Customers, users, & independent comments....

Comments appearing below are from persons who have no connection whatever with the company nor any of its employees. The company does not necessarily endorse or agree with third party comments appearing below.

Transatlantic ARC:

General comments on all equipment: No failures. The most useful piece of equipment on board was the Honda generator, second was the Waterlog watermaker, third was the second genoa and second pole, and finally then there were the three buckets carried on board, they are simple but indispensible. 

Hello Waterlog
I am Oeytstein. Sorry, my english is not so good.
In april last year, i bought an Waterlog 100 from you.
I am on my circumnavigation around the globe.
Until now, I have been sailing from Norway and down to tha Canary Islands. I have used the waterlog all time. It is great!! It produce a very tastefull and good water, excellent!!
But, there is one thing that i don`t like. The outer rubber cover on the hose is “cracked” I will in this mail send you a picture of this.
I hope you can take a look at this soon. Because I am leaving the Canary Islands in the end in this month.
Have a nice day.
Best regards from Oeystein

03-10-06

16/08/06

Hello,

We got waterlog 18 months ago. We just used the  waterlog again between Lisbona and Madera Island 790 Nautical miles and it run well. But e forgot to clean it before leaving the boat (for 4 months ) and there is no more water in the  pump. Is it important to fill it with water or can I wait my next trip? Could you advise.

Regards

Dbosiu

8/8/06

Dear Sirs

We require mor information about sterilizing our watermaker please.  It will be appreciated if you will come back to us ASAP on this. We got our waterlog in May last year and have used it up to 160 nautical miles per day and are very pleased with the water it produces - it is much preferable to our ships tanks in fact.

Dr. F (U.K.)

Hello to ALL,
The parcel arrived with the sterization kit, and spare
parts.  FedEX did in two days what the US Postal Service was able to do in
two months, nine days.

Thanks for all your help, perhaps red tape will subside.  All thes new
beauro's with all thier low pay/scale clerks are causing quite a bit of
havoc in our daily lives.  :-)

The watermaker works well, well designed and well constructed.
                                       Stan  :-)#
==============

20/06/06

`I got my watermaker 7 weeks back and used it for the first time this week in very salty water. I am pleased to say that it makes good water. Can you advise me of the cost of a spare ring screw as I do not appear to have it now.

S.Gillard. 

=================

Extract from page 38 of Thesis: DR. Murray Thompson, Loughborough University

(http://www-staff.lboro.ac.uk/%7Eelmt/Murray%20Thomson%20Thesis.pdf)

A rather different form of  reverse osmosis, worthy of mention for its sheer 

elegance of its design, is the Waterlog (www.waterloginternational.com accessed:

March 04). This is a device that can be towed through the sea behind a sailing boat. It

has a water turbine that operates a pump that feeds an RO membrane. The towline is

hollow and carries the freshwater back to the boat.

===============

To:  Waterlog 
           We received our watermaker today; with great joy - looks lovely and works well! 
      We would like to thank everyone for their efficiency. Somewhere in shipping, the forward leading edge of (one side) the Hydroplane was bent on one corner.  What is the best way to strighten the forward leading edge back out?  Once again we would like to say THANK  YOU !!!!
                                             Bob 
>

Mike,
    Just to let you know that I got the part!! The only thing missing is the
water tube. I’m going to the hardware store now to try and fit a poly tube,
should it just slip in the hole? Well, call if you need to, otherwise the
unit seems to turn very freely and the foil’s move free as well.

Thanks again,

Rich

==========

Mike,

I really do apologize for all the trouble this has turned out to be.  How
ever, still I need to cross the Gulf Steam tomorrow about 04:30, I don’t
know of any address to where I’m going until I get there. In the mean time,
I have no water maker! I think we’ve both done all possible things to get a
working unit again, but this is out of both our hands at this time. I would
like to hear from you today, as to my departure tomorrow AM. I’ll have no
cell phone, so communication will need to be by email. So, please get back
to me ASAP.
I’m going down to the Miami Post Office for the last time this morning in
hopes the package is there. If I do receive it I’ll email you.

