I just made our own watermaker and kept it super basic so it’s easy to repair and diagnose, but I must say I’m super jealous of all the little perks and extras yours has, like that phone app!
Great work, you really worked hard to solve all of those problems. For getting in to tricky/cramped situations I have often used an adjustable basin wrench as it will articulate in to really cramped spaces, not sure would work in that case though. Most of the plumbers I get to do my work no longer use PTFE tape but use Loctite 55 much better they always tell me gives them 100% success against anything leaking. You really do a great job documenting everything you do, so much work goes in to your productions, thank you.
The boost pump is supposed to push pressure through the two filters and push into the high pressure pump. The bubbles are being formed because of partial vacuum that the high pressure pump is pulling. You should Be able to drill a hole in the side of the filters and water should piss out not suck in. Put some 0-30 psi gauges on either side of the filters. If you don’t see pressure it’s likely something worn with boost pump.
This is a great video, I am inspired by your ingenuity. Well done. Wow 400 euro for that little pump. That seems like highway robbery to me! Spectra should fix it for a cheaper option.
My thoughts exactly! I think the issue is import tax. Very strange thing... If it was in the store, then no import tax, but because it had to be "imported" it was marked up by 70% 😳
Nice one... money saving activities... searching the internet for parts to your watermaker that spectra source for their systems, because they don't make all the parts themselves... 🙂👍
Yeah, that's what I figured too! It baffled me for a while and I double clammed, hot clamped, lubricated the seals, just about everything to remove the 'air leak'!
Well that scenery on the street didn’t quite compare to the last video lol but once again great helpful technical info. And you look quite used to being cramped in those spaces you almost look comfortable! 😆
😅 Michy, we are lucky to have that much space 😉 I asked it to be installed there for the very reason to fold my 2m length into a service position 😂 yeah, the pump broke in the Black Sea, because we were waiting for the opportunity to get into the EU because of covid, we got quotes from Turkey and Greece at that time. Greece refused entry because we came from Turkey, but Malta had no problem. So we filled up our 800l tanks in Turkey and dashed for Malta where we immediately tried to get a replacement pump... Thank you for the kind compliment and for watching!
@@SailingSisu I should’ve guessed given you’re an engineer! 😅 I do recall in other episodes you having that issue with something else coming from Greece. Not a bad spot to wait things out! Fair winds to you and the seemingly elusive wife ! Lol
Not sure of what feed pump yours uses but on my spectra Cape Horn extreme they use 2 x shuffle pumps and the heads wear and your volume just drops. Luckily you can buy just the head for $50 as the whole pump head costs $250 and the full pump $350. But when it stops working it causes a load of problems that you never thought could happen .IE no water 😳
one thing is missing on all the documentation for spectra is the duty cycle rating (design rating of the unity to be run continuously or for how long in one sitting) for the different units in the specifications. Starts me to wonder why and should i go for the 700c or 1000c units for the future so i do not have to run the unit so long to fill both the tanks. The 700c has two of those pumps on the pre unit so I cannot still get away from that type of pump.
@@SailingSisu usually heat build up can cause insulation break down. Excessing the Duty cycle rating which I cannot find on any of the models and the mean operating temperature of the environment the unit is operating. From memory you are not to exceed 37 degrees C for the 400c model Suggest run the aircon if you have one or a fan directed onto the unit and or increase the ventilation for the unit while running. Vibration can also effect the small motors due to size of the conductors more likely overheating issue Did you due a resistance test on the new motor to compared to the old motor to check the insulation has failed and or open circuit motor wiring regards
thank you David for the technical and very plausible explanation ! No, I did not test the resistances . but it sounds like a good reason. the boost pump is in the bilge which is always below water level and normally around water temperature .
Interesting, I didn't think a d5 pump could flow enough to supply a watermaker. They're typically really reliable. I've had one running basically 24/7 in my computer for about 4 and a half years without issue, despite having a dye in my coolant that broke down.
@@SailingSisu Yeah, it definitely looks like a d5, the size and shape, the pump rotor. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to double check the label to make sure before putting money on it, but you can save a bunch of cash over the spectra branded pump if it is! :)
I can email your the website in the US that has the pump motor modules as a separate part ,It looks the same us$ 95 They are used in high end computer water cooling applications
Does the Mewport come new with a bt app or is it something added after original purchase? My catalina 340 did not come with one that was six years ago but would love to have one.
