Watermaker for R31

[Joseph]

I am new to this forum, having just ordered a R31S. Forgive me if this topic has been covered, but my search turned up little. We will be shifting our cruising from a 42' sailing catamaran (13 years), to the R31S, and look forward to exploring new areas. In the ordering process, I quickly learned that Ranger Tugs does not customize, so it will be up to me to install certain amenities. Item #1 will be a water maker. Our preference is for remote anchorages, and 60 gal of potable water will just not suffice. Has anyone installed a watermaker on a R31? I've been well satisfied with our modular Katadyn 160 (12 years on one membrane, with proper treatment before storage) but they are no longer in production. I am looking at the portable Rain Man. https://www.rainmanusa.com/gclid=EAIaIQ ... gJXhPD_BwE and wonder if anyone has experience with this product. Any input will be appreciated, save for telling my First Mate to use less water. 😉

 

[knotflying]

Just a thought. When I bought my boat new I converted the holding tank for fresh water use and installed an airhead toilet. Never had a water shortage. I killed two birds with one stone. No head issues or pump outs and another 35 gallons of potable water.

 

[SJI Sailor]

I would distinguish between needing to get good water vs. needing to convert saltwater to fresh water. For remote areas with questionable water, a hiker purifier would be much easier. Use that to make drinking water, and not worry about cooking or head water. I've often used those in foreign countries and not had any problems or apparent illness.

For my 0.02, I would get a watermaker only if I planned to be somewhere with zero shore water available for perhaps 2 weeks or more. Less than 2 weeks, or at least 10 days, I think 60 gallons -- plus carrying some extra for drinking, such as a few 2.5 gallon drinking water cubes from the grocery store -- would seem manageable. Reduce cooking and cleanup needs with menu planning and recycled paper plates, maybe. YMMV!

 

[ALICE J]

Hi SJI, I have a Ranger27 2011. I installed a Cruise RO modular RO system out of California. I chose a modular system so I can put various components in out-of-the-way spaces ,a single unit, does not have a space for the entire RO system in one location. I chose a 20 gallon an hour system that runs off my 110 V generator. I enjoy nice hot showers frequently on the back deck keeps the shower clean and I stay clean. I would probably go for a 30 gallon an hour which requires two membranes and it would reduce the filling time of my tank. Cruise RO has good service and you talk to the owne, Rich Bourne if you have any issues and he will patiently will explain how to correct any problems ,they also have several good videos that explain the RO system in good detail,

 

[Joseph]

Just a thought. When I bought my boat new I converted the holding tank for fresh water use and installed an airhead toilet. Never had a water shortage. I killed two birds with one stone. No head issues or pump outs and another 35 gallons of potable water.

Very creative!

 

[Joseph]

Knotflying,
I really like your solution. Perfect for eliminating pumpouts and occasional overland travel. Ranger won’t omit the two heads on our new boat, but they should resell. I can see a small clothing cabinet in place of the ‘day head’. I’d appreciate any details you might share regarding the installation.

 

[knotflying]

A rather easy installation. The hardest part may be the exhaust and making sure it will fit. I had an R-27 so I can't tell you about an install on a 31. Anyone that I know that has installed it has been extremely satisfied. Here is a link to Airhead.
https://airheadtoilet.com/ When I did my initial research I could not find anyone with issues. Definitely a consideration.