Watermakers
1. Why do I need a Reverse Osmosis Desalinator (watermaker)?
An on board Reverse Osmosis Desalinator (watermaker) is economical and saves the boat owner money in many respects.
Boat wash downs with demineralized water leaves no spots, requiring no laborious drying time and protects rigging and hull. It saves thousands of dollars in rigging and hundreds of hours in labor.
No more buying water, no more trip diversions to buy water, and no more bacterial and virus attacks.
Water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon. Storing minimal amounts of water and being able to make more as needed each day reduces the weight and draft of the boat, which saves fuel and allows more space for storage or fuel tanks to take longer voyages.
With a Reverse Osmosis Desalinator (watermaker) on board, you will use fresh water for more things and will not have to conserve while enjoying your voyage much more with safety.
You will have peace of mind, all the while saving time and money.
2. What capacity system is right for my boat? Why do I need so much water?
The typical reverse osmosis desalinator is generally operated for part of the day, perhaps 4 to 6 hours. In that 4 to 6 hours, the water used must be made by the R.O. System. Determine what the pure water can be used for and the daily amount required for: Washing Machine; Drinking; Showers; Ice; Boat Wash down (softened water and leaves no spots); Dish Washer. Divide the total gallon usage by the amount of hours the watermaker will be used. The resulting number is the Gallon Per Hour rating of the required watermaker. ie: 150 gallons used per day divided by 5 hours operation would require a 30 gallon per hour system, or a 720 gallon per day system.
Marine watermakers range from 7 to 263 gallons per hour of operation (170 to 6,300 gallons per day). Commercial watermakers range up to 50,000 gallons per day.
3. Are there system differences?
Yes, the Seafari Series is the work horse conventional desalinator designed for frequent use in the typical Pleasure Craft from 40 to 100 ft. The Seafari Escape Series recovers energy and is designed for the smaller boat under 40 feet and the boats without an A.C. Generator. The Horizon Coral Sea Series are commercial rated for Mega Yachts and commercial boats.
4. Are water makers noisy?
The Seafari is 10 dB quieter than other brand watermakers.
The Seafari Escape emits an unnoticeable hum.
5. Can I operate a system in Brackish Water?
Yes. Brackish water will not harm the Reverse Osmosis Membrane Element or System. The Seafari Escape will automatically adjust its pressure to operate in Brackish Water feed sources and produce the correct amount of product water. The Seafari’s pressure can be manually adjusted to allow normal operation in Brackish Water feed sources. The resulting product water will be of very high quality.
6. How do I flush (store) the Watermaker?
Fresh water is required to “flush” or “store” the watermaker. This is done automatically with the optional Fresh Water Flush, which protects the Reverse Osmosis Membrane and system.
7. Do watermakers take up much space?
We manufacture some of the smallest and most compact watermakers available.
Refer to brochure specifications.
8. Are watermakers expensive?
A water maker is inexpensive considering the money and time saved in boat maintenance and rigging replacement if the water is used to clean the boat.
Our watermakers are competitively priced; please see our price sheet.
Ask your local dealer for a quote including installation.
9. What is the life expectancy of the watermaker?
The life expectancy is 20 years with proper maintenance and can last the yacht's lifetime.
10. What are the Power Consumption, Amperage Draw, and Power & Voltage requirements?
The Seafari Escape is an Energy Recovery Reverse Osmosis Desalinator that draws about one ampere per gallon of water produced. The Seafari Escape is ideal for the smaller boat with no on-board AC generator.
Each Series varies and are as efficient as possible. Refer to our brochure for specifications.
The Soft Motor Starter option reduces A.C. starting load by 50% allowing for lower kw generators.
Watermakers are available in any voltage configuration and power limitation.
Generator Size (AC Systems) and Battery Bank (DC Systems) requirements vary depending on Model. Refer to brochure for specifications.
11. Is there an Automatic Shut Off with Full Water Tank or after a set time?
Yes. A Tank Level Switch can be installed to automatically shut the system off.
The Horizon Coral Sea System can also be programmed to shut down at a given point.
12. Can the System be remotely operated?
Yes. An optional Remote is available for one touch automatic operation from any location on the boat.
13. Can I operate the System in a Marina or Harbor?
Yes. A conventional Reverse Osmosis Desalinator, such as the Seafari, can be operated in Marina or Harbor waters when equipped with an Oil Water Separator, which removes oil from the feed water; and with an Ultra Violet Sterilizer, which sterilizes the product water.
