Rainman AC (Electric) Water Maker

Overview

The AC system is by far our most popular watermaker. It’s a very simple and highly reliable system that can make up to 140 litres (37 gallons) of fresh potable water per hour.

Options exist for this system to be run as portable without any plumbing or plumbed in with a minimum footprint installation.

Our AC system is a great option when you want to make a lot of water quickly and get back to enjoying yourself.

Two Components – One Watermaker

The system is made up of a pressure supply unit (PSU) and a reverse osmosis unit (RO).

Both parts are required to make a complete watermaker. The PSU lifts the seawater, filters out the sediment and puts the system under high pressure, while the RO unit extracts fresh water from the stream of pressurised seawater.

Most of the water goes out to waste as brine output, while about 20% of the volume is extracted as fresh potable water for your tanks.

Different RO options exist for you to select with your AC Rainman system, each to achieve their own specific objective.

Power

With recent advancements in generators, batteries, and solar power generation, you have several options for powering the AC system.

Originally designed to run off of a minimum of a Honda 2kW generator, it will be easily powered by your inbuilt generator or a quality 2kVA inverter.

Choose either a 230VAC/50Hz or 115VAC/60Hz option to suit the power available in your situation.

Installed or Portable Watermaker

Our traditional system in the blue case can be used as either portable or installed. If you wish to install it, it becomes a two box installation. Various approaches that can be utilised include:

  • Keep it portable, pulling it out and setting it up each time you wish to use it.
  • Leave the unit in a locker, but pull out the hoses and throw overboard to make water, avoiding the need to move the system around on your deck.
  • Keep the system portable, but use a cam-lock fitting to temporarily plumb the system into a teed deck wash fitting. This gives the benefits of an installed system while using your portable unit while underway.
  • Fully plumb the system in, including the autoflush system.

Reverse Osmosis Options

You have three basic reverse osmosis (RO) options, depending on your water requirements, space available, and budget.

All three RO options are compatible with the AC PSU and available in either the cased and naked configurations.

Case or Naked

The system can be purchased either as the traditional blue case version or in the Naked configuration. The pricing, performance and power consumption are identical between the two options, so your specific requirements control which is best suited for your application. The table summarises the differences between the two options.

Features common to both Cased and Naked versions

  • 1.5 HP totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) induction motor
  • 1250 watts steady state power consumption
  • Current draw 6 amps (230VAC) or 12 amps (115VAC)
  • Power cord length: 3 metres (10 ft)
  • Plug type choices: US (NEMA 5-15), Australian (AS/NZS 3112), UK (BS 1363), Europe (CEE 7/7)
  • Integrated flexible impeller lift pump uses non-proprietary impeller
  • 2 metre (6 ft) maximum lift above sea level
  • General Pump WMR 316 stainless steel high pressure triplex plungerpump
  • Integrated General Pump 316SS/ceramic relief valve to prevent overpressurisation
  • 3 metre (10 ft) LDPE food grade product water hose, with 10 metre (33 ft) extension (8mm OD)
  • Sound levels – 62dB at 6 metres (20 ft) – see chart

Control Panel

The optional control panel provides a remote management capability for your installed Rainman watermaker. It’s a highly presentable and functional add-on component that will enhance your Rainman user experience.

It is an injection moulded ASA acrylic panel that remains true to Rainman’s reputation of elegant simplicity.

  • Integration with the Rainman autoflush system, triggers flush cycle after powering the watermaker off.
  • Built in tri-colour LED salinity sensor indicates when water is good to route to your tank.
  • Can be installed flush mounted, standalone with the included enclosure box, or even externally with the optional hatch.
  • Simple installation with no high pressure fittings or high voltage wiring.
  • Backwards compatible if you already have an installed electric naked or cased Rainman.

  • High Output

    100-140 lph

    (26-37gph)

    2 x 40″ RO Membranes.

    Our most common configuration with the AC system due to having the highest output and best overall value. Twice the output of the other options.

  • Compact

    50-70 lph

    (13-18 gph)

    2 x 21″ RO Membranes

    A great option if you are physically space constrained. Also common if this is a backup system on a larger vessel as it can be stowed in smaller spaces.

  • Economy

    50-70 lph

    (13-18 gph)

    1 x 40″ RO Membrane

    Our entry level water maker system is best suited for those on a budget. It can be upgraded to a high output system at a later date by adding a second membrane.

Autoflush

Your Rainman watermaker is a very robust piece of equipment, but caring for certain aspects will prolong its life. Regularly flushing your Rainman with fresh water will maximise the life of your watermaker membranes.

The optional autoflush system incorporates a solid state programmable timer that will flush your Rainman watermaker after each use and every seven days thereafter. It incorporates built in protection if your boat loses power during or between flush cycles.

Optional Accessories

While the base system will be sufficient for many customers, a number of options are available to get more out of your Rainman watermaker.

  • The plumbing installation kit is included with the Naked Rainman systems, but can also be a very useful option if you plan to install your Cased Rainman units.
  • A hydrotester will give you indication of the total dissolved solids (TDS) so you can know how your membranes are ageing.

Spares and Consumables

Your new Rainman system will arrive with enough spares and consumables to keep you going for a while, so most customers do not need to order more with initial purchase. There are a variety of items you will need over time to keep your system running for many years.