Our Watermakers: An Overview

How does a watermaker work?
It begins with the concept of reverse osmosis. Reverse Osmosis is the process of converting sea water (salt water) into fresh water. The salt water is pressurized and run across a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows water molecules to pass though it while acting as a barrier to dissolved solids. The contaminants are washed away by the brine mixture passing over the membrane. As a result, pure water comparable to rain water is produced.
The components used to make up our reverse osmosis desalination unit (also known as a watermaker), are modular by design. This allows you to make the best use of any unused space aboard. That means our watermakers are a viable option for vessels of all sizes.
The ability to make fresh water at any time eliminates the need to store large quantities of water and to travel back to port to collect water. Moreover, it becomes unnecessary to minimize usage during long passages. It will also reduce the weight of the vessel, which affects its safety and the speed in which it can travel. You may wish to convert some of those water tanks into fuel tanks to increase your range. Best of all, you can rest easy knowing that the water you and your crew are drinking is the freshest, purest water available to you. There is no more need to settle for water from questionable sources.
Our components are non-proprietary and are usually available worldwide. You won’t be tied to your watermaker manufacturer for custom-made and expensive components. This is a very important feature to vessels operating internationally.
Open Ocean Watermakers are reliable because they are simple. There are no flashing lights, probes, or controls. You are in charge at all times. We believe the potential pitfalls for automating the simple process of water making far outweigh the benefits.
How much water do you need?
Simply put: the more the better! Open Ocean Watermakers start at 80 litres per hour with one membrane; this expands to 160 litres per hour with two membranes, and 240 litres per hour with 3 membranes. Our high pressure pump supports 1, 2, or 3 membranes. If you start with 80 litres and decide you require more, you simply need to add another membrane.
What do you need all that water for?
Drinking - This is self-explanatory. Put your mind at ease knowing that the water you are drinking is pure and clean. You may sometimes find that if there is water is available in remote locations, the quality of that water may questionable for drinking.
Showers - Swimming in salt water is wonderful, however, it is not so wonderful when left on your skin after swimming. A fresh water rinse after every swim will keep your skin clear of irritations caused by salt water.
Washing down gear - Extend the life of all your gear by having enough fresh water to rinse all your equipment after a passage, a day of fishing, or post-diving. A fresh water wash-down will also keep gear in good working condition.
Eliminates the need for large water tanks aboard - A person needs/uses the same amount of water on a small boat as on a large boat. However, the ability to make water at any time means you will need to carry less water.
Flush Options
Open Ocean watermakers all have a manual flushing system: that is the standard. This system has proven fool proof as it cuts costs and increases reliability. We recommend flushing after each use. If you believe an automatic flush system would better suit your needs, it is available as an option. That alternative is good when you have to leave your vessel for extended periods of time.
Installation
Open Ocean watermakers come with a complete Installation and Operation Manual. As with the installation of any piece of equipment, it is in your best interest to read the manual in its entirety before starting. The installation can be completed by any competent yacht/launch service or a handy individual. Open Ocean Ltd will assist you in any way possible to ensure a practical and satisfactory outcome. Connection to the vessel’s electrical system must be performed by an appropriately qualified electrician.
Electric models are the simplest to install as the high pressure pump is plugged in single phase. The modular design of the rest of the components allow it to be fit anywhere in the boat where space and convenience dictate.
Engine driven models require a bracket to be made to mount the high pressure pump to your engine. The rest of the components, as with the Electric model, can be taken care of by any competent DIY person or systems installer.
Warranty: Open Ocean Ltd provides a 5 year warranty on its manufactured parts. All other components are covered under the original manufacturer's warranty.
It begins with the concept of reverse osmosis. Reverse Osmosis is the process of converting sea water (salt water) into fresh water. The salt water is pressurized and run across a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows water molecules to pass though it while acting as a barrier to dissolved solids. The contaminants are washed away by the brine mixture passing over the membrane. As a result, pure water comparable to rain water is produced.
The components used to make up our reverse osmosis desalination unit (also known as a watermaker), are modular by design. This allows you to make the best use of any unused space aboard. That means our watermakers are a viable option for vessels of all sizes.
The ability to make fresh water at any time eliminates the need to store large quantities of water and to travel back to port to collect water. Moreover, it becomes unnecessary to minimize usage during long passages. It will also reduce the weight of the vessel, which affects its safety and the speed in which it can travel. You may wish to convert some of those water tanks into fuel tanks to increase your range. Best of all, you can rest easy knowing that the water you and your crew are drinking is the freshest, purest water available to you. There is no more need to settle for water from questionable sources.
Our components are non-proprietary and are usually available worldwide. You won’t be tied to your watermaker manufacturer for custom-made and expensive components. This is a very important feature to vessels operating internationally.
Open Ocean Watermakers are reliable because they are simple. There are no flashing lights, probes, or controls. You are in charge at all times. We believe the potential pitfalls for automating the simple process of water making far outweigh the benefits.
How much water do you need?
Simply put: the more the better! Open Ocean Watermakers start at 80 litres per hour with one membrane; this expands to 160 litres per hour with two membranes, and 240 litres per hour with 3 membranes. Our high pressure pump supports 1, 2, or 3 membranes. If you start with 80 litres and decide you require more, you simply need to add another membrane.
What do you need all that water for?
Drinking - This is self-explanatory. Put your mind at ease knowing that the water you are drinking is pure and clean. You may sometimes find that if there is water is available in remote locations, the quality of that water may questionable for drinking.
Showers - Swimming in salt water is wonderful, however, it is not so wonderful when left on your skin after swimming. A fresh water rinse after every swim will keep your skin clear of irritations caused by salt water.
Washing down gear - Extend the life of all your gear by having enough fresh water to rinse all your equipment after a passage, a day of fishing, or post-diving. A fresh water wash-down will also keep gear in good working condition.
Eliminates the need for large water tanks aboard - A person needs/uses the same amount of water on a small boat as on a large boat. However, the ability to make water at any time means you will need to carry less water.
Flush Options
Open Ocean watermakers all have a manual flushing system: that is the standard. This system has proven fool proof as it cuts costs and increases reliability. We recommend flushing after each use. If you believe an automatic flush system would better suit your needs, it is available as an option. That alternative is good when you have to leave your vessel for extended periods of time.
Installation
Open Ocean watermakers come with a complete Installation and Operation Manual. As with the installation of any piece of equipment, it is in your best interest to read the manual in its entirety before starting. The installation can be completed by any competent yacht/launch service or a handy individual. Open Ocean Ltd will assist you in any way possible to ensure a practical and satisfactory outcome. Connection to the vessel’s electrical system must be performed by an appropriately qualified electrician.
Electric models are the simplest to install as the high pressure pump is plugged in single phase. The modular design of the rest of the components allow it to be fit anywhere in the boat where space and convenience dictate.
Engine driven models require a bracket to be made to mount the high pressure pump to your engine. The rest of the components, as with the Electric model, can be taken care of by any competent DIY person or systems installer.
Warranty: Open Ocean Ltd provides a 5 year warranty on its manufactured parts. All other components are covered under the original manufacturer's warranty.