Thank you again,

Dick

==========

I have inherited a watermaker in buying a boat.  The previous owner was well pleased with it and it all appears complete and works ok but there are no instructions.  Can you let me have the owners manual (by Email?)  Thanks,  John Dennis

Subj: RE: Your watermaker  
Date: 27/06/05 17:12:11 GMT Daylight Time 
To: Waterlogenquiry@aol.com 
File: image001.jpg (3430 bytes) DL Time (49333 bps): < 1 minute 
Sent from the Internet (Details) 

Thank you for this quick answer. OK now.

André 

 

-----Mensaje original-----
De: Waterlogenquiry@aol.com [mailto:Waterlogenquiry@aol.com] 
Enviado el: lunes, 27 de junio de 2005 16:01
Asunto: Your watermaker

 

Dear Dr. Thir,

The manual in French langauge is at:

www.waterloginternational.com/manualf.htm

(If this live link does not work in your browser, please copy it and paste it into your address bar at the top of your screen) 

Please forgive our French Langauge Translation - it may not be very good and it may not be the most recent version, however, all the points you need are discussed there.
There are a number of small differences such as the recirculation tube referred to in the French Manual is no longer used as it was not necessary.  To steralize your unit, follow the instructions on the waterproof card packed with your Waterlog in box number "2 of 2".

To understand how to fit your watermaker to your boat, see this:

There is also a video of attaching the watermaker to the vessel at:
www.watermakers.ws/videocarbine.htm

Hope this answers your question

To: Waterlogenquiry@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details)

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your very informative email and prompt reply. Yes, looking at it, you are right I have a problem with the hydroplanes as they are fixed solid with salt and do not adjust themselves. I will wash & dismantle and free them off somehow. Fresh water should do it.

We are currently in the Galapagos and will be leaving in a couple of days on a four week passage to the Marquesas. Then I`ll get water again!

Regards,
Tom

List of the contributions: Jamy,  the 6-04-2005

Who connait Waterlog which is a desalinisator who produces water thanks to the speed of the boat.  Somebody it really tested in practice. This a good machine when one has very little water tank. Thank you for your answers. 

List of the contributions:  Patrice, the 10-04-2005 Jamy, I have one of them... to answer your question: I have model 200 with 5 nodes it generates between 3 and 6 liters of fresh water per hour, bigger than 6 nodes it goes up on the surface and the output falls (someone said he did a heavy iron on the line to fix his boat of speed) There is a larger model (the 300 I believe) who would probably have been indicated better in my case, but I think it a bargain. It is necessary that the sea is not agitated too much; the setting up with water is simple but it is necessary to handle with care the machine in the cockpit and it does not ask that to run up against your leg bone! With your health! 

J.B. Australia 11/03/05

Thanks for coming back to me re the overdue delivery of the 12v motor I ordered. I would appreciate an update on the position ASAP as we will be needing it for the times we expect to be lying to anchor for longer periods in the future. Otherwise, I think that our Waterlog was an excellent investment as it produces the water we need and keeps the tanks full. I have to say that when our two teenagers aboard I do watch the amount of water that they use though.

To: waterlogsupport@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details)

Subj: Waterlog 100 Refurbish Invoice  Date: 15/09/04 22:05:32 GMT Daylight Time To: Waterlogsupport

slrman Charter Member Member # 2592

posted September 14, 2004 04:41 AM       How about a watermaker that costs less than most, uses no electricity or fuel, makes up to 40 gallons a day, and requires no installation? I have seen these in person and they look to be very well made and simplicity itself to maintain and use. http://www.waterloginternational.com From user reports, it seems it takes them a little while to get started and it may slow your boat about 1/4 knot. A small enough price for energy-free water while offshore. They also have an electric drive kit, but I am not sure why you'd need it. -------------------- Living in João Pessoa, Brazil. The best climate in the world and a great sailing location.