I found that out by accident. I bought a remote console, which came with a cable, which looked very much like a network cable. I saw the network port on the Spectra and decided to put it on my boat's Wi-Fi router. Looked at the IP address on the unit, which my router assigned, typed it in my browser and voila! Can control the Spectra via WiFi 😊
@@SailingSisu I have not taken a D5 apart.But immagine it is a certain strengh magnet that holds the impeller to the housing.There will be a small magnet at one point of the impeller.and same on face of motor. maybe more than one.The impeller cannot slip.or it would not work.They are designed so as no water can penetrate the motor itself.like other motors need a rubber seal.
@@SailingSisu I did reply but not sure were it is.The impeller is held by a certain strengh magnets,Strong enough to hold but not to strong to stick.Maybe there are 4 magnets 2 pushing and 2 pulling.to create a balance gap.None contact.so not needing a rubber seal like other motors.Not taken one apart so dont know.Just my guess.
Been looking into these water makers and the total rip off price.Seaflo do a complete system with 4 years guarantee for less than a third of the price of that spectra.I would buy the 42 series low pressure pump and fittings and keep for when that fails again.$80 pump and a few bits.to convert.And seaflo are available all over the world.Some things i never understand with boaters.when running your engine when you have to .why not make water at the same time.even if its a small top up.
We have two tanks and one normally lasts a week. We always have at least 400 litres of water. Further, because we do not make water at anchor unless it is super clear, we always make water between anchorages. It takes around 8 hours to fill one tank or at least, we budget for 8 hours. The Black Sea was particularly murky even 5 miles offshore and we could not make water for days. It sounds as if you have a good solution with your water maker! Do you know how much power it takes to make 100 liters?
@@SailingSisu Im thinking of buying a boat when all this coved is over.Im from the UK and have not been sailing since i was a boy and loved it.Apart from the UK being bad weather and cold most of the time.So im looking into everything.just as you did yourself.Before making that final decision.I understand all mechanics and electronics,Im shocked at the prices of items for spairs etc.It seems that spectra is a unreliable expencive to others item to save power.and if something goes wrong you have to buy spectra parts.I also worked in the boating industry.From 38ft mono hull to luxury liners when i was younger.As for the black sea.Im surprised that you diid not know how dirty it is.Were do you think it got its name.And has got worst since it becomming holiday resorts and all the sewage etc going into it.I would expect it takes 70 amps max to make a hundred litres.I would expect me not needing more than 15 litres a day per person.And then extra on days washing the boat down.As for the carbon footprint.what i make in 1000 years would be far less that some chinese power plant in a few hours.Up to you if you want to do your bit.I will be looking at 1000 amp cobalt ,3% lithium in name battery bank.of which 30 to 95% usable power. is more than enough for 2 people.And will have some form of reliable generator.I do not stay subscribed to channels.but i re subscribe when i come back to them.catch up and then unsubscribe.unless i think there next blog interests me.
@@SailingSisu it seems everything i said did not go on to reply.70 amps seaflo.complete system.but i would also have at least a reliable portable diesel generator.to support the solar and wind vanes.and at least 1000 amp battery bank.so have minimum 600 amps useable.i do not like the idea of extra alternators.
@@t147han thank you for the detailed replies! it is always a good idea to do the research before embarking on such an adventure, but I am still learning after two years!
Hard to believe $400 for a simple water pump.You can see ,why so many give up sailing with the rip off prices for basic spares.That pump looked like a $20 pump.
A bit more than $20, actually. They are typically around $100-$150 retail for a d5 pump, depending on manufacturer. Of course, anything with the word "marine" in the name is massively overpriced. I like spectra because they are very energy efficient, and their software is good, but it would be nice if the marine market was big enough to drive prices down instead of them basically getting away with gouging :(.
@@FlesHBoX Its a 12volt pump.why you talking about energy efficient.That pump is most proberbly made in china and costs a couple of dollars.Shows how good it was.It did not last very long.It will be very annoying if it has to be replaced every couple of years.
