How much does it cost to install a watermaker on a boat in Denmark?

Budget around DKK 65,000 to 120,000 including VAT for a professionally installed watermaker on a typical cruising yacht in Denmark. A straightforward installation with substantial DIY work can cost less, while a premium automatic system or major electrical upgrades can take the total above DKK 150,000.

Installed cost breakdown

Check the boat's available electrical power and installation space first. These determine which machines will fit and run, and how much the finished bill will exceed the equipment price. The allowances below are for planning, not fixed quotations; all figures include Danish VAT at 25%.

• Watermaker package: DKK 45,000 to 75,000. This covers a compact cruising system; premium equipment can cost considerably more.
• Plumbing, filters and electrical materials: DKK 5,000 to 12,000. Allow for seawater hose, valves, filter housings, tank connections, cable, circuit protection and mounting brackets where these are not supplied.
• Installation and commissioning: DKK 12,000 to 28,000. Access, cable lengths and the amount of joinery that needs dismantling can change the labour bill substantially.
• Lift-out and additional hull fittings: DKK 3,000 to 6,000. Include this if a dedicated seawater inlet must be fitted outside an already planned haul-out.

For example, DKK 55,000 for the machine, DKK 8,000 for materials, DKK 20,000 for labour and DKK 4,000 for lifting gives an installed budget of DKK 87,000. Batteries, solar panels, an inverter or a generator would cost extra.

Match output to power

For two people cruising with moderate water use, a machine producing roughly 30 to 60 litres per hour is a useful starting point. Four people showering aboard may justify 60 to 100 litres per hour, particularly if you want short running times.

Compare compact systems from manufacturers such as Schenker, Spectra and Rainman. Check what each package includes: controls, feed pumps, flushing arrangements and installation hardware differ between models.

An efficient energy-recovery machine can suit a 12V or 24V yacht without a generator. Conventional high-pressure systems generally demand more power. Some portable or larger installations use 230V supplied by shore power, a generator or a suitably sized inverter.

Ask for the selected model's actual current draw. A 12V machine drawing 20A for two hours consumes approximately 40Ah before other boat loads and charging losses. Compare that figure with usable battery capacity and daily charging to establish whether an upgrade is necessary.

Rated production depends on feedwater temperature and salinity. Cold Danish seawater can reduce output compared with the manufacturer's reference conditions, while lower Baltic salinity can partly offset the demand on the system.