Designing the perfect water system for new build yachts is paramount, especially in the world of yachting. Not only does it impact the quality of life on board, but it also contributes to the longevity and functionality of the yacht itself.
Octo Marine’s new build services specialise in assisting yacht builders in crafting customised water systems that cater specifically to the needs of each new build. No matter the use case, proper water system planning, installation, and maintenance are vital. This article delves into the various elements involved in designing these bespoke systems.
Why a Custom Water System Matters for New Build Yachts
Yachts differ in their design, purpose, and the regions they explore, making a one-size-fits-all approach ineffective. Custom water systems ensure that the unique needs of a vessel are met, enhancing onboard comfort, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards.
The water system on a yacht encompasses of three essential systems:
- Getting Water from Shore Supply
- Creating Water with Desalination
- Moving the water from tanks to point of use systems.
Octo Marine’s approach to designing and installing water systems involves working closely with yacht builders during the yacht building and planning process. This is to create tailored solutions that perfectly integrate with the vessel’s size and operational profile.
Key Elements of Water System Design for Yachts
1. Correct Sizing of Water Systems
The first step in designing a water system for new build yachts is to ensure that it is appropriately sized for the vessel. A water system that is too small can lead to supply shortages, particularly when catering to larger crews or during extended trips in remote areas. Conversely, an oversized system can result in unnecessary energy consumption and higher maintenance costs. Factors that influence the sizing include:
- Yacht size and capacity: Yachts over 70 meters in length have significantly different water needs compared to 30m vessels. Calculating daily consumption, including drinking, washing, and other domestic uses, is essential.
- Cruising areas: The regions a yacht plans to cruise can dictate system size and type. Yachts operating in regions with limited freshwater access, such as remote islands or arid regions, will require robust water-making capabilities.
Octo Marine’s expertise lies in precisely calculating these requirements and designing water systems that align with the yacht’s specifications.
2. Sustainability
Sustainability is a core consideration in Octo Marine’s approach to water system design. Yachts, especially new builds, present an opportunity to incorporate environmentally responsible practices that align with the growing demand for eco-conscious solutions.
Octo Marine’s Slimline 5 Stage Drinking Water System exemplifies this commitment. It combines advanced technology with a compact design, fitting neatly under sinks to optimize yacht interiors. This solution has been proven through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to be environmentally sustainable, making it a valuable addition to any yacht aiming to reduce its environmental footprint.
By integrating such forward-thinking systems, Octo Marine ensures that sustainability is at the forefront of yacht water system design, helping owners and builders meet their environmental goals without compromising on quality or luxury.
3. Installation That Meets Yacht Requirements
The final step in Octo Marine’s service is the installation phase, where attention to detail is paramount. Proper installation not only guarantees the system’s performance but also aligns with yacht building standards and regulations.
Water systems need to adhere to specific standards, such as those outlined in ISO and MLC2006 regulations, which cover safety, sanitation, and reliability. Octo Marine ensures that:
- All installation practices meet international maritime regulations.
- The system is built to withstand harsh marine conditions, ensuring durability.
- The quality of installation supports long-term performance and minimal maintenance.
Advanced Water Systems: What Do They Include?
Designing the perfect water system involves integrating advanced features that enhance the yacht design and overall experience. Here are some key technologies often incorporated into modern yacht water systems:
Watermakers
These systems, also known as desalination units, are the heart of a yacht’s water system. They convert seawater into drinkable freshwater using reverse osmosis. Octo Marine supplies and installs high-efficiency water makers that are tailored to the yacht’s size and water demand, ensuring reliability even during long voyages.
Water Filtrations Systems
Octo Marine’s filtration solutions go beyond basic filtration. Our flagship products, such as the Slimline 5 Stage with UV Drinking Water System, offer advanced filtration that includes:
- 5 Micron prefiltration to clean the water
- Carbon filter for Chemical removal and taste, odour enhancement
- Mineral Filter to revitalize and mineralise
- Bio-ceramic Far infrared filter to stimulate blood circulation, activate somatic cells and improve the body’s metabolism
- Ultra-filtration membrane 0.01μ to remove organic and inorganic polymeric molecules, bacteria, viruses and cysts
The 5 stage can also be added to a sparkling, chilled, ambient or sparkling, chilled, boiling 3 way unit all from 1 faucet.
Collaborating with Custom Yacht Builders for Seamless Integration
One of Octo Marine’s core strengths is its collaboration with yacht builders around the world; from the conceptual stage through to final installation. This partnership approach ensures that the water system integrates seamlessly with the yacht’s other technical systems and design elements. Key benefits include:
- Customised solutions that cater to the unique design and operational profile of each yacht.
- Technical support and expertise during the build, ensuring that all components meet the high standards expected in luxury yachting.
- Post-installation support, including regular maintenance schedules and servicing, to keep the system running efficiently.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
Adhering to maritime regulations is non-negotiable for new build yachts. Octo Marine’s services include compliance checks to ensure that water systems meet all relevant safety standards. Their collaboration with Hydrus Laboratory SAS, an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified facility, reinforces their capability in water testing and safety verification. This level of testing is critical for gaining port authority acceptance and securing sanitation certificates.
Partner With Octo Marine
Designing the perfect water system for a new build yacht requires expert planning, precise calculations, and thorough knowledge of maritime standards. Octo Marine’s new build services support yacht builders in achieving this by offering tailored solutions that consider every aspect of water system design, from initial sizing to efficient layout, yacht construction, and compliant installation. By choosing Octo Marine, yacht builders and owners ensure that their water systems are not only efficient and high-performing but also built to last, providing peace of mind and luxury in equal measure.
Contact Octo Marine today to discover how their expertise in water systems can make your new build yacht an epitome of quality, comfort, and reliability.
