Marine Watermakers
Fresh water on demand, miles from the dock. Shop marine watermakers from Rainman and Blue Water Desalination, plus the prefilters, carbon filters and maintenance kits that keep every system making clean water. Based in Miami, we ship worldwide and install across South Florida. Open the price guide below for models, costs and FAQs.
+ Watermaker Price Guide: Models, Costs, Portable vs. Permanent and FAQs
Marine Watermaker Prices at Marea Marine
How much does a boat watermaker cost? Complete Rainman portable and modular watermakers start at $4,802, and permanently installed Blue Water Desalination systems are quoted to your boat.
No "call for pricing" runaround where we can avoid it. Here's what each system costs today, by output:
| Watermaker | Type | Output | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainman Portable AC Electric | Portable, runs on shore or generator power | 34–140 L/hr | $4,802–$5,729 |
| Rainman Modular AC Electric | Split into modules for semi-permanent mounting | 34–140 L/hr | $4,922–$5,860 |
| Rainman Portable Petrol | Self-powered by its own gasoline engine | 70–140 L/hr | $6,386–$7,173 |
| Rainman Framed Electric | Frame-mounted, fixed installation | 100–240 L/hr | $8,085–$12,489 |
| Blue Water Desalination (Legend, Explorer, Express series) | Permanently installed, compact to high output | Varies by series | Quoted per boat |
Prices shown are for the unit. Installation, if you want it, is quoted after we see where the system, intake and product water line will go.
What Drives the Cost of a Boat Watermaker?
- Output. More liters per hour means bigger membranes and a bigger high-pressure pump.
- Power source. AC electric units need shore power or a generator; petrol units bring their own engine; 12V/24V units sip from the house bank.
- Portable vs. installed. Portable units cost nothing to install and move between boats. Installed systems cost more up front but start with a button.
- Automation. Auto-flush, salinity monitoring and remote panels add convenience and protect the membrane.
Portable or Permanent? A Quick Way to Decide
Go Portable If…
You charter, switch boats, cruise seasonally or simply don't want to drill holes. A Rainman portable sets up on deck, makes water, and stows in a locker.
Go Permanent If…
You live aboard, cruise long distances or want push-button water every day. A plumbed Blue Water system fills the tank while you get on with your day.
Still weighing it? Our practical guide to choosing a boat watermaker walks through capacity and placement, and our explainer on reverse osmosis watermakers covers how the membrane actually works.
Running Costs: Filters, Kits and Membranes
The purchase price is most of the story, but not all of it. Budget for consumables:
- 5-micron prefilter cartridges from $16 each, or $270 for a box of 24
- Carbon fresh-water flush filters from $23
- Blue Water maintenance kits from $284
- Rainman impeller replacement at $38
- A reverse osmosis membrane, typically replaced every several years depending on use and care
Pickle or flush the system whenever it sits, and the membrane lasts far longer.
Watermaker Installation in Miami
Our technicians install, commission and service marine watermakers across Miami and South Florida, from a portable unit's deck fittings to a fully plumbed system with its own thru-hull. Because a watermaker often shares power with your marine air conditioning, we check your electrical capacity too. Book through our marine services page or call 305-964-8270.
Watermaker FAQs
How much does a watermaker for a boat cost?
At Marea Marine, complete Rainman watermakers range from $4,802 to $12,489, depending on type and output. Permanently installed Blue Water Desalination systems are quoted per boat, plus installation.
Is a portable watermaker worth it?
Yes, if you want fresh water without a permanent install. Portable units cost nothing to install and can move with you to the next boat.
Can I run a watermaker without a generator?
Yes, with a petrol-powered portable unit or a 12V/24V system sized to your battery bank and charging. AC electric units need shore power or a generator.
Do you install watermakers in Miami?
Yes. We sell, install and service marine watermakers throughout Miami and South Florida, and ship systems and parts worldwide.
Our Brands
