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Q: What is a Bluecube watermaker and how does it work?
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A: Bluecube watermakers use the process of Reverse Osmosis to remove salts, bacteria and even viruses in sea water. The result is clean fresh water that is indistinguishable from many bottled waters. The process of reverse osmosis is detailed in this (pamphlet)
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Q: Why do I need a Bluecube watermaker?
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A: Having a Bluecube on board gives you an unlimited supply of fresh, safe water no matter where your cruise takes you. The RO process filters out not only salt but cysts, bacteria and viruses in the water as well. Water is extremely heavy at 8.34 pounds per gallon. With an average per person use of 50-100 gallons per day this equates to a substantial amount of added cargo resulting in deeper draft and slower cruising speeds.
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Q: What makes Bluecube more than a watermaker?
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A: Every Bluecube has an optional built in fresh water pressure washer (Patent Pending). Washing with fresh water is better for your boat. At over 1,000PSI the BlueCube makes short work of even the toughest mess. Reverse Osmosis water is low in minerals which eliminates water spots and polishing of bright work. Our (Patent Pending) CruiseControl™ option eliminates the need to monitor and adjust the watermaker when cruising between fresh, brackish and salt water.
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Q: What size Bluecube do I need?
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A: We recommend 50-100 gallons per person per day. If you have several people on board for daily cruising but only a few will shower and sleep on the boat overnight you may be closer to 50 gallons per person. If everyone will be staying on the boat for an extended period of time and you don't want to worry about water usage the 100 gallon per person number would be more appropriate. The safest thing to do would be to monitor the amount of water used on your next trip to determine what is best for you.
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Q: Is the water produced by a Bluecube safe to drink?
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A: Absolutely! The Reverse Osmosis process rejects particles down to 1 Angstrom in size. What is an Angstrom? Well a single sheet of copy paper is over 1 million Angstroms thick. This extreme level of filtration rejects 99% of bacteria, viruses and cysts. It is the same technology that is used in making most bottled waters. In addition all Bluecubes come with a product disinfection system that continues killing bacteria in your storage tank.
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Q: What are the installation requirements for a Bluecube?
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A: Bluecubes only require four connections. An electrical, seawater supply, overboard discharge and storage tank connection. The sizes and requirements vary by model and are listed on the data sheet. A through hull fitting is required for the seawater supply. Bluecube recommends that a licenced and bonded shipyard perform this installation. If you need assistance with finding a qualified installer please call us at 1.877.4Bluecube and we would be happy to assist you in finding one in your area.
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Q: What are the operating and maintenance costs associated with a Bluecube?
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A: Watermakers require disposable pre-filters, membranes and the occasional o-ring or pump valve. The costs vary based on the water conditions you operate in. For instance if you are operating in a harbor the filter usage will likely be much greater than when you are fifty miles offshore. The spare parts associated with each model are listed in the parts section of the website. On average you should expect a filter change every 72-168 Hours of operation and a membrane and pump service every 8000 Hours. Bluecubes come with a membrane cleaning system we recommend this be performed every 700 hours of operation or anytime the unit will be shut down for more than a week.
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Q: Are Bluecube watermakers noisy?
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A: Compared to an average generator Bluecubes are very quiet. The decibel level is listed on the data sheet for each model. All Bluecubes are supplied with vibration mounts which significantly reduce vibration and associated noise transfer to the vessel itself.
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Q: Can I run the Bluecube in a harbor, lake or bay?
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A: Yes, Bluecube's patent pending CruiseControl™ option eliminates the need to monitor and adjust the watermaker when cruising between fresh, brackish and salt water. Typically pre-filter usage is higher in a lake or bay due to the higher levels of contamination in the water. We recommend the optional media filter and or commercial pre-filtration system if you will be operating often or for extended periods in shallow or murky water.
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Q: How long do Bluecubes last?
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A: Properly maintained a Bluecube should last as long as your boat. We use only the highest quality marine grade materials in the construction of the Bluecube. H2O Inc. the parent company of Bluecube has nearly 30 years of experience in the proper design and construction of reverse osmosis equipment.
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