12V Watermaker for Small Yachts: Output, Power and Price

December 8, 2025

A 12V watermaker for a small yacht should match three things: your daily fresh-water use, the hours you can run it and your battery charging capacity. A portable unit can make water from seawater without permanent plumbing; an installed system suits owners who want a dedicated onboard setup.

For smaller crews, the LEDI Scout portable 12V watermaker offers 10 or 20 litres per hour. Choose from your actual water budget rather than boat length alone. Compare Scout and Nomad, or ask an engineer to size your system.

How much water does your yacht need each day?

Measure what you use for drinking, cooking, washing up and showers. Then divide the litres you need to replace by your planned run time. For example, replacing 40 litres in two hours requires about 20 L/h; replacing the same amount in four hours requires about 10 L/h. Allow a margin because membrane output varies with feed-water temperature and salinity.

A watermaker complements your tank capacity. Keep a fresh-water reserve and plan for days when you cannot operate the unit or your charging is limited.

Scout 10 or Scout 20: output, power and price

Scout 10: approximately 10 L/h; approximately 20 litres in a two-hour run. Listed price: $4,899 AUD including GST, excluding shipping.
Scout 20: approximately 20 L/h at the recommended 750 PSI; approximately 40 litres in two hours. Listed price: $5,799 AUD including GST, excluding shipping.
Power: 12V DC, with a typical combined draw of 16–18 A for the high-pressure pump and feed pump.
Handling: approximately 18 kg. Check locker dimensions, lifting access and hose reach before choosing.

Prices checked 12 October 2026. See the Scout product page for current options, specifications and pricing.

Work out your battery budget before buying

Current in amps multiplied by run time in hours gives an approximate battery use in amp-hours. At 16–18 A, a two-hour Scout run uses approximately 32–36 Ah before any charging contribution. Three hours uses approximately 48–54 Ah. Add your fridge, navigation, lighting and other loads to the same daily budget.

Solar can support the battery supply, but panel wattage alone does not guarantee enough energy. Actual charging depends on sunlight, shading, mounting angle, controller efficiency and other loads. Size the system for the conditions you expect and the usable capacity of your battery bank.

Portable or permanently installed?

Choose portable if you want to avoid a permanent installation, move the unit between boat and camper, or put it away between trips. The Scout 10 or 20 L/h portable watermaker is the compact option. Nomad 40–80 L/h watermaker offers higher output for larger daily water requirements; check its power and lifting requirements.

Choose modular if you want separate components mounted around your available space and plumbed into the boat. Discuss the intake, pre-filters, membrane, discharge, electrical supply and controls with your installer. Explore LEDI modular watermakers.

Compare watermakers by the complete setup

Compare rated output under stated seawater conditions, current draw, installed footprint, dry weight, flushing requirements, consumables and local support. Include installation and electrical work in the total cost. Higher output can shorten run time, while lower current draw can suit a limited battery budget; calculate daily energy for your own usage.

Our boat watermaker buying guide explains how to choose between portable and installed formats. For brand comparisons, see the watermaker comparison guide and confirm current specifications with each supplier.

Questions small-yacht owners ask

Can a 12V watermaker run without a generator?

Yes, Scout runs directly from a suitable 12V battery supply. Your battery capacity, wiring and charging still need to support the full run time and your other onboard loads.

Is 20 litres per hour enough for a cruising couple?

It depends on your water use. At rated output, Scout 20 makes approximately 40 litres in two hours or 60 litres in three. Use your measured daily consumption to decide whether that run time suits you.

What maintenance should I plan for?

Follow the unit's manual for flushing, pre-filter checks, membrane care and storage. Carry appropriate consumables and arrange a maintenance routine before extended cruising.