FAQ

Frequently asked questions
WHY INSTALL A SCHENKER WATERMAKER?
Traditionally a yacht is restricted in time & distance to the amount of fresh water carried in its tanks. Thanks to a watermaker an unlimited quantity of water can be produced increasing both time and distances achievable between harbours.
WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT SCHENKER WATERMAKER?
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
The consumed energy is up to 80% lower than a traditional system.
IS THE NEW TECHNOLOGY RELIABLE?
The technology is more reliable than that of traditional watermakers as it doesn't use high pressure pumps, which are the main cause of failures and maintenance problems.
HOW MUCH FRESH WATER DO I NEED?
It depends on the number of persons aboard. The daily average consumption of fresh water per person is about 25-30 litres. It means that a boat with 6 people needs about 180 litres of fresh water per day.
IS THE INSTALLATION DIFFICULT? DO I NEED A NEW SEAWATER INTAKE?
To install a Schenker watermaker is easy because the seawater intake is Tee'd from an existing outlet. It can be installed when the boat is in the water. The installation can be carried out by a shipwright and/or marine electrician.
CAN THE SYSTEM BE RUN WHEN THE MOTOR IS OFF?
IF I DON'T HAVE SOLAR PANELS HOW LONG WILL THE ENGINE NEED TO BE RUN TO REPLACE THE CONSUMED ENERGY?
Assuming that a Zen 30 watermaker system works 3 hours a day, the consumed energy is 9Ax3h = 27A. With a 80A alternator, the consumed energy is recharged in 20 minutes by the engine.
IS IT ADVANTAGEOUS TO INSTALL A WATERMAKER POWERED FROM THE SERVICES BATTERIES IF A GENERATOR IS FITTED TO THE BOAT?
WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF THE FRESH WATER PRODUCED?
A Schenker watermaker produces very high quality potable water. The reverse osmosis process is used all over the world to produce drinking water in areas that have limited freshwater available.
IS MAINTENANCE DIFFICULT?
ARE THERE ADDITIONAL RUNNING COSTS?
ARE SCHENKER WATERMAKERS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS?
IF I HAVE SOLAR PANELS WILL THEY BE SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN BATTERY LEVELS WHEN RUNNING THE WATER MAKER?
It depends on the size of your solar panels and/or wind generator and efficiency of your solar charger. However, a Zen 30 only uses 110W (9 A on a 12VDC system and 4.5A on a 24VDC system) so a suitably sized solar arrange and house batteries should easily be able to maintain charge and operaton of the water maker.