Sail Life - DIY Rainman watermaker installation 💦

This week I install our new 230V, 140 liters/hour Rainman watermaker, with the optional control panel and autoflush system.
Rainman watermakers: www.rainmandes...
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[@thetraveller869]

"I'm still here...!" Like Johnny in The Shining...? Not quite breaking through a door with an axe though. More like a bespectacled elf. In the nicest way of course!! You have a great chemistry together which makes your videos essential watching. Love 'em!!

[@CadohaAdventures]

That’s exactly the make and model of water maker we’re looking at, so you buying and installing it is all the confirmation bias I need! 😁😂⛵️

[@yakekaj]

You made a good choice of boat - comes with a handy reference guide 😉

[@KA7ISVtube]

Really enjoy your videos! Your enthusiasm and demeanor will keep us all watching again and again.

[@MultiBmorgan]

“i’m still here”. Ava is hilarious. awesome technical compartment Mads. Thanks for the water maker insight!

[@tejolisboa]

Yes. We missed you Ava.

[@danwolfe8954]

Oh, I've forgotten how much I missed your extensive box opening scenes .. thanks for providing a LONG version when opening the Rainman. 🙂

[@theadventuresoffatcat1886]

I know. Strange how satisfying it is to watch him slice open boxes. It's like Christmas or something.

[@KismetWLS]

My husband switched from using his computer speakers, to hearing aids with Bluetooth feed, I missed the glorious sanding and had to find you for myself.

[@quicksilver2446]

Very informative video for DIY. You obviously have done a lot of research to come up with this efficient model. Now you can stay out for months, Happy sailing.

[@jonunya3128]

"couple of pressure gauges, couple of needle valves and BAM>>>" ......... that was ... perfect.

[@alexpage7529]

I also do extensive research before buying products. I see what Mads got, and then buy that!

[@robinhodgkinson]

Function first in this case, but they could do to have an industrial designer give the control panel a redesign. That plastic extrusion aesthetic doesn’t improve the bathing room’s ambiance

[@normanboyes4983]

A great addition (the water maker) to the boat and the tech area is a real man cave now. Just one very insy winsy small point - I forgot you only had one water tank - with the water maker product going to your only storage tank there is a risk which hopefully you have considered. Of course there may be no practical alternative but ideally you would want to direct product water to another tank so that if anything goes wrong with the water maker on a production run it does not contaminate 100% of your fresh water. If at all possible try and get another tank that you can test when it’s full and then transfer to the storage tank if satisfied with the quality. Offered (from experience in these matters) constructively - but acutely aware of the practical constraints which may hinder such a solution.

[@StemtoSternSailing]

That is a good point. I'm sure glad you posted this comment. When one is inexperienced this kind of information is so valuable when planning for the future. Thanks. Best regards from Jarle

[@normanboyes4983]

@@StemtoSternSailing Thanks Jarle.👍⛵️

[@robm.4512]

Good point and well made.

[@bigfunanAmericaninGermany]

is it just me or do these two look happier every episode? its so cute!!

[@sirfrydryk360]

When the video end's he is going to do the Snoopy Happy Dance, I feel it in my bones.

[@briandale8386]

I knew you would waterproof the board for the membranes . That room is looking impressive

[@william6526]

This is a little late since you've already done most of the fiberglass work ,but I saw a really great idea on getting a lot of the dust from sanding out of the cabin air. I'm using it in my wood working shop and it is great. Place a furnace filter over the intake side of a large box fan and it cleans the air in a matter of minutes ,just make sure to point the exhaust air towards a doorway or window to the outside.

[@brucedysart6496]

No need to apologize for reduced DIY content. I’m looking forward to watching you guys get off on your adventures and I’m already really enjoying Ava’s excursions/travelogues.

[@ZeffyZ]

Rainman looks very professional with everything thought through and a super clear interface. Even the installation was done to make it 100% correct and not waste anybody's time.

