Making Water with the Cruise RO Watermaker

How to generate water on Makai using the CruiseRO Watermaker system

Making water is something we do while living aboard every few days. It can be intimidating at first, but once you master the process you get to enjoy having longer showers :)

Tip #1 - Manage your power

The watermaker requires about 1200W to operate, which will deplete the batteries very quickly. The watermaker makes 0.5 Gallons per minute - or 30 gallons per hour. If you make 60 gallons - or 2 hours of running time, you have used 2400W.

We have 4 330 amp hour 12 volt batteries on board:

4 x 330 amp x 12 volt = 15,840 Watts

2400W (2 hours) / 15,840 = 15% of the battery - so if you start at 100, you would be at 85%

The battery bank is most healthy between 60 and 80% and dropping below 60% not only limits battery longevity, but takes a long time to charge back up!

Not using batteries - using Generator or Shorepower? Well, thats another story! Use 3000W total and run the hot water at the same time, or let the battery charger catch up on charging!

Tip #2 - Plan on 2 hours+ and stay onboard

It is very important to ensure the power remains steady and nothing shuts off the watermaker while in progress - and you are monitoring the batteries. Always stay onboard while making water. It is a good time to run the engines or generator to make power and catch up while everything is noisy anyway.

"Every 3-4 days, make 2 hours of water - that keeps the watermaker and family happy!"

Tip #3 - Follow the instructions!

Carefully follow instructions. Concequences for causing problems to the membranes are high as they have to be special ordered and the install process takes a full day. It is a giant pain in the ass and costly to hire someone to do it - if you can find anyone - many technicians will refuse to work on watermakers.

Tip #4 - Don't make water if the harbour is oily or gross

If you are in a marina where there is oil or fuel in the water, do not run the watermaker. It can damage the system!

Enjoy making really awesome water from the sea!

Making high quality water from the ocean feels rather special. It may not have as many minerals so add some of your favorite electrolytes etc.