For sailors cruising on boats under 12 meters, space, weight, and energy use are always under scrutiny. Every kilo counts. Every amp-hour matters. And yet water remains non-negotiable. Fresh water is the backbone of off-grid life, but hauling it or rationing it is frustrating. That’s where 12V watermakers become essential gear. They offer the ability to generate water from seawater silently, sustainably, and without needing a diesel engine or genset.
The Real-World Challenges of Watermakers Offshore
The appeal of high-output watermakers is easy to understand. Models claiming 100 to 140 liters per hour are attractive at first glance. But behind those numbers is a reality check. Most of these systems draw 1.2 kW or more. That’s over 100 amp-hours burned through an inverter in just one hour. For a cruiser relying on solar, that’s your entire day’s generation gone.
And even smaller DC watermakers present trade-offs. A 12V unit like the Rainman DC can pull over 30 amps to make around 30 liters per hour. The power-to-output curve might make sense for a large multihull or a boat with unlimited solar and lithium, but for typical cruisers running 300 to 400 watts of solar, it’s a squeeze.
Then there’s complexity. Many high-output systems come with multiple components, proprietary membranes, or non-standard filters. That means expensive spares, specialist servicing, and real headaches if you’re cruising in remote waters.
What Do Cruisers Really Need?
Most full-time cruising couples use somewhere between 25 and 50 liters of water per day. That covers drinking, cooking, and light washing. You’re not looking to fill 600-liter tanks daily—you’re looking to replace what you use.
A system that can quietly make 20 to 50 liters each day without draining batteries or forcing you to run a diesel is the goal. And it has to be simple. Cruisers need gear that’s easy to maintain, repairable underway, and flexible in how it’s used.
Why 12V Matters
A true 12-volt system brings watermaking into the realm of normal daily boat life. It runs off your house battery, can be supported by solar, and doesn’t need a power-hungry inverter. You can use it while sailing or at anchor. And instead of running it for one loud hour, you can run it quietly for two or three while charging or cooking.
In practice, making 50 liters with a 12V system drawing 16 to 19 amps takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. That’s 45 to 55 amp-hours. Well within range of a 300-watt solar setup. Even in cloudy conditions, that’s recoverable.
Comparing the Options
Rainman 12V DC (26–34 LPH)
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Draws ~400 W (30 A @12 V)
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Weight: ~35 kg total with case
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Price: AU$7,900–8,000
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Solid output but heavy, noisy, and demanding on battery capacity
Schenker Zen 30 (30 LPH)
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Draws ~110 W (9 A)
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Weight: ~19 kg
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Price: AU$10,000–12,000+ installed
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Very efficient, but expensive and reliant on proprietary components
The Compact, Cruiser-Friendly Alternative
For most 7–12 meter yachts, the sweet spot lies in a watermaker that:
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Produces 20 LPH
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Runs directly on 12V power
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Consumes less than 18 Ah
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Can be flushed and maintained easily on board
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Uses standard filters and membranes
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Doesn’t cost a fortune
This is where the LEDI Scout lands.
The LEDI Scout: Quiet, Efficient, and Serviceable
The Scout produces 20 LPH while drawing only 180 to 220 W (around 16 to 19 A at 12 V). It weighs around 18 kg, includes a UV steriliser, and runs at under 60 dB. It uses off-the-shelf filters and a standard 2521 RO membrane. There’s no complex plumbing. Everything is in a compact, portable case that can be stored, serviced, or even carried ashore.
At AU$5,699, it’s thousands cheaper than comparable systems. It’s made for sailors who value power efficiency, ease of maintenance, and true off-grid flexibility. You don’t need to change your boat to install it. And you don’t need to run your engine to make it work.
For real-world cruising, the Scout isn’t a compromise. It’s what watermaking looks like when designed for how small boats actually live.
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