Rich wrote; ><< In the West Marine catalogue (p.430/1999 ed) I saw a Pur Watermaker which > claimed the ability to convert seawater to fresh water via pumping through a > semi-permeable membrane. Claim was that 98.4% of the "salt" content was > removed. It's pretty pricey at $500, and its yield of 2 pints per hour > sounds about equal to the perspiration that would be needed generate the > 800lb/sq inch force needed to force intake water through the membrane. > > Anyone have experience with such a unit? Arthur replied; The PUR 06 with it's 2 pints per hour of fresh water, would be for survival only. A LOT of work for little water. Of course to have a 06 water maker in your safety arsonal, would be great. Would surley be my last possible resort. I had a PUR 06 for a back up to my primary PUR 35 water maker. The taste, it grows on ya. Below I copied the post I sent to Duane a while back. >Duane wrote: Arthur Hebert, sent me an email in the past saying that the higher capacity manual water >maker he used on the crossing felt too slow and that if he had to do it >again, he would get an even higher capacity model. Do a search for the Pur >website, and you can see these higher capacity models, which I think ran in >the $1000-2000 or even more range. > Below is the post I sent to Duane a while back; Greetings Duane, I used the PUR 35 for my only water source for 15 days on a crossing. The manufacturer states a 1.2 gallon output per hour, that was probably in perfect factory conditions with several young bucks taking turns pumping, using fresh water (just guessing of course, no scientific data to prove that :>). I was only able to pump 32oz in approx.. 20 minuets, this was no fun after paddling 10 to 12 hours. I played a dangerous balancing act maintaining adequate hydration. If I were to do it over again I will purchase the new electric PUR 40 which can also be operated manually. There is a obviously a weight concern of 25 lbs.. for the unit itself not including the power source, not to mention the finical hit of $2200 US. I would back up the PUR 35 for it's reliability. I think they are practical in a "survivile"situation, a lot of work after or during a hard day paddling. If you have any sailing friends you may want to check to see if anyone owns a 35 that you can test. That could be a good way to see if it is worth the cost and effort for your use. Take care, Arthur Hebert *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Speaking of "survival", does anyone have any info on distilling fresh from salt? I saw a website of a fellow who did it at the rate of one part fuel to one part freshwater distilled, not too effecient and no details as to how it was done. Or perhaps solar stills? I'm thinking of situations where one could become beach-bound by weather long enough to threaten on-board water supplies. Not to mention something to satisfy that natural (male) need to "tinker" with something (we never do grow up). I'll pass on the watermakers. They are heavy, expensive, power-hogs for luxury cruisers. A friend has one (which he loves) but he also has big bucks and a 40' sailboat. Bob *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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