With more than 250,000 nautical miles logged across the world’s oceans and three complete circumnavigations under his belt, veteran sailor Enrico Tettamanti has built a reputation as one of the most experienced figures in long-range cruising and expedition sailing. Today, he channels that expertise into consulting for yacht owners and shipyards, helping design and equip vessels capable of undertaking ambitious ocean passages and remote expeditions.

Among the many systems he recommends for offshore yachts, desalination technology ranks high on the list. According to Tettamanti, HP Watermakers has distinguished itself through innovative automation, dependable performance, and exceptional after-sales support.

From Global Expeditions to Yacht Consultancy

Now 50 years old, Tettamanti spent 25 years living aboard his boats full-time while leading the Kamana projects—expeditions focused on reaching some of the planet’s most remote and challenging destinations. Guided by the philosophy of “extreme made accessible,” he enabled clients to explore extraordinary locations, from polar regions to isolated oceanic routes.

His sailing career includes three circumnavigations, many through demanding waters such as the Arctic routes and the Northwest Passage linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Today, Tettamanti specializes in project management for custom-built yachts, overseeing every stage from concept development to outfitting vessels for long-range cruising. He also manages yacht refit and brokerage projects while continuing to sail his Hallberg-Rassy yacht, equipped with an HP Watermakers SC 140 desalination system.

Watermakers: From Luxury to Necessity

According to Tettamanti, watermakers are no longer reserved for large yachts.

“Years ago, desalination systems were typically installed only on yachts above 70 feet,” he explains. “Today, owners of 40-foot boats—and even smaller vessels—are increasingly requesting them.”

The trend reflects a growing desire among boat owners to spend more time at anchor rather than in crowded marinas. Access to a reliable freshwater supply has therefore become a critical factor in ensuring comfort and autonomy.

At the same time, modern yacht design places greater emphasis on performance and efficient use of interior space. As freshwater tank capacity decreases, onboard water production becomes increasingly important, particularly for long-range cruisers and expedition yachts designed to operate independently for extended periods.

Automation That Redefines Watermaker Management

For Tettamanti, one of the standout advantages of HP Watermakers systems is their advanced automation.

“You don’t have to be crossing oceans to appreciate these features,” he says. “In fact, weekend boat owners may benefit even more from them than full-time cruisers.”

Two technologies in particular have earned his praise: RP-TRONIC and AMCS.

RP-TRONIC automatically maintains optimal operating pressure without requiring manual adjustments. Since seawater temperature and salinity constantly change during navigation, maintaining stable pressure is essential for efficient desalination. The system achieves this through a motorized high-precision valve that continuously regulates pressure levels, improving performance while extending component lifespan.

Working in conjunction with RP-TRONIC, the Automatic Membrane Conservation System (AMCS) protects membranes during periods of inactivity. By automatically dosing sodium metabisulfite during flushing cycles, the system prevents bacterial growth and membrane degradation, significantly increasing operational longevity.

Together, these technologies allow owners to minimize maintenance concerns and ensure reliable freshwater production with minimal intervention.

Reliable Support When It Matters Most

While automation reduces maintenance requirements, Tettamanti emphasizes that responsive technical support remains equally important.

“Most leisure boats spend long periods unused,” he notes. “Even with advanced automation, unexpected issues can arise. That’s when manufacturer support becomes invaluable.”

Drawing from personal experience, he highlights HP Watermakers’ customer service as a key strength.

“Their technical team has always been responsive and effective,” he says. “Even owners with little or no technical knowledge can receive step-by-step assistance remotely. Technicians quickly identify problems and arrange replacement parts when necessary.”

According to Tettamanti, the accessibility of the systems, combined with high-quality construction and components, makes troubleshooting significantly easier for owners.

Selecting the Right Watermaker

When choosing a desalination system, production capacity, available space, and energy efficiency remain the primary considerations.

“For most yachts, capacities between 150 and 300 liters per hour represent the sweet spot,” Tettamanti explains. “The 220-liter-per-hour model is currently among the most popular choices.”

Energy consumption is another critical factor, particularly for owners seeking to minimize generator run times. While compact solutions may appear attractive, Tettamanti remains cautious about DC-powered systems, citing concerns about long-term reliability.

He also stresses the importance of evaluating real-world performance rather than relying solely on manufacturer specifications.

“In my experience, HP Watermakers systems consistently deliver their stated production rates,” he says. “That level of accuracy is not always guaranteed across the market.”

Seamless Control from the Helm

As the marine industry moves toward greater efficiency and sustainability, integration between onboard systems is becoming increasingly important.

Tettamanti believes that maximizing output in the shortest possible time is essential for reducing overall energy consumption, making accurate production capacity a key consideration.

To support this approach, HP Watermakers developed Part-NET, an advanced user interface compatible with leading chartplotter brands including Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, Simrad, B&G, and Lowrance.

The system enables users to monitor and control watermaker functions directly from onboard displays, eliminating the need for frequent visits to the engine room.

“Having all critical information available at the helm is a major advantage,” Tettamanti concludes. “And not having to go below deck every time you want to check the system is simply a tremendous convenience.”

For a sailor who has spent decades navigating some of the world’s most remote waters, reliability, efficiency, and simplicity are non-negotiable. Those are precisely the qualities that, according to Enrico Tettamanti, make HP Watermakers a trusted choice for modern offshore cruising.