[@toddabrahamsson1797]

I have been watching your videos from the beginning of your journey. I’m not sure how you have kept up your enthusiasm over the years ! You are truly an inspiration to all DIYers out there ! I was in the marine industry for over 40 years so I know the hardships you have gone through. I now currently own a J 40’ and am on the hard trying to complete the needed repairs to get back in the water to hit the Caribbean. I have just a few months left but I have to tell you, you are an inspiration to at least me, I’m sure most of you audience would agree. Please keep up the good work and the great videos !

[@tkjokester]

The rainman system looks absolutely superb. The control panel is ‘Spiffy’! You sold me.

[@william6526]

I'm amazed at the quality of work you do on all your projects. I've commented on a couple other boat refit sites that they need to watch your videos to learn how to do the job right the first time. You explain each step so precisely that I'm sure I'm not the only who loves watching your videos but there's most likely many people who have saved themselves time and frustration learning from your tutorials. Thankyou for another great video and may God bless you and Ava with his grace and keep you both safe.

[@mpb9671]

Well Done ! After I installed my Seawater Pro 110v, wondered why I had gone so long without one. By the way... you should check out videos from ONBOARD LIFESTYLES. The fellow has vids going back 3 years to when he began retrofitting his boat... everything from complete interior remake with light materials, full plumbing, electrical, fiberglassing, engine... you name it ...he did it. His vids show full details of how he engineered each of his projects.... you might get some good ideas going forward. congrats on all your projects so far

[@Mrflynlow]

Looks great Mads!!! I always feel assured about the complexity of your jobs when you assure us how simple it is. LOL In addition few would come aboard your boat and marvel at its simplicity. Open any door and all you see is technology leading technology. Mads your an awesome builder.

[@ohkeydokey]

Good Job as always, your talent for planning is remarkable. Being retired I watch a ton of boat building and although no expert many other boat builders are getting themselves into a "boat load" of trouble dowm the road. Congrats!

[@jrhalabamacustoms5673]

yea, that job would have taken me 5 trips to the hardware store (as if I know what Im doing). Great job and great video as always!

[@hoperules8874]

"Swoosh," "Hi Guys!..." Thumbs up!

[@DeeperImageAutomotive]

Mads, you are an incredible boat restorer/builder! Athena's technical capability, life saving redundancy, seaworthiness, all rivals million yachts, but you'd never know it.

[@jackbarnes694]

Membranes don’t like to be idle. For an industrial size RO plant we would recommend running it daily. The more the better.

[@Bruin4Life]

Great installation and workmanship Mads. You always do quality work and offer options on installation when available. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@cgtanker74]

Great episode Mads and Ava! Very informative with the new water maker. I feel like I enjoy your channel more than other DIY channels. I like the idea of having nearly everything you need at sea, but more over knowing how all the systems operate.

[@robertbeck4762]

You most likely are the gold standard to researching ALL things that move. Well presented and a quality informative video... 5 STARS !!!

[@stinkintoad]

You made the right choice. Rainman seems simple and has a decent output.

[@ccarter5257]

Great to see Eva there!!!!

[@bdphourde]

You cover everything so thoroughly, I can't always come up with a question! Well, how about, what is 0/∞? And show your work. ;)

[@Cptnbond]

The Rainman looks to be a real quality piece of kit. The idea with the technical compartment is just so brilliant, and it is unique how well it fits in Athenas limited space, just like a glove. Cheers.

[@franktartan6808]

Mads, your clock is blinking. Great video. I got a back ache just watching it. Keep up the great work. Happy new year to you and Ava.

[@arniestuboud]

KNEE PADS !!! KNEE PADS!!! KNEE PADS!!! Make your knees last for as long as possible!! PROTECTIVE CARDBOARD ON LOVELY WOOD TABLE TOP !!! When using it as a workbench, why not put cardboard down to protect the top - just in case? You may even be able to store such a "keeper" piece under the settee cushions?, perhaps. Wonderful video as ALWAYS !!! Have a great new year !!

[@theyachtriggerstpete]

Fantastic video! We’ve been dealers and installers for Rainman for many years, and you made the right choice for sure! Excellent install as well! Very well done.

[@2CabrasLocas]

💯 worth everything involved for that koozie!