Subj: Re: lost watermaker  Date: 04/09/04 08:28:23 GMT Daylight Time From: meenken@wise.net.nz To: Waterlogsales@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details)

Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2004 10:04 AM

Subject: Re: my waterlog

Paul,

Your feedback was incredibly helpful.  Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions.

Everything is working O.K. now.

Larry

Subj: RE: Fitting  Date: 12/07/04 15:35:35 GMT Daylight Time To: Waterlogenquiry@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details)

E-mail to the editor of Cruising Helmsman Magazine (Australia):

Forum comments from around the world

The following postings are taken a random from fora appearing on the Internet and are, no doubt, a very small proportion of total postings on the subject of Waterlog watermakers. It is believed that these postings represent a fair reflection of the overall view of the majority of the posters. It is reasonable to observe that fora, by their nature, are a conduit more for complaint and skepticism than positive comment on goods and services. As Waterlog uses no electricity, and accordingly has re-written the rule book on desalination, it has naturally drawn a hail of protest and criticism from those whose interests lie in maintaining the status quo in the Industry and maintenance trades.

Note: Postings in forums sometimes can be helpful, however, they must be treated with suspicion as most posts are:

1/ Normally personal opinions - frequently devoid of any basis in fact. 

2/ Are often written by persons who know little or nothing about the subject on which they write. Sometimes  postings can be wholly misleading.

3/ Frequently, persons post information which is wholly incorrect, mischievous, and sometimes malicious, motivated by their own commercial or other hidden agenda.

4/ A forum is never a medium for balanced judgment. We are all willing to complain vociferously and instantly, about persons, goods or services, however, do we rush to our keyboard to  write to the media praising a service or product that is excellent?  Seldom, if ever !

5/ In the case of forums dealing with cruising topics, those who are lucky enough to live the dream and are best qualified to comment are already cruising and are much less likely to frequent the discussion pages. 

Often the most prolific posters are those who are at sitting at home, have time on their hands, and are sometimes least qualified to offer opinions and advice on oceanic matters. It must be noted that it is estimated that some 83% of postings on yachting related public forums are by people who do not own a boat.

Cruising Discussions: Waterlog Watermakers

I just saw an advertisement for "Waterlog" watermakers that are towed behind the boat, require no installation and no electricity. Would appreciate input on these. Has anyone out there tried one?

After researching the subject of alternative power generating, my understanding of the three passive methods, ie wind, water, solar, the waterlog is by far the most efficient. Keep in mind that it can also be used when at anchor, especially in a river or during tidal changes. some models can also be used as the generating unit for wind as well as water.

Towed water powered watermaker- Doug, We got one earlier this year and so far are very impressed (lets hope it stays that way!) and for about $1400 it gives us all the water we need, although we dont waste the stuff. Its well made, compact, looks million dollars and is the cheapest watermaker of all. No contest (so far) in our view. We found it in Google search engine when we were researching "yacht watermakers". Fair winds. Dave

Hi, the web site is http://www.yachtwatermaker.com/
Marc

Dave,is there a way of making it work when you are anchored for long periods of time? Also,is maintainance difficult?
Marc

This is a prayer answered, if the Waterlog Watermaker can do what it claims! Please share your experience with this device. I am writing a term paper on viable ways of developing a reliable supply of water offshore for my future 30 foot ketch. I am eager to learn as much as possible about this particular watermaker as I want to buy it.

