Jim MacDonald provides probably the best pre- and after-sales service in the marine leisure industry. I fitted my own watermaker and although I'm competent at DIY, watermakers were new to me. I did need help and Jim was always there at the end of a phone or with a prompt email reply when needed. Even when he was supposed to be on holiday.
He knows his products at least as well as the people who make them. A pity that all retailers of boat kit were not like him. Don't even think about buying a watermaker anywhere else.
Patrick Crowell
Island Packet SP Cruiser
Hi Jim,
We thought you would like to know how the Katadyn PowerSurvivor 80E has
served us since we bought it from you.
For the past 11 months we have used it nearly daily, powered for 90% of
the time by our solar panels (200 watts) and D400 windgenerator; we have
been careful to clean filters frequently.
The Katadyn has performed faultlessly. The quality of water produced is
superb and in many places far better than any water we can take on board
locally here in the Windward Islands. In Union Island it would cost us
about £32 to fill our 430 ltr tank if we were to fill up with water
from a dock.
All in all, we regard the Katadyn as being in the top 3 best bits of equipment
we have on board.
Graeme and Chris Henderson
S/V Toots
www.yachttoots.co.uk
Dear Jim
Just wanted to let you know how delighted we are with our Schenker watermaker. It is working well and simple to use.
We did have it fitted thinking of the future when we might sail to the caribbean and that it was nice to have but not essential for Mediterranean cruising. How wrong we were. Admittedly,we have been essentially island hoping in the med but the water maker has been invaluable.
We have been cruising the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca and Minorca) and Sardinia. It would have cost us more than 150 euros each night to moor and even if we had paid such costs the available water is not drinkable with the potential to contaminate our onboard tanks. So we were able to make drinking water whilst sailing and anchor for free every night.
We would happily endorse the product through any literature that you decide to produce if you think this would be worthwhile. Again, just like to say that the watermarker has been working flawlessly over the last 5 months.
Kind regards
Liz and Jo
Fitted by Alan Moore Yacht Services. Workshop 6, Firefly Rd, Hamble Point
Marina.
amys.uk@ntlworld.com Tel: 07710
046250
Jim is a legend in the ocean rowing community, and we can
see why. Jim has supplied our Katadyne watermaker and Iridium satellite
phone - and invaluable advice.
Toby Iles and Nick Moore
Box Number 8
(Atlantic Challenge)
Dear Jim
Just a quick email to thank you for your excellent help and support to
change the membranes on my Schenker watermaker, following the yacht going
through some contaminated water. To be in at anchor in the Caribbean trying
to change the membranes and be able to receive your expert advice and
support by email and mobile, was hugely reassuring. It truly was like
having you look over my shoulder whilst doing the job. Thank you once
again for all your help.
Best wishes
Ashley Ross
Osprey of Newport
To whom it may concern,
Most dealers are very willing to sell you their product. There are good
products, average products and bad products and all products good or bad
at sometimes in their life will require spare parts and servicing. This
is when you find out whether you have bought from a dealer who is only
interested in making a quick buck, or one who has got his customers real
interests at heart.
We live the cruising life, sometimes visiting far flung places, hundreds,
sometimes thousands of miles from where we bought the product, and for
us dealer back up is essential.
We can honestly say that the service and back up that we have received
from Jim Mcdonald and Mactra Equipment has been second to none and everything
a cruiser could wish for. For us Jim Mcdonald as always willing to go
the extra mile.
We are only customer of the above company and have no other connection
but would recommend the company unreservedly.
Judith & Peter Boardman
Yacht Camille
Schenker watermaker
The Schenker watermaker has proved to be completely reliable. In our opinion
it is very neat and lends itself well to installation, the quality of
engineering is superb. We have the 60 litre an hour version and whilst
crossing the Atlantic we only needed to make water every other day. Our
crew of 4 were using water 'like it was going out of fashion' lots of
showers etc so really the Schenker watermaker did us proud and the quality
of water produced is excellent.
We would have no hesitation in recommending the Schenker to another owner.
Also, and importantly, we have been very impressed with the help and backup
from Mactra Marine. It really is a very personal service. Further, we
would recommend that if an owner is planning a blue water cruise then
they should discuss there requirements with Mactra Marine on other areas
of equipment they might need.
Ashley Ross
RYA Yachtmaster/Oceanmaster
RYA Cruising Instructor
D.o.T Commercial 200t
Used it alot over last three months in West Indies - worked
perfectly and output exceeded expectations (providing filters changed
regularly). Draws exactly 28 amp at 12v when on both pumps 20 Mounted
in the bow it takes quite a pounding when sailing in a head sea but it
seems to have stayed together so far! If it is really rough we get an
air-lock which has to be cleared. If I were to fit one over again, I would
try to get the pumps amidships for that reason but otherwise very happy
with my installation and the out-put.
David
I finished the installation in Gibraltar, about three weeks
ago. But I only tested the watermaker the last few days. And I am very
pleased to tell you that it works quite well! And I also want to tell
you that I am very pleased with all you have done. I read about you, either
in "Yachting World" or in "Yachting Monthly" a year or so ago. They wrote
that you really cared about your customers. And I think they did not exaggerate!
I am very pleased, and I think you should know it.
Bjorn Larsen
"Tatt av vinden"
Norwegian sailboat
www.tattavvinden.com
MACTRA MARINE EQUIPMENT LTD
Unit 13, Worle Industrial Centre, Worle,
Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset,
England BS22 6BX
Tel: +44 (0) 1934 517288
E-mail: info@mactramarine.co.uk
MACTRA MARINE EQUIPMENT LTD
Unit 13, Worle Industrial Centre, Worle,
Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset,
England BS22 6BX
Tel: +44 (0) 1934 517288
E-mail: info@mactrashop.co.uk
Last updated: 15th September 2020
© Mactra Marine Equipment Ltd