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DIY Watermaker Installation: Turning Seawater Into Freshwater on a Budget
February 21, 2025 · 16 min · 45K views
What this video covers
The Octopus Watermaker, a DIY-style desalination system, provides a budget-friendly alternative to pre-packaged marine units by utilizing a standard Kärcher high-pressure cleaner as its core pump.3:12 The system produces approximately 60 liters of freshwater per hour with a power draw of 1.3 to 1.5 kilowatts.12:12 Components include a 12-volt feed pump, two pre-filters, a high-pressure membrane housing, and a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter to monitor water quality.10:18 The installation requires custom plumbing to connect the unit to the boat’s existing saltwater intake and freshwater tank, with specific fittings sourced from local hardware stores.14:35 The system features a self-flushing capability that uses the boat's pressurized freshwater supply to clear the membrane after use.10:41 The unit is controlled via a remote switch, allowing for operation without manual intervention at the pump location.11:25 Proper installation involves sealing all threaded plumbing connections with Teflon tape and ensuring correct flow direction through the one-way valves.12:38
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