Watermakers 

A watermaker is an onboard reverse osmosis (RO) desalination system that converts seawater, brackish water, or tap water into clean, potable drinking water. A high-pressure pump forces feedwater through a semi-permeable membrane, which rejects approximately 99% of dissolved salts and solids. The result is fresh water with less than 500 ppm TDS - well within WHO drinking water guidelines.

Fresh water independence is the primary reason. With a watermaker onboard you eliminate costly marina water stops, reduce the risk of bacterial contamination from unknown water sources, and free up significant tank space and weight. Water weighs around 3.8 kg per litre - running lighter means lower fuel consumption and better vessel performance. A watermaker also enables fresh water washdowns, which protect your hull, rigging, and deck equipment from salt corrosion far more effectively than salt water rinsing.

The right capacity depends on your daily water consumption, the number of people onboard, and how many hours per day you want to run the system. As a general guide, most marine RO systems run 4–6 hours daily to cover all onboard needs. Parker Watermakers cover an exceptionally wide range - from compact systems producing around 145 GPD (550 litres/day) for small sailboats, all the way to commercial systems generating up to 250,000 GPD for large vessels and offshore operations. Contact our specialists if you're unsure - we're happy to help size the right system for your vessel.

Yes. Parker Watermakers are designed to handle seawater, brackish water, and tap water. The system automatically or manually adjusts operating pressure based on feed water salinity, ensuring consistent output quality regardless of the source. Be aware that operating above 120% of rated capacity in very low-salinity water can stress the membranes, so pressure should be monitored accordingly.

Power requirements vary by system size and type. DC systems (12V or 24V) are available for sailboats and vessels without an AC generator — some energy-recovery models draw as little as approximately 1 ampere per gallon produced. Larger AC systems require a generator, and a soft motor starter option can reduce the AC starting load by up to 50%, allowing smaller generators to be used. All systems can be configured to match your vessel's voltage and power setup.

Parker Watermakers are among the quietest available on the market. Some models in the range operate at just 10 dB above ambient noise levels — barely perceptible during normal vessel operation.

Parker Watermakers are designed with flexible, modular configurations that allow installation in tight spaces - engine rooms, lazarettes, under settees, in closets, or any available compartment. Components can be positioned independently and are compact enough to pass through standard hatchways. The booster pump should ideally be installed below the waterline, but the main unit can be positioned above or below the waterline.

Production begins almost immediately after start-up - typically within a few moments of the system being switched on.

Parker Watermakers are designed for straightforward, low-cost maintenance. Key tasks include pre-filter cleaning or replacement (frequency depends on feed water clarity), oil changes every 500 hours, and pump seal maintenance every 2,000 hours. RO membranes typically need cleaning approximately every two years and have an average lifespan of 5 years - potentially up to 10 years with good care. Running costs typically average less than half a cent per litre of water produced.

A fresh water flush pushes clean water through the RO membrane and system when it is switched off, preventing salt crystallisation and biological growth. It is highly recommended and is available as an automatic option on most Parker systems - flushing occurs automatically on shutdown and repeats every 7 days during storage. This significantly extends membrane life and reduces overall maintenance costs.

If you ever operate in or near harbours, marinas, or areas with potentially contaminated feed water, a UV steriliser is strongly recommended. While the RO membrane rejects bacteria and viruses at a very high rate, a UV steriliser provides a final safety layer - eliminating 99.9% of any biological matter that may have passed through. For open ocean use, a UV steriliser is less critical but still a worthwhile investment.

Yes. As an authorized Parker distributor, Insatech Marine stocks and supplies genuine Parker spare parts, pre-filter elements, RO membranes, pump kits, and planned maintenance kits. Using genuine Parker parts is essential - non-OEM filter elements can disintegrate in seawater and cause serious membrane damage. Contact us at quotes@insatech.com for parts availability and pricing.

Yes. Insatech Marine delivers Parker Watermakers and spare parts directly to end-users, resellers, and agents worldwide. Contact us at quotes@insatech.com for a quote.

The choice depends on vessel type, daily water demand, available power, and installation space. Our team of marine specialists is available to advise on the right system for your specific application - whether you're outfitting a cruising sailboat, a superyacht, or a commercial vessel. Reach out via our contact form or call us directly.