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Watermaker and E/R Monitoring Recommendations

Discussion in 'Watermakers' started by DOCKMASTER, Sep 16, 2019.

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  1. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    5/16" hoses sound awefully small for a boat of your size and long runs such as from the tower. Are you sure the DC2000 is rated for a boat as heavy as yours?
  2. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Come on CAPT J, of course I made sure it is appropriately rated. In fact, it’s rated for much larger boats. I could be wrong and the hoses are 3/8 but pretty sure they told me 5/16.
  3. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I'm just learning about these new power assisted steering systems myself (this week). It's just a small fluid signal pressure that drives a larger servo pack to the cylinder. There is near no pressure form the helm to the rudder.
    I am looking forward to see more of these systems.
    Can wait to start installing it replacing old hynautic engine power systems.
  4. PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    You will like the stand alone system with the power assist. It will increase the response rate while under autopilot as well, you can not the difference in your wake.
  5. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I was just checking as I've never installed one and 5/16" just sounded small. I have run probably a dozen yachts with that system. It is very good, but there is about a 2 second delay from when you turn the wheel and the rudders move. But when they do move they move fast (watching the rudder indicator). But there's also an adjustment in how soon it moves from when the wheel is moved. There's no steering feedback on the helm and it turns a little too easy for my liking but all in all it is a very nice system. Just have to make sure to press the button on the small display to activate the steering!
  6. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I think you are comparing to a different system. There is no display or button to activate. There also shouldn't be a delay. It's really no different then what I have now except the pump and reservoir are integral and the pump is DC instead of engine driven. It's hydraulic with pressure all the time so why would there be a delay? I have no delay now and this system will have less hose and fewer components.
  7. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I ended up ordering the Bluewater Legend 750 watermaker and the Seastar DC steering system. I really appreciate all the input and advice.
    I’m still looking for E/R camera and monitor system.
  8. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Look forward to feedback on these and all your upgrades with lots of pictures.
    We like to watch!!
    penguin.gif
  9. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Pretty simple units. Straight forward, manual, no bells or whistles, and it will fill your water tank quickly with salt water if a membrane or membrane seal blows. Not clear as to flushing the system. It's an affordable entry point from which you can build your own bells or whistles.
  10. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Ralph, what Spectra series are you familiar with here? I do like the idea of 24v DC...what are you recommending?
  11. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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  12. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    As you will see earlier inthe thread, Donzi54 has a Spectra and said he was happy with it. I decided to go with the Blue Water and so far am very happy with it. I'm going to add the second membrane to bring the capacity up to 1500 gpd. I don't need 1500 gpd but the idea of being able to fill my tank in about 3 hrs is very appealing.
  13. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Asked, not yet answered, which Spectra? And which Blue Water? Did you decide to install the modular components?
  14. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I went with the Legend 750 modular. I didn't really have a convenient spot big enough for the package unit. The pumps, filters and control console are in the engine room in various spots and the membrane sits on top of my aft fuel tank under the cockpit. So far, I really like the one button operation. Just turn it on and it does its thing. Turn it off and it automatically back flushes. I've only used it twice so far though.

    Donzi54 posted his as: https://www.spectrawatermakers.com/us/us/11132-newport-700c He also has the modular but utilized different locations then I did.
  15. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Well, depends on how many people take a shower at the same time. 20-30 gallons per person. I ALWAYS spec the second membrane because you're burning the same amount of electricity whether you're running one or two membranes, plus if one goes bad can always bypass it. Plus the amount of fuel you burn (gen) or electric to run it, the second membrane takes half the time to fill the tank and run the unit. Plus who knows if you're in clean enough water to run it for hours and hours.