Watermaker or no watermaker? How we fill up with fresh water in remote areas (ep 298)
26 July 2025 · 13 min · 3K views
What this video covers
Navigating the Kabui Passage in Raja Ampat requires precise tidal timing to manage currents reaching five to six knots. The passage features a narrow, winding channel that flows directly into cliff faces, creating hazardous conditions for vessels that miss the two-hour tidal differential between the eastern and western entrances. Depths remain between five and ten meters, though the entrance shoals to three meters.
Lacking a watermaker on their vessel, the crew relies on manual jerry can refills from a natural mountain spring located in a cave system near the passage. The source provides fresh water via a hose system installed at a local homestay. While the crew intends to install a watermaker before returning to Australia, the current setup allows for exploration of remote freshwater sources in the region. The area is known for potential crocodile sightings, though the crew continues to swim in the vicinity of the caves.
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