Cost and benefits of a watermaker for boats & yachts

Is Investing in a Watermaker worthwhile?

A watermaker on board a boat represents a significant investment. With acquisition costs running into several thousand euros, this decision requires careful consideration. On the other hand, a watermaker can not only enhance comfort but, under certain circumstances, also prove financially worthwhile. The ability to produce drinking water independently during extended trips reduces dependency on harbors and lowers the costs associated with refilling fresh water in marinas. In the following, we will explore the advantages of a watermaker and compare them against a cost analysis.

Benefits of having a Watermaker

1. Reliable Drinking Water Supply Onboard

With a watermaker, the supply of fresh drinking water remains independent and consistently available. The water produced is immediately drinkable—only proper storage and handling afterward need attention. This means you no longer need to haul and store water bottles—not to mention the avoided plastic waste. This is especially important during long sea voyages or in regions where water quality is questionable.

2. No Need to Conserve Water: Enhanced Comfort Onboard

A watermaker allows for more generous water usage. As long as sufficient energy is available or can be generated, you have an unlimited supply of water. This comfort makes life onboard much more pleasant and relaxed:

Showers: Especially with a larger crew or guests unfamiliar with water-saving habits, showers consume significant amounts of water.
Laundry: Washing clothes onboard is a tremendous convenience but requires considerable water—unthinkable without a watermaker.
Toilet Flushing with Freshwater: Often overlooked but highly beneficial: using freshwater for toilet flushing reduces typical odors and minimizes the well-known issue of urine scale deposits in pipes.

3. Freedom in Trip Planning

A watermaker makes trip planning more flexible:

Independence from Marinas & Greater Self-Sufficiency: Without the need for regular water refills, you can enjoy remote anchorages and adapt your travel route spontaneously. Sailors gain more freedom to spend extended periods without external resources—ideal for adventurers seeking independence.

Cost Analysis of a Watermaker

Let’s now examine the costs of a watermaker compared to the alternative of refilling water onshore. Two scenarios are typically relevant:

In many marinas, water is only available with an overnight stay, requiring mooring fees that vary depending on location and boat size.
In other places, water can be refilled for a fee without an overnight stay.

1. Acquisition Costs vs. Marina Costs

A high-quality watermaker typically costs at least €4,500, including VAT. In popular cruising areas such as Croatia or the Balearic Islands, marina overnight fees during peak season for a 12-meter sailboat average around €100 per night — larger yachts and catamarans pay more. Over multiple seasons, the cost of a watermaker can be offset by savings on overnight stays.

2. Cost Per Liter of Self-Produced Water vs. Paid Refills

Over its lifespan, a watermaker can produce water at a low cost. The more it is used, the lower the cost per liter.

Example Calculation:

Lifespan: 6 years, 180 days of use per year
Runtime: 1 hour per day, producing 60 liters/hour
Total production: 64,800 liters of water
Acquisition cost: €4,500
Cost per liter: ~€0.07

In this example, the watermaker is not assumed to be obsolete after six years—many owners may, however, move on from their boat and watermaker within this timeframe. Energy costs in this calculation are negligible.
Higher usage further reduces costs per liter.

Comparison:
In marinas and at refilling stations, water typically costs €0.02–€0.05 per liter, depending on the region. Prices can vary significantly, with outliers on the high end. However, water quality in popular cruising grounds like the Mediterranean or Caribbean is often low and frequently unsuitable as drinking water.

Conclusion

A watermaker offers much more than just comfort onboard: it provides freedom, self-sufficiency, and security in drinking water supply. For longer cruises or remote regions, it quickly becomes an essential piece of equipment. Even for seasonal yacht use, the rising costs of water and marina fees make the investment in a watermaker increasingly justifiable. Ultimately, it delivers not only freedom on the water but also savings in other areas—making it a luxury that costs less than one might initially assume.