Waterlog - Hi Marc, They are supposed to be bringing out an accessory motor drive while at anchor. I`m not sure though that we want to make water near the shore (many places have dubious water, lots of silt & maybe sewage). Better go for a sail and make some. (Water, not sewage !).
Maintainance is nothing - plug in a little 1/4 inch tube thing which recirculates the output, open a tiny powder keg that comes in multi packs and pour it in. You tow it for 30 seconds and thats it steralized for longer term storage. We have only pickled it once - take out 3 screws hang it from the boom and pour in another little keg (different colour for pickle) leave it a couple of hours and thats it. Simple. No drains pipes valves and buckets to mess with.
As to filters - No tools needed to remove the stainless filter (2 fingers & 5 seconds) if you want to wash it out - well designed for cruisers.

Katina - Don`t hold your breath waiting for water, as it comes out frustratingly slowly if you sit and watch it, particularly if the boat is going slowly. Forget about it and next time you look you have a few gallons. But yes, it does what is claims. The thing is very clever & simple.
If you want 20 gallons per person per day, though, then spend $4000 and get one of the traditional watermakers and an on-board mechanic to keep it going! We are happy to swim and then quick shower off. I suspect we could not exist without a watermaker now. Safe Cruising, Dave

Dave
Is it possible to replace the propeler by an air propeller and so to avoid the drag. How the Intake water works?
HROD

Hi HROD
No point in trying because the drag is not such a great problem. Our boat is 38` and it costs us about one eight of one knot. We met another couple with a 45 footer and they said that there was no measureable speed difference at all. Oddly, when we have weed on the bottom the drag seems to go up a bit to about a quarter knot maybe. Anyway, it is nothing at all if there is a decent bit of wind.
Intake water goes in via tiny stainless gaps running around the pump body and then through a filter mesh also running around the body. Therefore the filter (actually there are 3 - arranged in sandwich layers) only takes up about 1/8 inch. Its neat allright. Cheers. Dave

GREAT !!!!
Finally something I can afford and figure out.

Has anybody experienced on long ocean passage the loss of a towed water generator swallowed by big pelagic “creatures”?
It happened!!
Anybody had or heard about same experience with towed water powered watermaker?

We're getting ready for cruising this fall (2003) and would like to know how the Waterlog has held up - any thoughts out there? (We have a large watertank, so are leaning towards no water maker at all, but the Waterlog might allow for easier cruising). Thanks - Brent and Sue

We got a waterlog model 200 about 18 months back. Good value for money and so far its still good. We think its the only way to go for a small to medium cruiser. Afterwards, we got the 12 v motor for it in harbor although thats a bit of a luxury - just saves going ashor

Sailboat owners forum

Non electric watermaker
Submitted by Chris on 03/02/03 at 12:19PM regarding General_interest

Hi J.B. I think the 72 gals / day is probably the bigger Waterlog. Ours is the middle one (a 200) and gives between 20 and 40 gallons / day depending on speed. We average about 5.5 knots and i suppose it does maybe 1.5 gals hour at that or 36 gpd. You ask about maintenance. never did any in 3 years now so cant comment on that. Chuck in a powder of antibiotic if not in use. They sell them on internet for about $4

Hans Christian Owners forum

Damon and David (bruadair) Mate Username: bruadair Post Number: 53 Registered: 12-2002

Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 05:32 pm:    Hi Harley, A friend of ours left last month on their Endeavour 37 for Mexico. They bought a waterlog (not sure of which model) just before they left here. In their update email after their arrival, Darrel said he was real happy with the unit and its fantastic. He did say, though, that it wasn't feasable to deploy if the seas were rough. Makes sense. I'll ask him for more details about using the waterlog next time I talk to him. I've been looking at the unit as well, seems like a good alternative to standard watermakers out there. Let me know if you get anymore info on them. Damon

---

sailingclub/postcard

December 19 2002

After an hour and a half we were able to switch the engine off and gently ghost along with the sails just filling.  By 0700 hours and first light, we had covered our first 50 miles, but the islands of Gomera and Tenerife (with the 3718 m high El Teide mountain) were still visible on the horizon.  The most southerly island, Hierro, was off our port beam. Our problematic watermaker had worked after our trip home resulted in the manufacturer completely replacing the unit.  However, it suffers from surfacing problems – it lies very close to the surface, and if it breaks the surface, ingests air which effects operation of the high pressure pump, significantly reducing output.  I devised a series of poles that would hold the unit next to the boat well below the surface.  We decided to try it out in the almost calm sea.  After about 10 minutes it was producing water at a steady rate, however, we felt that the loads on the unit and retaining poles were not balanced and it would not be a workable solution.

