Water purification specialist HP Watermakers has supplied its SCA 260-2 unit for the Prestige M7, the new 18m maxi catamaran built by the Beneteau Group at its Monfalcone shipyard.
The SCA 260-2 features a double membrane and vertical pump configuration optimised for catamaran spaces. It operates alongside HP’s RP Tronic automatic pressure management system, which regulates pressure without manual intervention. The pre-feed pump is installed separately in a vertical position to fit the vessel’s twin-hull layout. The unit is designed to support long-range cruising, providing 260 litres of fresh water per hour.
“The installation of a watermaker on a catamaran requires specific solutions because two hulls mean two engine rooms, and, in order to accommodate this unique layout, the pump is positioned vertically,” explains Gianni Zucco, co-founder of HP Watermakers, which turned 30 this year.
“In this case, the shipyard chose a basic set-up, with only RP-Tronic, but, as often happens, it is then up to the shipowner to decide on the extras to add to their watermaker unit: for example, the HP SCA 260-2 model can be equipped with the BiBi connection system, the Part-NET interface and the Sea0Spot softening system.”
RP Tronic maintains constant pressure during desalination, automatically adjusting to variations in seawater salinity and temperature. It includes the AMCS (Automatic Membrane Conservation System), which preserves the membranes by dispensing sodium metabisulphite during washing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain performance.
Optional systems include BiBi, which provides Internet connectivity for remote monitoring, and Part-NET, compatible with Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, Simrad, B&G and Lowrance plotters. This allows operators to monitor the watermaker directly from the helm.
The Prestige M7 is part of Prestige’s M-Line, and was developed at the Beneteau Group’s production centre for yachts over 18m. The model offers more than 200 square metres of total living space, including 112 square metres on the main deck, with four guest cabins, a crew cabin, and twin Volvo Penta D8 550hp engines that deliver a top speed of just over 20 knots and a cruising speed of 17 knots.
Founded in 1995, HP Watermakers manufactures automatic desalination systems for vessels and resorts, producing between 35 and 10,000 litres per hour. The company builds around 1,000 units annually at its 3,000-square-metre facility near Milan, manufacturing 80 per cent of its components in-house.
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