[@loclann]

Hi Mads, regarding the difficulty Ava’s having opening the fridge: two suggestions, 1) if you put a hinge in the middle of the top/door it should eliminate the lateral movement you experience when you open it, making it easier to open. 2) put a top loading door into the top. Clever ideas are never far from your mind, a solution will come to you. :)

[@darrenjohnson4482]

I'm expecting to see some sort of linear motor device, just because it's different and Mads likes challeming himself

[@hoperules8874]

@@darrenjohnson4482 Indeed.

[@xXJasonardoXx]

@@darrenjohnson4482 I was thinking a gas shock to take some of the weight off.

[@bryansenulis7242]

Great info...your one of my favorite channels

[@SailingPuffin]

It wouldn’t be a SailLife video without DIY involved! Another awesome video that always gives me something to think about.

[@PMMM9]

It’s always wonderful to watch such amazing progress. Love to see what endless funds will afford. Can’t wait until you start gold plating everything.

[@jeanhawken4482]

It is fascinating watching you bring this boat up to safe sea faring specs. Such a pleasure.

[@PrecisionSailLoftVictoria]

Your DIY vids are some of the best on KZbin. Please keep making these videos, sailors around the world appreciate them!

[@SteifWood]

With the unison "See youuuuu" guess Ava is now a full Life crew!

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Great overview of the Rainman! You might also think about a Seagull water filter in case of dodgy freshwater supply from marinas. They are designed primarily for boat and RV use, but I used one for a couple of years in Cambodia to filter well water because the ground water was contaminated with, er, biological matter After installing it I had a sample of the output tested in a specialist water testing laboratory and it was good to go. One other good thing about the Seagull is that the filter is rated by the number of litres rather than ‘change every year’ so you can keep track of it with a meter (which is what I did). I think I’d fit it between the fresh water tank and the galley sink, coming through it’s own tap. That way it will also deal with any mould etc that may have crept into the fresh water tank. By using a separate tap you can limit its use for drinking or food preparation.

[@jamesadams1064]

Looks super spiffy. But that is no longer the technical cabinet. It’s the “PUC”. Public utilities cabinet. Cheers and Happy New Year.

[@WindoverWater]

A great video as always. You have been our Sunday tradition for years now. Glad to hear Ava is sticking it out with you. She is such a great addition to your channel. Cannot wait to see the transition from Mads working on something to the two of you seeing the world together. So easy to just keep refitting and never cast off from the dock. We transitioned from being a refit channel to being a sailing channel and then back to refit again. It is difficult to change gears for sure. Great to see you two are slowly making the transition from boat slaves to sailors. If you ever make it to Canada and the Great Lakes be sure and look us up.

[@phygital1]

I am a subscriber on your excellent channel as well :)

[@rondejoux8006]

Hi Guys, That list isn't getting any smaller, it surely will be one fantastic boat. Thanks and take care.

[@scottdunlop7442]

Happy Sunday afternoon. Danke.

[@josidasilva5515]

Two items: 1 the combined jockey/HP pumps are custom. Get extra spare or buy a high pressure washer for emergencies. 2 Radiant heat from the generator can long term reduce lifespan of membranes/hoses/pumps. A reflective wrap around it would help.

[@MetalMike50]

1. You can’t carry a spare for everything. Rainman ships worldwide, so a new pump is available anywhere in the world. The emergency in this case would be to visit a marina once a week or buy some jerrycans. Not a big deal and no emergency. 2. Isn’t the generator placed in its own insulated box? If it radiates that much heat, it would be really bad.

[@josidasilva5515]

@@MetalMike50 Emergencies happen anywhere, not just near marinas. Once the genset is turned off, all heat will dissipate into the room.

[@melis7787]

You made the water maker installation look super easy.

