Choosing a watermaker for your yacht
February 26, 2025
The best watermaker is the one that fits your boat, your power budget, and your actual daily water use. Bigger isn't always better — an oversized system that rarely runs is more prone to fouling than a right-sized one that runs daily.
Capacity
Estimate real daily use (drinking, showers, washdowns, ice) and size the system to cover a day in 2–4 hours of runtime. That gives margin without oversizing.
Power
AC systems are simpler and cheaper up front but tie you to the genset. DC-driven energy-recovery systems (Spectra Clark Pump, Danfoss APP-based) are lower draw and better for sailboats and long-passage cruisers.
Brand and serviceability
On the US west coast, Sea Recovery, Spectra, FCI, and Village Marine parts are all reasonably available. Consider which brand your yard or local specialist actually works on regularly.