HP Watermakers has been selected by Simbad Yachts to equip the first model built by the Spanish shipyard. The supply of the desalination systems further confirms the company’s ability to meet the requirements of vessels intended for long-range cruising, where reliability, autonomy and continuity of onboard services are essential.
Designed for extended passages and prolonged stays away from marinas and ports, the new Simbad Yachts catamaran incorporates an HP Watermakers solution capable of ensuring a continuous supply of fresh water, contributing significantly to crew comfort and self-sufficiency.
The choice of HP Watermakers aligns with Simbad Yachts’ development strategy. The company combines specialist expertise in the marine industry with an in-house production structure comprising more than 100 highly skilled professionals. Based in Alicante, Spain, the shipyard builds its yachts using advanced construction technologies and quality standards specifically tailored to the demands of offshore cruising.
"Although the Simbad 55 is the shipyard’s very first model, when I visited the facility to define the installation of our watermaker, I was impressed by the quality of the materials and craftsmanship. It did not feel like a first hull, but rather a refined model developed through an already well-established production process. This made it an even greater honour for us to have been selected among the limited number of suppliers chosen by Simbad Yachts," said Gianni Zucco, Co-Founder of HP Watermakers.
Valeria Filippska from Simbad Yachts, shares the same view: "A shipyard committed to building luxury catamarans such as those produced by Simbad Yachts must ensure that every piece of equipment installed reflects the same quality, reliability and long-term performance standards as the yacht itself. This commitment naturally led us to collaborate with HP Watermakers, a recognised leader in the recreational boating sector, with decades of proven experience and an extensive global service network. For Simbad Yachts, the choice was straightforward: a trusted technical partner capable of delivering the comfort, autonomy and peace of mind our owners expect during long-range cruising."
The Simbad 55 has been equipped with an HP Watermakers SCA 220 watermaker featuring RP-TRONIC, AMCS (Automatic Membrane Conservation System) and Part-NET. The HP SCA 220 produces 220 litres of fresh water per hour and is one of eight models in the HP SCA range, covering production capacities from 100 to 440 litres per hour. The range extends from the compact and lightweight HP SCA-Kilo, ideal for small and medium-sized yachts, to the four-membrane HP SCA 440-4.
The installation is complemented by RP-TRONIC, the only automation system for watermakers that eliminates manual pressure adjustments in the engine room by maintaining constant operating pressure automatically. During navigation, seawater salinity and temperature can vary significantly, directly affecting water density and, consequently, pressure inside the desalination system. Since stable pressure is essential for efficient desalination, RP-TRONIC addresses this challenge through a motorised high-precision micrometric valve that automatically maintains optimal pressure levels, enabling the watermaker to operate more efficiently and extending its service life over time.
Automatic membrane preservation is handled by AMCS. When a watermaker remains unused for an extended period, bacteria present in seawater can proliferate on the membrane surface, causing fouling and reducing production capacity. Working in conjunction with the automatic membrane flushing system and RP-TRONIC, AMCS automatically doses sodium metabisulphite during the flushing cycle, preserving the membranes and significantly extending their lifespan.
The installation is completed by Part-NET, a user interface compatible with Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, Simrad, B&G and Lowrance multifunction displays. This allows the watermaker to be fully integrated with the vessel’s navigation electronics, enabling monitoring and control of every operating parameter directly from the helm station.
HP Watermakers Solutions
HP Watermakers offers a broad portfolio of solutions for both sailing and motor yacht owners. Among them is HP GENIUS, the complete purified water production system, also available in combination with UV sterilisation technology to ensure bacteria-free water throughout the onboard distribution network. Through ultrafiltration, bactericidal treatment and remineralisation, HP GENIUS delivers high-quality drinking water available at room temperature, chilled still or chilled sparkling.
The range is further complemented by BiBi, the remote monitoring system that allows owners and captains to supervise watermaker operating parameters remotely, and Sea0Spot, an integrated solution combining desalination, softening and nanofiltration technologies to transform dockside water into high-quality fresh water onboard.
Simbad 55: The Debut Model from Simbad Yachts
The Simbad 55 sailing catamaran measures 17.59 metres in length with a beam of 8.92 metres. Both exterior and interior design were created by designer Franck Darnet, while the naval architecture was developed by naval architect Pierre Delion.
The yacht is available in configurations ranging from two to five cabins, allowing owners to tailor the layout for either private use or charter operations.
Three specification levels are available. The entry-level Select version includes a painted aluminium mast and boom, polyester sails and twin 110 hp Yanmar engines. A tender with outboard engine and teak decking in the aft cockpit are also included as standard.
The Ultra and Legend versions progressively enhance the yacht with higher-end systems and equipment. The flagship Legend specification features a carbon-fibre mast and boom, Doyle Technora carbon sails, electric winches and furling systems, extra-large chartplotters and the Sea.ai collision-avoidance system for nighttime obstacle detection. Electrically operated deck hardware, including mooring cleats and windlasses, is also part of the package.
In terms of onboard comfort, both versions include the HP SCA 220 watermaker, a water purification system and air conditioning throughout all living areas.