Let us make a list of the reasons you may find yourself becoming a marine watermaker owner. If these reasons don’t convince you of the importance of having such a system, you’re probably only traveling alone or can go days upon days without fresh drinking and sanitized water – which is impossible so read on!
Reason #1: First you may be out at sea for weeks or months on end and nipping into a marina is not an option. For starters there will always be a cost to doing this and secondly there’s no use filling up jugs or bottles of water for your trip as that won’t suffice for taking care of basic human hygiene.
Reason #2: Once you leave the mainland the quality of water on islands or developing countries is NOT at the same standard of quality in developed countries. Who really knows what’s in it or if it’s properly sanitized? Nothing can ruin a family or romantic cruise like the sicknesses that can be caused by unwanted bacteria from poor water quality.
Reason #3: It’s not unusual that marinas, especially in the Bahamas, are either low or out of water completely as it has to be shipped in from Andros. Many other island chains suffer the same situation so chances are if you run out of water around those parts, you’ve also run out of luck!
Reason #4: Not only is the quality of water questionable in many of these parts of the world but it can also be very expensive. Many cruisers have complained it costs more to fill up with water than with engine fuel. That’s a definite financial conundrum.
Reason #5: It can take weeks to months to get to a special island or marine park where fresh water is available depending on where you are in the world. These often-isolated locations (that’s why they are still pristine) may have limited supplies of water so your stay is restricted to only a few days and not weeks.
Reason #6: Many of your vessel’s features like the canvas, stainless steel, rigging and other key equipment or components designed to make cruising more comfortable are very susceptible to the damaging effects of salt and sun. After a salt water rinse it is considered quite wise to follow up with a fresh water rinse on order to ensure 100% of the salt in these key areas has been washed away completely. If not you can expect serious corrosion over the years to come.
Reason #7: You like the admiral (the wife/girlfriend) don’t you? Well try letting her know that she cannot shower her body or wash her face in clean fresh water for the length of the cruise. See how far that will get the boat. We all know how unpleasant it is to climb in a berth that’s filled with sand and salt. A fresh watermaker takes away this problem and all the problems associated with it, quite quickly. Just ask the Admiral.
Reason #8. There are three and only three essentials to life when you’re cruising; shelter (the boat), fresh water (preferably a high powered one) and your food – is that what the rod and spear gun are for? Water is hence, a priceless necessity.
Reason #9: There are many times when you need water and the only source is an undesirable port or part of town. Without a watermaker on board you are forced to either go into town yourself or have a local fellow do it for you. Imagine that? Not only is the source of the water you’ll get quite questionable, but drinking it could kill you or get you very sick.
Reason #10. From time to time you will have guests aboard your boat, this is a given. Ask yourself; what are they going drink and shower in? What if they become sick and need fluids? Even in the most popular cruising venues, local medical care is NOT always immediately accessible and usually not up to our standards and fees, so it can end up being extremely expensive. Expensive from a health point of view and of course your pocketbook.
The point is, the ability to make clean, fresh healthy water is as much about security as it is about convenience. A dependable and affordable water maker system is a logical and very worthwhile addition to your vessel’s systems and an investment you’ll never regret getting into; guaranteed.
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