@@SailingSisu just watched a channel called JAYSTWOCENTS both my pumps died.you should watch it.he also states $80 dollars for the pumps which is also a rip off.
Thanks for trailblazing and documenting Frik.
My pleasure, Trent!
I just made our own watermaker and kept it super basic so it’s easy to repair and diagnose, but I must say I’m super jealous of all the little perks and extras yours has, like that phone app!
It does come in handy!
Great work, you really worked hard to solve all of those problems.
For getting in to tricky/cramped situations I have often used an adjustable basin wrench as it will articulate in to really cramped spaces, not sure would work in that case though.
Most of the plumbers I get to do my work no longer use PTFE tape but use Loctite 55 much better they always tell me gives them 100% success against anything leaking.
You really do a great job documenting everything you do, so much work goes in to your productions, thank you.
Thank you, Russ! And thank you for the great tip on lock tight! Please spread the kind words to other social media 😊
👍 a true 'Jack of all Trades'
Making tools to fit is a tell tail sign of a good mechanic... a man made it, a better man can fix it.
😅 Steven, that seems to be a forced thing on a boat! Thank you for watching!
Be careful in the Caribbean with SISU's Black sails ☠
Cruising - fixing things in exotic locations. Good job of trouble shooting and another cool video. Cheers!
You can say that again ;-).
Helped me a lot, just learned that my boost pump on just burned through too
Ahhhh man, ongoing fixing stuff on a boat 😫
You need whats called a 'crows foot' spanner set to get into those tight areas... They are made for exactly that scenario.
Thank you, Tim! Good advice! Not that I could find it in the Black Sea, Turkey or Malta 😅 but I do have now something to remove that pesky sensor 😂
Thank you Frik.👏👍⚓️
No! Thank you, Sadre for watching and supporting us for so long!
@@SailingSisu It is great pleasure watching your advantures mate and alot of experience.👍⚓️
Sisu vrew, tx for yet another good video. Frik I am sure that there is a diy Sisu water maker churning in your head ;) . Cheers Guys
😅 Thank you, Adrian! I must say, Sisu is keeping me busy!
The boost pump is supposed to push pressure through the two filters and push into the high pressure pump. The bubbles are being formed because of partial vacuum that the high pressure pump is pulling.
You should
Be able to drill a hole in the side of the filters and water should piss out not suck in. Put some 0-30 psi gauges on either side of the filters. If you don’t see pressure it’s likely something worn with boost pump.
That's exactly what I deducted in the video 😏 thank you for watching!
Liked your trouble shooting 👍 and at the end it all "came together" again. Well done on the safe passage as well.
Thank you so much for your kind words !!!
Such detailed info, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
This is a great video, I am inspired by your ingenuity. Well done. Wow 400 euro for that little pump. That seems like highway robbery to me! Spectra should fix it for a cheaper option.
My thoughts exactly! I think the issue is import tax. Very strange thing... If it was in the store, then no import tax, but because it had to be "imported" it was marked up by 70% 😳
@@SailingSisu Import taxes 70%!! Definitely highway robbery!!
@@SailingSisu I mean the mark up
Nice one... money saving activities... searching the internet for parts to your watermaker that spectra source for their systems, because they don't make all the parts themselves... 🙂👍
Very good advice, thank you for the kind compliment!
lekker man sailing tips with Dirk. Kan nie wag om op die waater te kom met my bootjie eendag.
Dankie Deon! Boer maak 'n plan!
@@SailingSisu net so
The spectra pump is drawing such a vacuum that it is liberating bubbles at the filter elements. Just like soda fizzies when you remove the cap
Yeah, that's what I figured too! It baffled me for a while and I double clammed, hot clamped, lubricated the seals, just about everything to remove the 'air leak'!
Kry vir jou n fiets spanner , dit werk amper orals
Dankie Deon! Ek weet nie jong... Daar is regtig so 2cm om in te werk 😅
Nice video again Frik. Glad to hear you had a successful crossing.
Thank you, Fred! See you, follow us closely 😊 thank you!
@@SailingSisu from the beginning.
