I agree on self sufficiency to a point. That would be 2 months without sacrifice or being frugal.

We don't have a watermaker on Tropical Dance. Our decision was based on the fact that a sufficient watermaker for our needs would be around 5,000 dollars and that's a lot of marinas. We carry 350 gallons and can go 2 months. If we catch water (using the entire boat) we have gone 4 months. By then we want a marina for a few days to take care of a lot of stuff. With a smaller boat and 100 gallons a watermaker would be necessary as we're not frugal and don't wish to be.

'If it aint broke, don't fix it.' A good condition installed watermaker should be left alone. I do think it's a bit small and a more gph output would be better.

Heading South along the Nicaraguan coast 2008