Re: [Paddlewise] Fresh water

Peter O Wrote;
> > Trying to think who else would face this sort of problem and guess it
> would
> > have to be the military. Does anyone know if they have access to energy
> > efficient, portable, desalination.
> >fresh water being the single most volume
> > consuming item I can think of for a long trip through arid coastline.
>
> Arthur Hebert had to do some serious watermaking on his gulf of Mexico
> crossing. Arthur, if you're out there, shed some light on this issue
please.
> Larry Koenig
> Baton Rouge,LA
>

  I have used the PUR 35 as my sole water supply for a 15 days of a 20 day
open water 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 statement :>).  There is an considerable
difference of force needed to pump salt water as compared to fresh water
using the PUR-35.  One must be in clear ocean water for the best efficiency,
which as sea kayakers we will have to paddle offshore to get into the
cleaner deeper water off the shoreline.  Of  Course this means we are
pumping water from our kayak.  The best method I found was to have the unit
between your legs resting on bottom of your vessel and one end of the PUR-35
wedged under the front of the kayak  seat. This helped to minimize the
effort needed to hold the unit still while pumping.
  Once you start pumping the unit you must continue to pump non stop.  If
you stop pumping during the process you must pump 60 times to get rid of the
brine and then start over again.   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.   My primary water
source was the Pur Survivor 35 ($1,400 US).    It is my understanding ( I
could be wrong??) PUR no longer manufactures the Survivor 35, although some
distributors may still have some in stock.
  On the next crossing I will purchase the electric PUR 40 which can also be
operated manually.   There's 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 survival situation, a lot of work after or during a hard
day paddling. To actually use the PUR 35 for your main source of water for
cooking and drinking would entail much energy and time.
  During the Gulf of Mexico crossing I had a Pur Survivor 06 as a back up
($500 US).  Fortunately for the 20 days at sea I never had to use the PUR
06. The PUR 06 with it's 2 pints per hour out put 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 arsenal, would be nice.   The 06 would surly be
my last possible resort for hydration.

 Arthur Hebert
  Louisiana
www.lacostadelgolfo.com
www.seacajun.com

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