Well that scenery on the street didn’t quite compare to the last video lol but once again great helpful technical info. And you look quite used to being cramped in those spaces you almost look comfortable! 😆
😅 Michy, we are lucky to have that much space 😉 I asked it to be installed there for the very reason to fold my 2m length into a service position 😂 yeah, the pump broke in the Black Sea, because we were waiting for the opportunity to get into the EU because of covid, we got quotes from Turkey and Greece at that time. Greece refused entry because we came from Turkey, but Malta had no problem. So we filled up our 800l tanks in Turkey and dashed for Malta where we immediately tried to get a replacement pump... Thank you for the kind compliment and for watching!
@@SailingSisu I should’ve guessed given you’re an engineer! 😅
I do recall in other episodes you having that issue with something else coming from Greece. Not a bad spot to wait things out! Fair winds to you and the seemingly elusive wife ! Lol
Lekker man lekker
A bit hectic, but lekker 😊
Oh yes, the boating life! Water woes...and they come outside and inside the hulls! Take your pick...
So true! Thank you for watching!
Not sure of what feed pump yours uses but on my spectra Cape Horn extreme they use 2 x shuffle pumps and the heads wear and your volume just drops. Luckily you can buy just the head for $50 as the whole pump head costs $250 and the full pump $350. But when it stops working it causes a load of problems that you never thought could happen .IE no water 😳
Yeah, this boost pump is a sealed unit 😢 have to buy the whole frikken thing!
one thing is missing on all the documentation for spectra is the duty cycle rating (design rating of the unity to be run continuously or for how long in one sitting) for the different units in the specifications. Starts me to wonder why and should i go for the 700c or 1000c units for the future so i do not have to run the unit so long to fill both the tanks. The 700c has two of those pumps on the pre unit so I cannot still get away from that type of pump.
Yes, it is silly... And the pump was ONE month out of warranty! And how does a magnetic induction pump burn out?
@@SailingSisu usually heat build up can cause insulation break down. Excessing the Duty cycle rating which I cannot find on any of the models and the mean operating temperature of the environment the unit is operating. From memory you are not to exceed 37 degrees C for the 400c model
Suggest run the aircon if you have one or a fan directed onto the unit and or increase the ventilation for the unit while running.
Vibration can also effect the small motors due to size of the conductors more likely overheating issue
Did you due a resistance test on the new motor to compared to the old motor to check the insulation has failed and or open circuit motor wiring
regards
thank you David for the technical and very plausible explanation ! No, I did not test the resistances . but it sounds like a good reason. the boost pump is in the bilge which is always below water level and normally around water temperature .
We call those new tools ... proprietary tools.😅
Lots of that on a boat, Peter! Thanks for the comment!
Interesting, I didn't think a d5 pump could flow enough to supply a watermaker. They're typically really reliable. I've had one running basically 24/7 in my computer for about 4 and a half years without issue, despite having a dye in my coolant that broke down.
That is really good news! Someone else mentioned the D5... Must look that up and buy a bunch!
@@SailingSisu Yeah, it definitely looks like a d5, the size and shape, the pump rotor. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to double check the label to make sure before putting money on it, but you can save a bunch of cash over the spectra branded pump if it is! :)
I can email your the website in the US that has the pump motor modules as a separate part ,It looks the same us$ 95
They are used in high end computer water cooling applications
Correct , in the PC world that is called a Laing D5 pump.
Oh! That would be awesome!
Does the Mewport come new with a bt app or is it something added after original purchase? My catalina 340 did not come with one that was six years ago but would love to have one.
I found that out by accident. I bought a remote console, which came with a cable, which looked very much like a network cable. I saw the network port on the Spectra and decided to put it on my boat's Wi-Fi router. Looked at the IP address on the unit, which my router assigned, typed it in my browser and voila! Can control the Spectra via WiFi 😊
👋👌
Dankie Magda!
If the water maker is defect why don't you use rom maker to make water, I now is a bad idea, better make rom 😀
Hahahaaaaa, excellent idea
Curious if that was a brushless motor that failed
Yes, that was the most scary part... Not only brushless, but magnetic too! How does a magnetic motor burn out?
@@SailingSisu Its because like any other motor.its trying to push what does not want to be pushed because its sticking.
@@t147han I thought magnetic impellers are ment to be slipping?