14. How long does it take to make fresh water?
You will have fresh water within just a few moments of start up, almost immediately.
15. How does R.O. work, and how does the ETD work?
The R.O. Membrane rejects the salt and allows the potable water to pass through. Visit our web site for more detailed information.
The Energy Transfer Device (ETD) in the Seafari Escape Series recovers energy from the pressurized brine water and transfers that energy to the pressure chamber within the ETD.
Refer to the diagram in our brochure.
16. What material is the Pump manufactured with?
The HP Pump is manufactured of 316L Stainless Steel, Hastalloy, Duplex or higher depending on Series and Model. All are very compatible with seawater in Reverse Osmosis Desalinators.
17. Are all R.O. Membranes alike?
No. Horizon Reverse Osmosis’ R.O. Membrane Elements are manufactured exclusively by Dow Chemical (Filmtec) to more demanding requirements and higher specifications.
Our membranes are Industrial Grade with High Flux (more water per square feet of membrane) and High Rejection (for higher product water quality).
Our membranes produce more water in a shorter package for ease and greater versatility in installation.
18. Can you drink the water, and if so what does the water taste like?
Yes, it’s delicious, low in minerals, softened, cool, oxygenated, very tasty, and sweet.
19. Can I use the water for my Batteries?
No. Battery water requires distilled (0 PPM) water. Reverse Osmosis product water does contain small amounts of minerals, perfect for drinking and wash downs, not acceptable in a battery.
20. Must I have a Genset to use a water maker?
No. We have 12 & 24 VDC Systems available, as well as A.C. Systems that do require a generator.
Accessories
1. Fresh Water Flush, how does it work?
A FWF runs automatically when the watermaker is stopped, it automatically re-flushes every 7 days.
The FWF uses the ship's on-board water system to supply fresh water through the FWF, Carbon Filter, which removes any chlorine, and then flushes the watermaker.
2. Ultra Violet Sterilizer (UV) do I need it?
Yes. A UV is recommended if the feed water (intake) is from a harbor or polluted source.
The R.O. Membrane rejects bacteria and virus, yet should biological migration occur across the membrane then the U.V. Sterilizer will destroy 99.9 % of any biological intrusion into the product water.
3. What options does Horizon Reverse Osmosis recommend?
Automatic Fresh Water Flush protects the entire system and R.O. Membrane.
Other options depend upon available space, as well as operating conditions and locations. Refer to our web site or our brochure for specific information.
4. Is the booster pump self-priming and what size is it?
No. Although the High Pressure Pump assists initial water draw, the Booster Pump should be mounted below water level for best performance.
Our Booster Pumps are sized for maximum allowable pressure in order to gain maximum prefilter element life. This saves time and money for the owner.
5. Do I need a Plankton Filter or a Multi Media Filter?
Both filters achieve the same results in prolonging the life of the prefilter elements. The Multi Media Filter provides longer intervals between maintenance.
Either are highly recommended for harbor or shallow water operation, as well as fishing grounds and areas such as the Pacific North West where plankton levels are high.
Installation
1. What are the Installation requirements?
A dedicated Thru-Hull Inlet fitting and a Sea Cock Valve.
An over board Thru-Hull Discharge fitting.
A Product Water Tank Fill line connection.
An Electrical Circuit Breaker and Electrical Wiring.
2. Where on the boat can it be installed?
Anywhere. The typical choice is the engine room, but lazeretts, closets, under settees, or any other available space is acceptable.
3. What size thru-hull is required?
From ½” to 1” depending on the watermaker.
4. Can I have an above water line installation?
Yes. The watermaker may be above water level, however the Booster Pump (supplied with the watermaker) should be below water line.
5. Is a self (owner) installation recommended?
Installing the necessary thru-hull fittings and electrical service should be performed by qualified and experienced technicians. Installation of the watermaker itself requires basic mechanical experience and may be performed by the user. Our comprehensive Owners Manual takes the installer through the process step-by-step.
Maintenance
1. Are Pre or Post Treatment Chemicals and Options required?
Pre or post treatment chemicals are NOT required for the seawater marine systems.
Pre and Post Filtration options are available such as Oil Water Separators and Ultra Violet Sterilizers for use in dirty harbors.
2. What are the Maintenance or Service requirements?
Maintenance and service are easy and inexpensive: pre-filter cleaning or changing, 500 hour oil changes, and 2000 hour seal maintenance.
Step-by-Step Maintenance and Service are explained in the Owners Manual.
