By power source · updated 5 September 2026

240 volt AC watermakers

Needs a generator, shore power or a substantial inverter. In exchange you get the highest output per dollar in the table, which suits a boat that already runs a genset daily.

Most efficientRainman Portable AC 140L9.8 Wh/L · 0.8 h for 100 L
Highest outputRainman Frame AC 240L Torrent, auto180–264 L/hr
Lowest indicative priceRainman Portable AC 75L$4,402
SystemPowerOutput L/hrDraw WWh per litrePrice
Portable AC 140L
Rainman
AC 240V100–1541,250
9.8
$5,329
Modular AC 140L
Rainman
AC 240V100–1541,250
9.8
$5,460
Frame AC 140L, auto
Rainman
AC 240V100–1541,250
9.8
$11,168
Frame AC 140L, manual
Rainman
AC 240V100–1541,250
9.8
$7,685
Frame AC 240L Torrent, auto
Rainman
AC 240V180–2642,800
12.6
$15,089
Frame AC 240L Torrent, manual
Rainman
AC 240V180–2642,800
12.6
$12,089
Frame AC 100L, auto
Rainman
AC 240V70–1101,250
13.9
$12,131
Frame AC 100L, manual
Rainman
AC 240V70–1101,250
13.9
$8,642
Portable AC 75L
Rainman
AC 240V55–821,250
18.2
$4,402
Modular AC 75L
Rainman
AC 240V55–821,250
18.2
$4,522
Portable AC 70L
Rainman
AC 240V50–771,250
19.7
$5,296
Modular AC 70L
Rainman
AC 240V50–771,250
19.7
$5,299
Under 6 Wh/L · energy recovery
6–12 Wh/L
Over 12 Wh/L

Common questions

How many 240 V AC watermakers are sold in Australia?
We currently table 12 240 V AC systems, the most efficient being the Rainman Portable AC 140L at 9.8 watt-hours per litre. The list grows as we verify more brands.
What size 240 V AC watermaker do I need?
Start from daily litres, not boat length. Four people at 25 litres a head is 100 litres a day. Divide by a candidate's rated output for run time, and multiply by its Wh per litre for the energy it takes out of your day. Our sizing calculator does both against your own battery bank.
Will a 240 V AC watermaker flatten my batteries?
Only if you run it off an inverter without the engine or generator going. These systems draw 1,250 W and up, so they are designed around a genset or shore power.
Other power sources

Compare another way of driving the pump