Pre-Season Watermaker Checklist

Before your first production run of the season

Our FAQ lists pre-season preparation as a separate periodic maintenance item: checks carried out before you start using the unit for the season help keep the system reliable for years. This checklist applies before the first seawater production run after winterisation or a long idle period.

For lay-up steps see the End-of-Season Checklist and Membrane Flush & Winterization Guide; for the full maintenance calendar see the Watermaker Maintenance Guide. Run checks while the boat is still in the marina or yard; any issues are confirmed during a survey or service visit.

7 Core Items
  1. Drain lay-up / preservative
  2. Renew pre-filters
  3. HP pump oil
  4. Electrical connections
  5. Brine reject valve
  6. 15 min test + TDS
  7. Leak inspection

Three-Phase Check Flow

Applying the list in three groups — prep before power, mechanical checks and test production — reduces the risk of faults on the first run.

Phase When Items
1 — Coming out of lay-up Power off Drain preservative, fit filters, visual inspection
2 — Mechanical & electrical Just before test Pump oil, connections, reject valve, brine line
3 — Test production Seawater intake ready ~15 min run, TDS / water quality, leaks, alarms

Detailed Checklist

Phase 1 — Coming out of lay-up

Preservative or lay-up chemical applied at season end must be fully removed before production. Residual chemical affects flow and taste — flush & winterization guide. Follow with a short fresh-water flush after draining.

Do not start the season with filters removed over winter or old elements. Sediment and dolomite filters are listed in the spare parts catalogue; replacement intervals follow the schedule table.

Phase 2 — Mechanical and electrical

Seacraft FAQ: high-pressure pump oil must be changed every 250 hours; hours are tracked on the digital display. Check level at season opening; if 250 hours is reached, schedule an oil change — high-pressure pump, maintenance guide.

Moisture and vibration over winter can loosen contacts. Visually inspect DC/AC feeds, grounding and panel wiring. On models such as SCW-100 INV PRO, both digital and analog control paths should be operational.

A closed or stuck reject valve raises pressure — a common first-time user error. The valve must move freely; the brine line must be clear — common mistakes.

Seawater intake and brine outlet must be unobstructed. SCW series low-pressure protection shuts down if pressure is not reached within 30 seconds; high pressure above 65 bar triggers protection — no alarms expected during a healthy test run.

Phase 3 — Test production

The checklist recommends roughly 15 minutes of test production and a TDS / water quality check. Do not send product water to the tank during this phase.

  • SCW-30: sample from panel test outlet
  • SCW-50 PRO: on-screen water quality / automatic salinity rejection
  • RO guide: low TDS targets near-drinking quality

During the test, check the high-pressure pump, hose connections and manifold for leaks. Visible leakage, failure to reach pressure or unusual vibration requires pump inspection — HP pump page. Plan a fresh-water flush after the test.

Notes by Boat Profile

Marina winter lay-up

A winterisation package may already have been applied in Bodrum, Göcek or similar locations. Still run an opening test and confirm all lay-up chemical is drained. Book via locations.

Occasional winter use

Full winterisation is not required for breaks under 4 weeks — FAQ. Still check filters and run a test at season opening; longer idle since last use may need extra flushing.

First season — new installation

Installation scope is confirmed after survey. On first season opening also check auto flush timing, reject valve and power source match — 12V vs 230V guide, which watermaker.

If the Test Run Shows a Problem

Symptom First step Service
High TDS / poor water quality Extra flush, pre-filter replacement If issue persists — book service (checklist FAQ)
Low-pressure alarm Check intake, filters, air leaks Repeated alarms — call service
Low flow Filters, flush, brine line Membrane assessment may be needed
Pump leak Stop production HP pump inspection — oil / seals

Our Urla location page notes that watermaker maintenance can be scheduled alongside other boat work — add season opening to your general refit calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before your first cruise or charter, while the boat is still in the marina or on the hard. Even if you had a winterisation package, an opening test is recommended. Seacraft FAQ defines pre-season preparation as its own periodic task — do not skip it.

Try extra fresh-water flush and pre-filter replacement first. Our reverse osmosis guide states that low TDS targets near-drinking quality; if TDS stays high, call for service — +90 252 412 90 78 or the appointment form.

Always check level at season opening. Per FAQ, oil change is at 250 operating hours, tracked on the digital display. SCW-50 PRO also shows run hours on the panel. Changes are done during service — pump oil from stock.

Yes. Location FAQs for Marmaris, Didim, Foça and others recommend annual filter service and membrane checks on-site. Scope is confirmed at booking based on model and condition — Marmaris, all locations.

Not until TDS / water quality is approved. After approval, switch to normal season use and do not skip post-production flush — water tank planning, flush guide.

Related Guides

End-of-Season Checklist · Membrane Flush & Winterization · Watermaker Maintenance Guide · Spare Parts Schedule · All Guides

Book Season Opening On Site

Filters, test run and oil check — one appointment

Book an Appointment Call: +90 252 412 90 78