Skip to content The selection of products on the market is vast, and the question of which watermaker to buy for your boat isn’t necessarily any easier. In this article, we’ll explain the pros and cons of conventional systems with high-pressure pumps and energy-saving systems with Clark-pump to help you make your decision before you make a purchase.
A watermaker is certainly one of the larger purchases and requires careful selection. The question of whether a conventional or energy-saving watermaker is the right choice comes up time and again. However, boats, their users, and their projects vary so much that a one-size-fits-all answer is impossible.
Therefore, let’s first examine the aspects that characterize each product type:
At first glance, there are many advantages to the Clark-pump; energy consumption and noise levels are particularly important on sailboats. However, with proper installation, the noise level can be significantly optimized even for a conventional watermaker.
Various customer discussions repeatedly reveal that energy consumption is often overestimated. Depending on the boat, its energy setup, and other consumers, there is often enough energy available to cover the water demand even with a conventional system.
We cover the topic of energy consumption in more detail with concrete figures in our article on watermaker energy consumption.
Especially on long journeys, the aspect of troubleshooting and repairability should not be underestimated! This is precisely the one major disadvantage of energy-saving systems with Clark-pumps. In the event of a malfunction, the cause is significantly more difficult for a layperson to find, as it is not immediately obvious where the defect may be. In the event of a malfunction, the problem usually lies within the Clark-pump due to worn parts. These are manufacturer-specific parts that can only be obtained from the manufacturer or its dealer network.
In comparison, high-pressure pumps – provided they are from a suitably good manufacturer – are extremely robust and less susceptible to failure. Should a defect occur, they are comparatively common industrial products that are easier to obtain worldwide.
In addition to considering the pros and cons of each system, it’s also helpful to ask yourself a few questions:
After asking and answering these questions, it should be relatively clear which type of watermaker is right for you and your boat.
Whether conventional or energy-saving system, we offer both. Learn more about our watermakers to buy here.
Are you still undecided? Contact us and we will clarify your questions!
