watson1987
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2021
- Messages
- 428
- Fluid Motion Model
- R-31 S
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT3119L718
- Vessel Name
- Clifford
- MMSI Number
- 368265640
Following another member's lead, I decide to see about installing a watermaker myself on Clifford. I was able to find a used Katadyn PowerSurvivor Clark pressure pump for $700 online. The pump is a PowerSurvivor 80E, which produces 80gpd, or about 3.5gph @ 12V-8amps. The pump was bare and didn't include any of the other parts. The goal was to stay under $2000 for the whole build, which I think I'll mostly hit, but the odds and ends of dozens of fittings and filter brackets does add up. Eventually, I also plan to try to build and program a small controller to handle auto-flushing.
I realized the benefit of being forced to purchase my own pressure vessel (seen in the photo, the white AMI tube) is that I can buy standard size membranes, and not be forced into the proprietary size (i.e. overpriced) that Katadyn/Spectra machines typically have. In addition, folks online who have also done similar conversions say they actually get more water output.
The work this weekend involved finalizing the layout of the system, and getting the main filter housing and pump installed. The location is under the cockpit seat where the generator would be installed on the luxury models.
I'll update this post as I go. Happy to answer any questions folks might have. Next weekend I should start running some of the tubing, assuming my parts come in.
P.S. I just had the boat detailed, which is why my engine bay is covered in white specs from all the wax, that I have not washed down yet.
I realized the benefit of being forced to purchase my own pressure vessel (seen in the photo, the white AMI tube) is that I can buy standard size membranes, and not be forced into the proprietary size (i.e. overpriced) that Katadyn/Spectra machines typically have. In addition, folks online who have also done similar conversions say they actually get more water output.
The work this weekend involved finalizing the layout of the system, and getting the main filter housing and pump installed. The location is under the cockpit seat where the generator would be installed on the luxury models.
I'll update this post as I go. Happy to answer any questions folks might have. Next weekend I should start running some of the tubing, assuming my parts come in.
P.S. I just had the boat detailed, which is why my engine bay is covered in white specs from all the wax, that I have not washed down yet.