The waterlog dutifully worked through the night and by 0300 hours had filled all of our empty 5 litre plastic water containers.  I transferred them into the boat’s main tanks using a funnel and the deck filler and then restarted to fill the containers again.  However, the production rate tailed off even though boat speed was more or less the same.  It was a damp night and the seas made the motion a bit rolly, but I was able to sleep a little in the cockpit between checking for ships, etc. 

At 1200 our noon fix showed we were making good progress in the fresh breeze. The water maker seemed to have dried up so we rolled in the genoa and hove-to (to stop the boat) and pulled in the device.  Wrapped around the impellor was a bit of old rope and fishing line – poor little thing had been trying so hard!  We stowed it onboard and put the rope in the rubbish bag for disposal ashore

(Later in the voyage the watermaker eventually started to produce little and salty water, indicative of a broken external rubber `O` ring where the tow tube enters the watermaker allowing much of the output water to escape and let some sea water in. May have been caused by the pole experiment which would have been pushing the joint instead of pulling it. The solution to surfacing is to add a shaft anode as a weight to the tow tube)

---

Re: Watermakers

You may well be correct - I know nothing about them except what Google told me. On the 800 psi point, this manipulation of physics is used by all sorts of manufacturers, particularly a so-called "pressure spray" device that used to be sold in many DIY outlets and magazines. Their theory was that if you make a nozzle small enough, passing a high flow rate through it can increase the pressure. Like putting your thumb over the end of a hosepipe. Maybe the Watermaker does the same thing. Post Extras:

Re: Waterlog non-existent? (Longish post)

The article in "Voile et Voilieres" (Sept 2002 edition) is presented as a hands on test, done on their boat, with pictures taken by their photographer and so on, and they report their own findings in terms of throughput, impact on performance etc. It's hard to believe that a reputable mag would print such an article if it hadn't actually done the tests. This does suggest that at least one example is in existence. That's not to say I believe the claim that it is the best selling watermaker in the world - far from it - I can't believe that if that were the case we would not have seen hands on tests in the UK press before now, but perhaps it does really exist at last. I want to believe in it - because if it exists it is an elegant solution which seems vastly superior to the alternatives - but I remain healthily sceptical. BTW - I have finally found an address and phone number on their website too. They are only a couple of miles away from here.

Waterlog's Product Support Department made the following comments to me, but apparently do not want to get embroiled personally in the fora: "Thank you very much for your kind advice that there are postings on the YBW and other forums alleging non-existence of the Waterlog, the watermaker that needs no electricity or installation." "The Yachting press in many countries have described Waterlog as the most significant development for a sailing vessel since the advent of the tiller pilot or GPS." "Many of these postings, not only on YBW but on other forums also, are placed maliciously by people who are in the marine trade and are agents for other brands of traditional watermakers which do not compare with the new technology Waterlog. We know who some of these people are and can identify them. Sadly, although the Internet is a wonderful tool serving Humankind, it contains more misinformation than truth." "Further, numerous allegations have appeared that a Mr. ------ ordered a Waterlog and cancelled his order after many months waiting for it. This is untrue. Mr. ------ did indeed order one for delivery before his departure in ten days. He was advised that we could not oblige him as there was a waiting list for watermakers at that time." They then refer to various pages on the website and conclude with: "We do hope that you can now accept that these postings are by persons who are either wholly ignorant of the facts or are commercially motivated." I then had a good trawl around the web and came up with an apparently satisfied customer from a posting on another board. I e-mailed him and asked him about his experience with Waterlog, and this was his reply (which I have just received): "Hello!" "I had forgotten about my posting somewhere, I think it was a long time ago - I don`t go into forums once it dawned on me that they are populated mainly by foolish people." "In our view, the most important items aboard a boat that goes anywhere are the autopilot, the gps, the waterlog and fridge - in that order. The first three work well but fridges can be a recurring problem. No doubt it is possible to do without these things but safety & quality of life aboard is what it is all about." "The waterlog is excellent and reliable but if your crew expect hot baths, fit an engine driven watermaker for about an additional $4,000 extra!" "Best wishes" "Dave" So there you have the results of my research. On balance I am inclined to think that the Waterlog exists and works. If it does, I want one. The rest of you will have to make up your own minds or pursue your own enquiries. Nick -

