Catamary

THE SYSTEMS

Systems

The Illusion of Infinite Water

Brokers upsell watermakers as the ultimate luxury. What they don't tell you is that running one requires the generator, constant filter checks, and you still can't run it in a marina.

The Water Math

A standard 45ft catamaran holds about 200 gallons of fresh water. If you have 8 people taking standard 5-minute showers, washing dishes, and flushing electric heads (which use fresh water on modern boats), you will burn 40-50 gallons a day. You will run dry on day 4.

The Watermaker Reality

  • Power Hungry: Most charter watermakers are 220V/110V. This means the generator MUST be running to make water. If you make 30 gallons an hour, you must run the generator for 2 hours daily just to keep up.
  • Location Restrictions: You cannot run a watermaker in a marina or a dirty anchorage. The intake will suck up oil and mud, ruining the expensive membranes. You can only make water offshore or in pristine, fast-moving anchorages.
  • The Upgrade Cost: Boats with watermakers cost $500-$1000 more per week. In the BVI, you can fill your tanks with municipal water at a dock for $30. Is the upgrade worth it?

Water Burn Rate Estimator

Calculate when your tanks will run dry.

Common Mistakes

Mistake The Reality
Drinking from the tanks Never drink tank water on a charter boat. Always buy gallon jugs for drinking and cooking. The tanks are for washing only.
Forgetting the transom shower Rinsing off salt water at the transom uses more water than you think. Turn off the pressure pump if the crew abuses it.

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