Watermaker Mastery

with

Jamie & Behan Gifford

Sailing Totem

Sailing to the Bahamas—or beyond? Let’s unravel the mystery of one of cruising’s most misunderstood systems: the onboard watermaker.

90-Minute Live Session

On Demand Replay Available

Live Q&A

Cruising sailors increasingly depend on watermakers to stay self-sufficient at sea—no one wants to haul jugs or constantly ration water. But these seemingly magical machines can quickly become a source of frustration if installation, operation, or maintenance aren’t dialed in. Whether you're a new owner or a seasoned cruiser, this class will clarify the most common mistakes and misconceptions, so your watermaker becomes a reliable ally—not your next headache.

FREE

Watermaker Mastery

Online class overview

In this class, we’ll break down the essentials of watermaker use—from choosing the right system to managing maintenance and making smart upgrades. You’ll learn how to install and operate your watermaker efficiently, troubleshoot common issues, and stock the right spares so you can cruise farther with confidence (and plenty of water).

Who is this online class for?

This course is for anyone preparing to cruise regionally or offshore, especially those seeking greater independence with their freshwater supply. It’s beginner-friendly, with clear explanations and practical guidance—but even experienced watermaker users will come away with new tips and best practices.

What will I learn?

In this session, you’ll gain the confidence to operate and maintain your watermaker like a pro. We’ll explore installation tips, energy considerations, daily operation routines, and what spares to carry onboard—so you’re never caught without fresh water on your next passage.

List of topics:

Key differences between AC, DC, and energy recovery watermakers
Installation tips that make maintenance easier and improve performance
Do’s and don’ts of watermaker operation
How to avoid common user errors and prevent system failures
Understanding backflushing and pickling (and when to use them)
A breakdown of spares you should always have on board
Troubleshooting tips and how to handle the most common problems

Why mastering your watermaker matters

More freedom, less frustration

A watermaker can be your passport to true cruising independence—but only if it works the way it should. This course helps you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your system, whether you’re provisioning for the Bahamas or planning ocean crossings.

Understand, operate, and maintain with ease

From installation to daily use, knowing your watermaker inside and out means you won’t waste energy, time, or freshwater. Learn how to prevent breakdowns before they happen—and keep your system running smoothly no matter where you sail.

Real-world lessons from a 76,000-mile circumnavigation

Jamie and Behan Gifford have relied on their watermaker across dozens of countries and thousands of sea miles. Their practical, field-tested knowledge will help you make smart decisions, avoid frustration, and sail farther with confidence.

Your Host

Jamie & Behan Gifford

With three young children, Behan and Jamie sailed Totem, their Stevens 47, South from Puget Sound in 2008. Trading a hectic suburban life for family adventure cruising in Mexico and the South Pacific was meant to be for 3 to 5 years; but 16 years, one circumnavigation, 48 countries, and 65,000 drama-free miles later, they are still cruising full time. Along their way around the world, Behan has developed her informative blog at sailingtotem.com into a leading resource for cruising inspiration and know-how. She also co-authored the acclaimed guide, Voyaging With Kids. Meanwhile, Jamie's mechanical expertise complements Behan's lifestyle communication. Serving as a proficient sailmaker, designer, and rigger, he is also well-versed in various other onboard technical skills. Together, Jamie and Behan present on multiple topics at Cruisers University and other boat shows and are frequent contributors to Cruising World magazine, all while also managing a coaching service to support thousands of fellow cruisers. Their expert guidance is broad ranging, from boat selection and cruising economics to routing, provisioning, and technical troubleshooting post-departure.

Get the class Bundle

View all

Online Class Registration

@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)

Regular Price

ASA Member Price

On-Demand Access

All registrations include unlimited on-demand access to the recordings of the live online class. So if you are unable to attend live you can still register and watch at your leisure.

ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT

American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you’re not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!