Well, Antoine Sézérat of Voiles et Voiliers replied to my e-mail, initially briefly to confirm that the Waterlog existed and was the best thing since the invention of the GPS, and subsequently at more length - presumably after looking at this thread. His second e-mail to me is reproduced in full below: Nick, I'm back with the waterlog. Well, I'm devastated reading the thread about the non-existence of this watermaker. I test it during days and it works very well. Next year we'll have two boats testing it for a long term. One in Mediterranean for a medium cruising along the year, another one crossing the Atlantic back from the West Indies. The Waterlog is in full production. Actually, it took 8 days to get the 200 and 28 days for the 300. Readers of the magazine ordered the product and were delivered on time. Sharp. We had the water tested in a lab : 99,9 % pure ! (in front of Marseilles and it taste very good, slightly acid but with no minerals) Funny story. Plastimo, one of the biggest european chandlers and manufacturers of nautical products ordered one and were very impressed by the concept ! The guys fromWaterlog wondered why people from Yachting World or other magazines from the same press group never test it. And they are located few blocks from them ! Well, you can see photos of the beast in the magazine, underwater and in the cockpit. I trust Waterlog and it will be a revolution for the 30-40 foot sailing boats range. Best wishes Antoine Sézérat That pretty much convinces me . . . and I too wonder why the UK yachting press haven't rushed to test this. I feel a conspiracy theory coming on. Antoine's e-mail address is sezerat@voilesetvoiliers.com if anyone wants to contact him themselves. Nick -
Re: Waterlog non-existent? (Longish post) Thats convinced me well enough! I don't want one, not a lot of use to me to be honest, but my brother is or was certainly interested, I'll let him know. It's rather puzzling that no UK magazine has tested a UK product, Hmmmmmm I wonder why. I wonder if Kim could be persuaded to find out what the story is. They of course may have plans to do so. Post Extras:  Re: Waterlog non-existent? (Longish post) Nick, Yes that convinces me too, actually I'm quite happy to apologise because I think it sounds a great idea if it works and if it's in production, so good luck to Waterlog. I'm happy to eat humble pie and just pleased I never offered to eat my hat! I don't really want to detract from the sincerity of my apology but I have to say that I do think Waterlog could have nipped this in the bud themselves ages ago instead of leaving it to a Froggie magazine to do it for them. Full marks for the investigative reporting. Cheers, Brian.
Talbot (regular) 01/08/2004 18:17 Re: watermakers I have been looking at watermakers for some time now. The cheapest and lowest running costs is a towed thing called the Waterlog. YW are doing a test of one right now (although the gentleman doing the test apparently considers watermakers to be a waste of money). There have been a number of posts about this towed beast before. A lot of people (with zero experience of them) are very sceptical. I have found two adverse comments from users on the web, and quite a few who like them (particularly in the States). A French magazine has done a test and was complimentary (see here) Comments on their performance (see here) Comparison of different watermakers here Available from here I have no connection with the company, but have been active in trying to get IPC to actually look at it. IMHO the one to go for is the Waterlog 200, and that is what I will be getting. Post Extras:

