as chlorine and heavy metals such as lead and chromium. That means that virtually any lake or river water will be safe to drink and cook with after passing through the filter.
- Portable charcoal filter system
- 3 gallon tank
- Hand-pressurized
- 700-gallon filter life
- Purifies any freshwater source of chemicals and pathogens
Related Articles
Daniel Wade
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.
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Pressurized water systems make life aboard more comfortable by providing water "on tap" for dishwashing, showers and other applications. The complexity of installing and maintaining one depends on the number of outlets and accessories you choose. The Whale Water System is a user-friendly system for the do-it-yourself boat owner.
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.
Flushing the system. Commissioning your boat's freshwater system consists primarily of making sure it is purged of any antifreeze that was introduced when it was decommissioned. Start with the water tank. Open the inspection port and pump or sponge away any puddles of antifreeze that may be present below the freshwater pickup.
The best sailboat watermakers for liveaboards. The Rainman naked 12V watermaker is a great option for anyone looking for a compact, efficient way to produce fresh water. The unit is simple to set up and use, and it produces up to 30 litres of fresh water per hour for a smaller unit, or up to 140 litres per hour for a larger one.
West Marine offers water heaters with capacities that range from 3-20 gallons. Most marine water heaters have a heating element that operates on AC power supplied from a dock. Some also include a heat exchanger that uses hot water from a boat engine's cooling system to heat water when underway. To learn more about freshwater system components ...
Our tanks can be cleaned easily because of the large inspection cover. We offer complete water pressure systems with integral pump and water pressure control. Our electrical components are available for 12 and 24VDC systems. Our tanks are available in a wide range of capacities. Our tanks completely dispense with the corrosion problems ...
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.
Here are three of the highest-rated RO filter systems on the market. 1. Seawater Pro Reverse Osmosis Desalinator and Watermaker. The best modular water filtration unit available for boats is the Seawater Pro three-membrane system. This all-in-one marine water purification machine is designed for medium-sized sailboats and powerboats.
The Ultra Whisper. The Ultra Whisper by Sea Recovery is best for small boats and sailboats, this super low power machine is specifically engineered for boaters with limited electrical options and can run on either AC or DC power, boasting a 75% reduction in power consumption over other models. It's also very quiet (hence its name)so it won ...
Looking for recs on a new freshwater pump . 40 foot sailboat carrying 100 gals freshwater; freshwater shower and toilet flush. 14 gallon hot water tank with T-5 Expansion tank ... I don't have an accumulator and I have all PEX tubing in my fresh water system and I have never had a pulse issue. 09-01-2024, 13:07 #14: SV Confianza ...