Watermaker

[tonytrakovich]

Well, I ended up buying a HP 4.2 gpm pump and 3 pre plumbed pressure vessels and membranes from Cruise RO. Rich was nice and gave me a lot of advice. I am going to install with existing Sea Recovery system and see if it works. If not, in the short term, I will make it manual system. I can add an automatic fresh water flush on a timer. Later I am thinking of programming a plc with a touch screen to make it automatic. I have the parts at work and an expert programmer at work. Should be a fun project.

Boat just arrived Bahamas today. I fly into meet it tomorrow.

 

[tonytrakovich]

Well.... Watermaker did not work for Bahamas. I spent $1700 on water. Did not have all parts to get it going. I decided, rather than trying to get the automatic Sea Recovery system going, I would build my own control panel. Even if it fires up, I don't want to rely on a 20 year old auto system. My panel is manual with a few automatic safety switches. One for low water pressure to high pressure pump and one that checks TDS and turns off product water valve to tanks. I did leave room on the enclosure for a PLC, in case I ever want to make it fully auto. I will have the capacity to make 1800 gal per day. The cost will be less than half of the popular brands. I will post pics as I go and tally cost at the end of project for those that are interested. After I test unit, and I am sure everything works, I will share my wiring diagram also.

I probably will have some old Sea Recovery boards available. I will post what I have when done

 

[tonytrakovich]

I have everything installed and the control circuit tested. The seawater pump was locked up so I am getting a new one. Should be able to make water the next time I get to Florida.

 

[tonytrakovich]

Couple more.

 

[tonytrakovich]

Couple more pics. Made a pickling bucket.Used my spare AC raw water pump for a supply pump. Will Probably change this.High Pressure Pump.

 

[Dan Mapes]

If that is a high pressure water line (blue with dangling clamp) that has the loop and is resting on the wall/panel/whatever directly, I'd ensure it was padded and isolated.
I have experienced wear in the cover where ever the HP hose touches something that is not adequately cushioned.

 

[tonytrakovich]

Thanks Dan. I reused the old HP hoses for testing. I will replace with new HP hoses of the proper length and fittings. I am thinking of using foam pipe insulation around the hose and properly clamp. The blue hose rests that rests on that piece of plywood make for a nice noisemaker now!

 

[Dan Mapes]

I have also found that rubber bushings under the brackets that mount the high pressure membranes' rack makes a huge difference in the sound transmitted into the boat.
I am certain that a 1 inch bushing like those under the AC compressor pans, in between the rack railes and the wall, will yield a substantial reduction in noise throughout the boat.