About us

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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.”