3. What are the Maintenance costs?
When a system is regularly used, it averages less than ½ penny per gallon of water produced and can vary depending on the condition of the feed water.
4. What are the Filter Changing & Cleaning requirement?
Pre-filter cleaning or changing frequency depends on the clarity of the feed water and is required when the system automatically shuts off at 6 psi inlet pressure.
5. How often is changing and cleaning an R.O. Membrane Element required?
Reverse Osmosis Membrane cleaning is recommended as needed, on the average once every 2 years. R.O. Membranes last an average of 5 years.
The FWF extends pre-filter and R.O. Membrane life.
6. What do I need to know about Storing, Winterizing (protection from freezing), and Pickling?
Protection is required against freezing temperatures with food grade Propylene Glycol added to the Feed Water.
The Automatic Fresh Water Flush eliminates the Pickling requirement.
Without the Automatic Fresh Water Flush, Pickling should be performed if the watermaker is not used for several months and will last up to a year.
7. Where can I purchase Spare Parts?
Spares are available from our 200+ dealers around the world. Factory direct parts are shipped the same day ordered.
8. Are maintenance kits available?
Yes. Planned Maintenance Kits are available from any of our 200+ dealers throughout the world to ensure continual trouble-free operation.
9. Are Prefilter Elements special & cleanable?
Yes. The prefilter elements are special material and specific micron rating.
Yes. The prefilter elements are cleanable several times prior to replacement.
Use only prefilter elements supplied by the R.O. System manufacturer.
Swimming pool filter elements and home under sink type filter elements are made from the wrong material and will fall apart in seawater, are large (loose) micron rating, and will cause fouling of and damage to the R.O. Membrane Element.
Why Choose Horizon Reverse Osmosis?
Horizon Reverse Osmosis have been in business for 30 years and have been the undisputed leader for all 30 years with the largest global market share.
Our entire product line is type certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) assuring our customers of the highest level of quality and design.
Safety features include: High pressure and low-pressure safety shutdown; Fail Safe Product Water Diversion Valve; Temperature compensated Salinity Probe; Industry Mechanical & Electrical Standards.
Horizon Reverse Osmosis has world-wide factory trained network for sales, service, and parts.
Dedicated and knowledgeable support team are committed to total customer satisfaction.
Horizon Reverse Osmosis has over 200+ Sales and Service Dealers throughout the World.
Horizon Reverse Osmosis is the number one choice among leading boat builders worldwide.
Comprehensive Owners Manual is second to none in the industry and available on CD ROM.
Horizon Reverse Osmosis has large reverse osmosis system and parts Inventory for immediate delivery.
One-year limited warranty on the watermaker with 5 years on the HP Pump manifold and Pressure Vessels are available.
Check our web site for complete information regarding Horizon Reverse Osmosis and its products.
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Unlike osmosis, which is the natural tendency of pure water to flow through a membrane into impure water. Reverse osmosis is achieved by applying very high pressure to seawater to counteract the osmotic flow.
Thus, seawater is forced through a semi-permeable membrane, which removes all the dissolved solids and produces fresh, potable water on the other side. This method rejects at least 98% of salts, contaminates, and pollutants from seawater.
Salt or brackish water first enters into the watermaker via a through-hull fitting and is filtered through the Sea Strainer. This feed water is then boosted to 30 psi by the Booster Pump and filtered through 25 and 5 micron Pre-filters. Oil, if present, is then separated and removed by the Oil/Water Separator. These filters remove sediments and suspended solids from the feed water prior to entering the High Pressure Pump. A Low Pressure Switch shuts down the watermaker in the event of low flow conditions, preventing cavitation in the High Pressure Pump.
The High Pressure Pump supplies the required force to drive the feed water through the semi-permeable Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) Membrane. The Back Pressure Regulator automatically controls the necessary pressure level in the Membrane Vessel Assembly. An automatic high pressure safety shutdown switch protects the watermaker if pressure exceeds recommended levels.
The fresh water produced flows out of the R.O. Membrane where it is up to 99.2% free of salts, minerals, and other ions. It then passes into the Product Flow Meter where the amount of potable water produced per hour is registered. Next, the Salinity Probe registers the salt content of the product water. If the water is good quality, it passes through the Charcoal Filter, which purifies the water of unpleasant odors and taste. Finally, the last filtration process is completed by an optional Ultraviolet Sterilizer where 99.8% of all micro-organisms, including viruses and bacteria are destroyed.