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From: PJ Rattenbury <ratten_at_uow.edu.au>
subject: [Paddlewise] Fresh Water
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 07:51:48 +1000
	Arthur,  thanks for your notes on your PuR 35 experience.  I considered
the electric motor option before buying the manual model, and came to the
conclusion that the motorised model was designed to be used in situations
where the operator had access to plenty of electricity!  I can't remember
the power drain statistics now, but it was a considerable draw.   Like its
bigger brothers I believe the motorised 35 is for those who have access to
the  12 volt alternator charging systems of power boats, yachts etc.    How
do you reconcile this with kayaking?
	I second your thoughts on the PuR 06;  as I mentioned in an earlier
posting, the round the world sailor Tony Bullimore survived several days in
his capsized yacht with one.  Extreme survival tool only. 
Peter Rattenbury, Oz

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From: Arthur Hebert <seacajun_at_gs.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Fresh Water
Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2001 21:45:50 -0500
Peter R. wrote;
> Arthur,  thanks for your notes on your PUR 35 experience.  I considered
> the electric motor option before buying the manual model, and came to the
> conclusion that the motorized model was designed to be used in situations
> where the operator had access to plenty of electricity!  I can't remember
> the power drain statistics now, but it was a considerable draw.   Like its
> bigger brothers I believe the motorized 35 is for those who have access to
> the  12 volt alternator charging systems of power boats, yachts etc.
How
> do you reconcile this with kayaking?



Lets face it there is no easy method to maintain proper hydration with
little effort as kayakers in the open sea or along coast lines without fresh
water.  The electric pump I was referring to is the PUR PowerSurvivor 40E
Watermaker.   It has a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per hour.  The running
electrical draw for the unit is 8A _at_12V DC.  I personally have not started
with any serious research for a power supply that would adapt to our sea
kayaks.  That will happen sometime before the next crossing. My attitude is
that even if I was only to be able to make 10 gallons with the power supply
that would adapt to a sea kayak I would have felt the dollars well spent.
That would be about $200.00 per gallon if you could only make 10 gallons.
Well worth it when you can't chew or swallow food because you do not have
enough saliva in your mouth or you are so constipated partly due to the lack
of proper hydration, I'll pay the $200.00 dollars per gallon.  I would hope
that a system will be devised that would have a greater output of much more
than 10 gallons.  Any comments from someone with knowledge of the different
power supply options?
 I will say this I am willing to sacrifice much room and the additional
weight for a means to minimize the effort needed to make freshwater.  Even
during an expedition that may outlast the power supply I would have felt
that the disadvantages of bulk and weight was worth it.  The true value of
water is realized when you have to work so hard for fresh water to just
survive.  A moment I shall always remember was at home the same day I
completed the Gulf crossing.   I went to the bathroom to wash my face.  As
soon as I turned on the water to the lavatory I immediately shut the water
off.  So much water was wasted going into the drain, there was a
overwhelming feeling of such a waste.  It was then I realized that it was ok
and I could have all the water I wanted, tears had formed in my eyes and the
value of water will always be known to me.  There is a method out there to
go electric and it will be worth the bulk and weight. Out of all the
provisions and gear brought, sacrificing space and weight  for water or
watermaker would be the most important, just my opinion.
For an good insight on solar stills, read Steven Callahan's book "Adrift"
ISBN 0-345-34083-3.  Seventy-six days adrift at sea on a small rubber raft.
Arthur Hebert
Louisiana, USA







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