McGregor sailing forum

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 6:28 pm    Post subject:
Steve, FWIW, if one wanted to try a 30 day cruise to Hawaii, or even just a month on Sea of Cortez .... One of last month's sailing mags showed a new watermaker called the Waterlog. It is a stainless cylinder, 3' length and 3" diameter. Starts at $1,000, makes a gallon per hour of fresh water as it's towed @ 5 kn. behind the boat on it's 40-foot long delivery hose. What a terrific Macgregor upgrade, eh? !!! Spend double for its bigger brother and triple production to 80 gallons per day, and take showers too! Pump the surplus through a "sweet water" ballast tank to maintain a continuously upgraded reserve of 200 gallons, just in case .... ain't modern tech simply amazing!!

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 7:39 pm    Post subject:
Wow! Forget the insane trip to Hawaii (I agree with Craig anyway); but this Waterlog is one of the cleverest concepts ever. That's really cheap for a watermaker; the cheapest one in the West Marine catalog is $1679 for a manual only pump model advertized at 1.2 gph. Right, who (other than the governor of California) is going to manually pump a watermaker for an hour? The Waterlog thing os $1000 and is self powering but you can also pump it by hand if you want to when it puts out 1.6 gph in emergency. Thats enough to keep two people in drinking water for four days. A couple of drawbacks I see for the Mac: It takes 3.8 knots to start producing at reduced output, but it doesn't mention what that reduced output rate is. Optimum is 5 to 6.5 which means the Mac will have to be close to maxed out under sail for it to work at optimum efficiency. 7.5 knots is stated to be the max safe speed without adding additional weight, so powering is limited to low speeds. Another is the optional 12V motor for use when you're anchored or becalmed. What does the (theoretically) independent sailing mag have to say about it?

 Re: Help Please - Small Watermaker Recommendations?
      #836496 - 29/09/2005 00:00

I have been towing my Waterlog Watermaker for the last 12 months without fault. To the point now I never fill the tanks from the mains anymore. It is easy to deploy and will Merrily top the tanks from empty.

Excellent, throughly recommend!

--------------------
Sorry, not intelligent enough for an opinion! Try down the corridor.

===============

 

Re: Towed watermakers -anyone tried one yet?       #730770 - 09/05/2005 13:29

Well, I've managed to acquire one and have it on board - so it does really exist! Mine was sent for the cost of an RNLI donation from a previous owner who has ended a long sea adventure. By his account, he certainly had problems with it, mainly to do with the unit not staying under water but he also spoke of good aftersales experience from the manufacturer. There is a known fault on this one, with a kink on the boat end of the hose connector. I also know another user who owns one in the carib and speaks highly of it. I'm keeping an open mind until I have the chance to fix the kink and test it in July - will report back.

 

Posted: Apr 20, 2005 07:48:17

WaveDancer,
Yes, we own a WaterLog 200 (48 gal/day). We haven't had it long, but have used it a lot The only draw-back is that when in high, sharp seas it's difficult for it to perform as well. But when cruising in calmer seas, it performs fine. We like the versitality of it (you can purchase a motor for it, drag it behind, or purchase the hand-pump to use in your life raft.) Also, we have heard of some dragging it behind their dinghies as well. We didn't try that one so we can't tell how to rig it or how well it does.
Also, they don't have dealers. You ahve to order it directly from them in England. They keep the cost down for the buyer that way. By the way, we had ours shipped by DHL. At the time we had ours shipped DHL didn't do well. The box was in seriously bad condition. I would request another shipper, or insure the shipping. Still, all of our parts were there, nothing missing or damaged.
The other great thing about the WaterLog is not having to pickle it all the time. If you aren't going to use it for a while, just do as they instruct before storing it. Then don't keep the first few gallons, allowing it to flush out the next time you use it.
Hope this helps you and answers a few questions.

Fair winds,
CJS