@@SailingSisu I have not taken a D5 apart.But immagine it is a certain strengh magnet that holds the impeller to the housing.There will be a small magnet at one point of the impeller.and same on face of motor. maybe more than one.The impeller cannot slip.or it would not work.They are designed so as no water can penetrate the motor itself.like other motors need a rubber seal.
@@SailingSisu I did reply but not sure were it is.The impeller is held by a certain strengh magnets,Strong enough to hold but not to strong to stick.Maybe there are 4 magnets 2 pushing and 2 pulling.to create a balance gap.None contact.so not needing a rubber seal like other motors.Not taken one apart so dont know.Just my guess.
Been looking into these water makers and the total rip off price.Seaflo do a complete system with 4 years guarantee for less than a third of the price of that spectra.I would buy the 42 series low pressure pump and fittings and keep for when that fails again.$80 pump and a few bits.to convert.And seaflo are available all over the world.Some things i never understand with boaters.when running your engine when you have to .why not make water at the same time.even if its a small top up.
We have two tanks and one normally lasts a week. We always have at least 400 litres of water. Further, because we do not make water at anchor unless it is super clear, we always make water between anchorages. It takes around 8 hours to fill one tank or at least, we budget for 8 hours. The Black Sea was particularly murky even 5 miles offshore and we could not make water for days. It sounds as if you have a good solution with your water maker! Do you know how much power it takes to make 100 liters?
@@SailingSisu Im thinking of buying a boat when all this coved is over.Im from the UK and have not been sailing since i was a boy and loved it.Apart from the UK being bad weather and cold most of the time.So im looking into everything.just as you did yourself.Before making that final decision.I understand all mechanics and electronics,Im shocked at the prices of items for spairs etc.It seems that spectra is a unreliable expencive to others item to save power.and if something goes wrong you have to buy spectra parts.I also worked in the boating industry.From 38ft mono hull to luxury liners when i was younger.As for the black sea.Im surprised that you diid not know how dirty it is.Were do you think it got its name.And has got worst since it becomming holiday resorts and all the sewage etc going into it.I would expect it takes 70 amps max to make a hundred litres.I would expect me not needing more than 15 litres a day per person.And then extra on days washing the boat down.As for the carbon footprint.what i make in 1000 years would be far less that some chinese power plant in a few hours.Up to you if you want to do your bit.I will be looking at 1000 amp cobalt ,3% lithium in name battery bank.of which 30 to 95% usable power. is more than enough for 2 people.And will have some form of reliable generator.I do not stay subscribed to channels.but i re subscribe when i come back to them.catch up and then unsubscribe.unless i think there next blog interests me.
@@SailingSisu it seems everything i said did not go on to reply.70 amps seaflo.complete system.but i would also have at least a reliable portable diesel generator.to support the solar and wind vanes.and at least 1000 amp battery bank.so have minimum 600 amps useable.i do not like the idea of extra alternators.
@@SailingSisu Your pump is on sale on ebay uk.£36 with postage.Made in china.But they all are...8--24 volt.5900 rpm.
@@t147han thank you for the detailed replies! it is always a good idea to do the research before embarking on such an adventure, but I am still learning after two years!
Geez...boat life is expensive :(
Imagine that! Free water... Gmff...
Hard to believe $400 for a simple water pump.You can see ,why so many give up sailing with the rip off prices for basic spares.That pump looked like a $20 pump.
I totally agree! And then some vendors in some countries just unconditionally add import tax...even for a yacht in transit 😳
A bit more than $20, actually. They are typically around $100-$150 retail for a d5 pump, depending on manufacturer. Of course, anything with the word "marine" in the name is massively overpriced. I like spectra because they are very energy efficient, and their software is good, but it would be nice if the marine market was big enough to drive prices down instead of them basically getting away with gouging :(.
@@FlesHBoX Its a 12volt pump.why you talking about energy efficient.That pump is most proberbly made in china and costs a couple of dollars.Shows how good it was.It did not last very long.It will be very annoying if it has to be replaced every couple of years.
@@SailingSisu just watched a channel called JAYSTWOCENTS both my pumps died.you should watch it.he also states $80 dollars for the pumps which is also a rip off.
JayzTwoCents.