[@JCAJCA3]

Great job Mads. Good to see Ava still aboard. GOD speed guys. JC

[@kenf1445]

We are on our third year with our Rainman (portable economy model that runs off our Honda 2200) and we love it! Great choice

[@msliwinski3658]

I'm 76 yers old. I graduated as a seagoing engineer from a merchant marine college when I was 21. At that time we were instructed not to operate fresh water makers within 15 nautical miles off the coast. This was due to bacterial contamination of the coastal waters. This applied to all water makers which did not raise fresh water temperature to 100 deg C (only old fashion makers using steam to heat sea water could do that but they were slowly phased out). The integrity of the system should have been done at sea (sea trials) not in port. Contamination has already happened so I suggest to operate the fresh water maker once you are at sea (at least 15 miles offshore) in the sea-to-sea mode to flush out any bacteria from the system before you start directing water to the storage tank. I think 6 hours of flushing should be enough. You decide. You are not the first sailing enthusiast making this mistake. I have been following your channel for the last three years and I really enjoy it.

[@edwardhovitz1753]

Very much enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@krunoglavina3129]

HI Mads! In last video you talk about companionway doors. I think that if you use transparent material, so you can see through closed doors, it would be awesome. Just imagine amount of light coming through that window/door:)

[@brianstewart2032]

Nice work and a well thought out installation.

[@daves_channel1491]

Excellent technical area. Thank you for my goto Sunday evening entertainment for the last couple of years.

[@NikkiN777]

Maybe someone else has commented on this before, but whoever is trying to cook in rough seas, is going to have some significant bruises from the sharp corners of the nav station and galley counter. Always appreciate your explanations for all the things you’re doing. As a elderly non-sailor, if I can understand what you are doing, so people who sail will certainly find them useful. I’ve been watching you from the first video’s and always enjoy watching you overcome obstacles. Great inspirational channel.

[@hughvr1573]

Irony: I ordered one of these (with the case) just two weeks ago. It takes 5 weeks to ship from Australia. Thanks so much for this. Really helpful to hear your thoughts on the system. I have enough room to drop the two ‘clothed’ boxes in my stern lazarette. Seemed nice to be able to move and share it.

[@barrysummers1622]

Love your Vids guys, and especially this one because I am also interested in a Rainman like this. Looks like you have it 100% sorted out, i like the idea of the flushing unit. Would love to see a full list of all the extra components you got to make it so efficient and user friendly. Good luck keep up the good work.

[@redsailor101]

Good Monday morning!! I need to complain :) Two Sundays I have been glued to youtube, waiting for your video....but it's uploaded at 11.00 pm. I don't know if it's youtube that is delaying things. Have a nice day

[@dennisbay3035]

Weird... his uploads always come right around 11 am pacific for me... I think his first couple of UK vids were like an hour later, but lately it's been the Mads like clockwork

[@redsailor101]

@@dennisbay3035 Yes, that's why I'm thinking it's weird. Because Mads IS like clockwork...and I'm in Sweden. .only one hour difference

[@timothymaimone8611]

Mads, that watermaker is Mega-Spify!

[@eliezershmatnik5243]

Highly recommend watching the episode where Juel from the "Sailing Emerald Steel" explains how he built a watermaker all by himself/

[@garrykennedy5653]

Good choice the rainman is great we have been using ours for two years now, very happy.

[@rickvangunten4800]

Nice breakdown on Watermaker Types & Requirements. Thanks for sharing. Tech room really looks spiffy......................>

[@enetam]

WestSystem is back, yay :D

[@pwrplay8709]

Happy new year guys, Thanks again.

[@jespernielsen4807]

First episode I needed to wait for. Now im up to time. It has been a fun adventure. Took me 4 weeks, 2 weeks I was sick so a litle cheating. Greetings from sweden.

[@Brgnalf81]

From a guy, that works with laboratory DI water and systems, connected with it, don't run the watermaker just 2 hours per week. In the OFF time the hoses get filthy, contaminated and full of calcium deposits. It's waaaay better if you run the watermaker for half an hour every day and dump the excess water.

[@OCnStiggs]

Getting a filter wrench on the filter in the cabinet may be a challenge. They are a must have. Here in AZ, we rely on R.O. water and they are very reliable, albeit powered by well water pressure.

[@BobMuk08]

very spiffy... a lovely clear install of that kit. Enjoy 'Chi' as the locals call it. the Weald & downland Museum well worth a visit. & Bosham is nice too.. it has a link to Cnut (Canute) who was Danish! memorial in the church there I think. He's buried in Winchester Cathedral.

