Important notice regarding well water
MAB Watermaker is not intended for the treatment of well water containing iron, manganese, arsenic, or other dissolved metals.
These substances can pass through the pre-filters and may cause damage to, or reduce the service life of, the RO membranes.
When using well water, proper and separate pre-treatment is always required, such as oxidation and specialized filtration, before any RO solution can be applied.
MAB Watermaker should not be regarded as a complete well water treatment system.
Choosing the right water production – without unnecessary complexity
When comparing water production and energy consumption, it is easy to get stuck on numbers. The table above presents facts – production per hour, power consumption, and energy efficiency – but there is no single “right” choice that suits everyone.
All systems in the table produce drinking water reliably. The main difference lies in how much water is produced per hour and how well the system fits your boat, your electrical system, and your way of living onboard.
A smaller system, for example around 30 liters per hour, is sufficient for many users. Instead of producing a large volume in a short time, the system simply runs a bit longer. The advantages are often a compact and straightforward installation, as well as lower demands on batteries and power supply.
Larger systems produce more water faster and are often more energy-efficient per liter, but that does not automatically make them a better choice. In practice, the decision comes down to:
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how much water you need per day
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how your electrical system is configured
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whether you prefer shorter or longer operating times
All our high-pressure pumps are designed for continuous operation and have a low noise level compared to equipment such as pressure washers. In real-world use, noise differences between models are small and rarely decisive when choosing a system.
In short: the table shows the facts – the rest is up to you.
How much water do you actually need?
As a general guideline, about 30 liters of fresh water per person per day is often used for normal life onboard. This covers drinking water, cooking, washing dishes, and basic hygiene.
In reality, water consumption varies greatly:
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During long-distance cruising and extended passages, many people use less water.
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During holiday cruising in warm climates, such as the Mediterranean, water consumption is often higher – especially for deck showers after swimming in salt water.
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In brackish water, such as the Baltic Sea, the perceived need is often lower since there is less salt to rinse off.
There are therefore no absolute numbers. Water consumption depends on how you sail, where you sail, and how you choose to live onboard.
FAQ – Is 30 liters per hour really enough?
For many users – yes.
30 liters per hour corresponds to approximately 700 liters per day if the system is run for a few hours, which is sufficient for drinking water, cooking, dishwashing, and simple showers for most crews.
A smaller system often means:
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simpler installation
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lower demands on batteries and electrical systems
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the ability to run longer sessions instead of short, intensive operating cycles
If more water is needed, larger systems are always available. However, high production per hour is not a requirement for everyone. What matters most is that the system matches how you actually use your boat.
Important considerations when using a powerful 12 VDC motor (1 hp)
When using a powerful 12 VDC motor rated at 1 hp, it is critical that the battery cables are correctly dimensioned to handle the high current draw.
In addition, all connection points must be secure and provide good electrical contact to avoid problems.
If this is not ensured, the high currents can cause connection points to overheat and, in the worst case, burn or fail. This may result in short circuits, which can not only damage the electrical system but also pose a serious risk to the motor. In cases of extreme overheating, connections may loosen or fail due to heat, which in turn can cause an internal short circuit in the motor. This can lead to extensive damage or complete destruction of the motor.
To avoid these issues, it is important to:
✅ Use cables with sufficient cross-sectional area to handle the current
✅ Ensure that all connections are properly secured and in good condition
✅ Inspect and maintain connections regularly to detect early signs of overheating or damage
By following these guidelines, you can ensure safe and reliable operation of your 12 VDC motor.
⭐ Quick guide – choosing the right MAB system
🔵 Low energy consumption during operation (solar panels / lead-acid batteries)
Pump: LWS 0609 (3 L/min, 12 VDC)
Membranes: 1×2521 or 2×2521
Brackish water
35 L/h
360 W – 10.3 W/liter
50 L/h (2×2521)
360 W – 9.5 W/liter
Seawater
35 L/h
475 W – 13.6 W/liter
Best suited for:
Boats and holiday homes with lead-acid batteries, solar panels, and off-grid operation.
🟢 Mid-range – good water output, moderate consumption
Pump: LWS 1209 (approx. 4.6 L/min, 12 VDC)
Membrane: 1×2540
Brackish water
80 L/h
510 W – 6.4 W/liter
Seawater
60 L/h
825 W – 13.8 W/liter
Best suited for:
Boats or holiday homes with lithium batteries, or AGM banks supported by solar panels.
🟡 High production – for long-distance cruising and larger crews
Pump: LWD 3020 (6.4 L/min, 12/24 VDC)
Membranes: 1×2540 or 2×2540
Brackish water
100 L/h
680 W – 6.8 W/liter
150 L/h (2×2540)
680 W – 7.1 W/liter
Seawater
80 L/h
1060 W – 13.3 W/liter
130 L/h (2×2540)
1060 W – 8.2 W/liter
Best suited for:
Long-distance cruising, crews of 3–6 people, daily showers, large water tanks.
Primarily with lithium battery systems.
🟢 LWD 4022 (230 V) – stable, powerful & future-proof
The standard choice for most boats and holiday homes.
⚙️ Specifications
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Brackish water production: 100–150 L/h
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Seawater production: 80–130 L/h
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Power consumption (brackish): 760 W
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Power consumption (seawater): 1265 W
Efficiency
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Brackish: 7.6–8.4 W/liter
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Seawater: 9.7–15.8 W/liter
⭐ Advantages
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No heavy DC cables required
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Supports both single and dual 2540 membranes
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Future-proof for increased demand
🎯 Best suited for
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Most leisure boats
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Long-distance cruising / larger crews
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Holiday homes & off-grid systems with 230 V
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Installations where service access and stability are important
🟡 MAB Compact – easy installation
Base unit dimensions: H 31.5 × W 45 × D 34 cm
(Fits in the space of an A4 binder.)
🛠️ Smart placement
Separate installation of the high-pressure housing and pre-filters → highly flexible mounting in monohull boats.
🔌 Can be combined with:
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LWS 0609 (DC) → low energy consumption during operation
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LWD 4022 (230 V) → maximum stability & future-proof solution
🔴 MAB Modular system – maximum flexibility
For installations where you want to place the pump, filters, control unit, and membranes exactly where it suits best.
🧩 Advantages
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Noise and vibration can be isolated
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Supports 1× or 2× 2540 membranes
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Compatible with all variants of high-pressure pumps and membranes
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⭐ Recommended standard configuration
LWD 4022 (230 V) + 1×2540 membrane
(or LWD 3020 for DC operation)
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80–100 L/h in seawater
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100–150 L/h in brackish water
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Strong overall performance
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Easy to upgrade to 2×2540 membranes