Watermaker Seawater Intake

by Jerry K
(Brisbane)

We are planning on installing a water maker on our 37' sailboat. What is your opinion concerning sharing the engine raw water intake to also feed the water maker? We have read conflicting stories about whether this is a good idea? We probably would be running the engine while making water and are concerned that the engine could be starved of cooling water. As always thanks for your help.

Comments for Watermaker Seawater Intake

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 12, 2025
Rating
starstarstarstarstar

by: John Payne

Hi Jerry. Sorry for the delay, been away sailing, and recently left Brissy up the coast. BTW the latest edition of my book The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible 4th Edition is now available through Boat Books (or order through Muirs) and covers this subject in depth. You are correct and it is not recommended to share the seawater intake for the very reason you state, if possible you should install a separate strainer and through hull. I would qualify that in that if you have a very large engine seawater inlet you might be able to share same.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Cruisers Forum.