[@bobcat2222]

Congrats on getting your water maker installed. I think in your pros and cons, you probably leaned the way you did due to having the AC genset. For others starting fresh, you may find the ultimate energy efficiency (and noise) is an advantage. A high efficiency DC unit can simply run longer. Run when sunny and batteries high. Silent freedom. Best wishes.

[@davidcannamela]

We have the rain man too. Just full cased and 110.

[@hardh2ofishin857]

Am I the only one that giggles a little every time he does his intro stating "somewhat extensive refit"? How much more extensive can you get? Love the video as always and look forward to seeing Athena sailing more next week.

[@TR4zest]

Someone always makes the same comment on every episode.

[@kenttegneskog]

U make amazingly clean and well planned installs

[@TheRealIdleTime]

Very impressive; great job with the installation!

[@archstanton9206]

I stumbled onto your channel at the time you planning to put Athena on the hard to do the deck and Osmosis that led to the other stuff. It is so nice to see you and Ava getting the boat to the point where she will be crossing ready. What an endeavor you have taken on. I think that the sweat to fun payback has begun, but that pendulum will soon swing hard to fun, and it couldn't happen to two nicer people.

[@Wombbatts]

Plumber tip, flip the Teflon tape over the other way when using it. Hard to explain, but it won't unroll as you use it, and you can more easily apply a little force to snugly wrap the tape. Put your index finger through the hole and use your thumb to act as a "brake". Just try it, it will all make sense.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Nice work on the water maker installation Mads. Your technical room looks fantastic. Very well laid out and tidy. Take care and have a good week and a safe sail.

[@timothyobrien1850]

It is wonderful to hear from you two, my Sunday is complete. All the best. I hope you both relish the oh glorious joys of abundant fresh water. Oh by the way, doing the clothes washing is the man's job when cruising; just in case you two are not yet up on this facet nautical protocol.

[@dbriggs1689]

I can't wait to hear your honest opinion on how the water tastes. Give it to us straight!

[@Gladtobemom]

You can use some shrink tubing to cover your labels on all your hoses. You'll find that having labels on your plumbing hoses is just as important as the wiring.

[@K_R_W]

Mads is there a best of the best duohickey you don’t have. One thing never mentioned is the price paid for all the high-end adds to this boat. Everything added is without doubt the latest and greatest, best. Mads did you ever set a budget??? Luv the videos Mads!

[@timfiggins7764]

Awersome video. Love the clean install 👌

[@Jakfilm]

That's a really nice kit. My 13-year-old Aquabase is starting to eat parts, it may soon be time to replace it.

[@catchwildfire]

Well done! Inspiring!

[@josephstevens3357]

As always, very informative and enjoyable. Enjoy your sail! And the fresh water!

[@d.j.robinson9424]

Awesome work Mads, you guy's are amazing. 💙👌💚⛵💧💧💧💧💧

[@brucepublicover3544]

I always feel that you two spend a lot of time researching before purchasing anything of consequence! That being said, you both are making this channel very enjoyable and knowledgeable ! Looking forward to your trip to Chinchester area..

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

Nice video although id be reluctant to start the water maker anywhere but open ocean

[@danahawthorne1633]

Great info, thanks so much for everything.

[@tizwicky]

Very nice and neat installation! Well done.

[@kennethkonoi9699]

It hurts every time you work on that nice looking wooden island tabeltop. Please make a cover for it. I'm also wondering wouldn't it be better to cut out only small squares of the Armaflex for glueing small veneertabs to the hull for mounting bigger stuff. Anyway, nice job again Mads and Ava.

[@peterculverwell2030]

Another excellent episode, great content, well planned, executed and edited. Hands down one of the best sailing DIY channels out there 👌

[@erikthayer9790]

Thanks for giving us our box opening fix. Well done. 😀

[@milt7348]

Another success. Stay healthy and we'll see you next week.

[@kakgat9643]

You should consider using magnets for your doors, since you have no need to lock them. Keep up the good content.

[@raywattie2308]

You need a lime filter (marmer granulate) , you should harder water produced with a ro installation.