Here we go—still on the hard in Port Saint Louis du Rhône. Just in time, the package from Germany arrived with the watermaker, a reverse osmosis desalinator. This is my first project with Nike, and I want to have it installed before we splash so we can produce our own drinking water whenever we need it.
Choosing the Right Watermaker
Over the years, I did quite a bit of research and explored the available options. The idea of building a watermaker from scratch was tempting—the price difference is extreme. Plus, knowing how everything works and what to replace when things inevitably break is invaluable on a boat.
But in the end, I didn’t dare to build one myself. I had never actually seen a DIY system in action and wasn’t entirely sure how it should function. The Octopus watermaker seemed like a solid compromise: mostly pre-assembled but still designed in a way that allows easy repairs and replacements.
Installation and Setup
I ended up distributing the system across the boat. The seawater intake is all the way at the front. From there, I ran the tubing through the bilge, installing the pre-pre-filter and boost pump at the lowest point, below the waterline. Then, I routed the water to the portside cockpit locker, where I installed the main pre-filter, the reverse osmosis membrane, and the pressure pump.
The pressure pump, in particular, was a learning curve. It takes on a lot of load, isn’t designed for saltwater, and isn’t meant for continuous use. It requires some special care to keep it running for a while. But now, after the process of installing and fine-tuning everything, I feel much more confident. If I had to build another watermaker, I think I could—at least if I were in a place with easy access to parts and reliable suppliers. If not, I’d still opt for a pre-assembled system like Octopus.
The Next Challenge: Power
Now, the biggest limitation—especially in winter—isn’t access to freshwater, but having enough electricity to run the watermaker regularly.
So I guess I already know what my next project will be.
Take care and all the best, Floh
A Special Deal for You
If you’re reading this and considering installing a watermaker yourself, we’ve got something for you! We negotiated a special deal with Octopus Watermaker—just mention: “UTL100″ when ordering.
The best way to get in touch is by filling out the contact form on www.octopuswatermaker.de or sending an email directly to Udo, the owner. Happy water-making!