Yachting Art Magazine

HP Watermakers recently announced the installation of its HP SCA 260-2 system on board the Prestige M7, the new 18-metre maxi-catamaran from Bénéteau.

Founded in Italy in the early 1990s, HP Watermakers has established itself as one of the world leaders in marine desalination and onboard freshwater autonomy solutions. Now based in Milan and active in more than 70 international markets, the Italian company is renowned for its technological rigour and innovation-focused approach. The brand has distinguished itself with patented technologies such as RP-Tronic, the first automatic pressure regulation system, and AMCS, for automatic membrane preservation. Its credo: to offer sailors total water autonomy, while guaranteeing the reliability and durability essential to life at sea.

A true embodiment of elegance and innovation, the Prestige M7 is the second model in the M-Line, the range of luxury catamarans developed by Prestige Yachts, the flagship brand of the French group.

Built in the ultra-modern shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, recognised as one of the most advanced production centres in the nautical sector, this catamaran embodies a new vision of motor yachting: more spacious, quieter and more environmentally friendly.

In line with this philosophy, the manufacturer has chosen to integrate a high-tech fresh water production solution.

‘It is a great honour for us to have collaborated with such a major industrial group and with the Monfalcone shipyard, whose technical expertise and quality standards are exemplary,’ said Gianni Zucco, co-founder of HP Watermakers.

The HP SCA 260-2 model was specifically selected to meet the needs of the Prestige M7. This unit produces 260 litres of fresh water per hour, or more than 6,000 litres in 24 hours, ensuring total autonomy for long cruises.

The installation also includes the RP-Tronic system, the technological heart of the device, which ensures automatic pressure regulation without any manual intervention.

Thanks to a motorised micrometric valve, the machine adjusts the internal pressure in real time according to the salinity and temperature of the seawater, maintaining optimal conditions for desalination.

This feature not only improves performance but also significantly extends the life of the membranes.

To reinforce this protection, the system also incorporates the Automatic Membrane Conservation System (AMCS), which prevents bacterial growth and keeps the membranes active, even during prolonged periods of non-use.

Installing a watermaker on a catamaran always presents a challenge: two hulls, two engine rooms and specific space constraints.

HP Watermakers has therefore developed an optimised configuration with a double membrane and vertical pump, perfectly suited to the structure of the Prestige M7.

‘The pump has been installed in a vertical position to fit into the limited space available in the hulls, while maintaining maximum accessibility.’ explains Gianni Zucco.

This adaptation illustrates the flexibility of the HP system, which can be configured according to the size, use and needs of each vessel.

The HP SCA series consists of eight models, offering outputs ranging from 100 to 500 litres per hour, from the compact HP SCA-Kilo, ideal for small units, to the robust HP SCA 440-4, designed for large cruising yachts.

In addition to the RP-TRONIC, the HP SCA 260-2 can be enhanced with several advanced options:

• BiBi, an Internet connection module that allows remote control and monitoring of all system parameters;
• Part-NET, an interface compatible with the main navigation plotters (Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, Simrad, B&G, Lowrance), which allows direct integration with the bridge;
• Sea0Spot, an integrated water softener for perfect water quality, even at sea.

These features make the HP SCA 260-2 a smart, interconnected tool, in line with modern luxury yachting standards.

Measuring 18 metres long and 7.56 metres wide, the Prestige M7 offers unrivalled living space in its category: over 200 m² of living space, including 112 m² on the main deck, four luxurious cabins, a crew cabin and a vast panoramic saloon.

Powered by two 550 hp Volvo Penta D8 engines, the M7 reaches a top speed of over 20 knots while maintaining exceptional acoustic comfort.

This catamaran illustrates Prestige's desire to reinvent motorised cruising by combining contemporary design, technological innovation and respect for the environment.

The collaboration between HP Watermakers and Prestige Yachts is part of a shared approach: to offer yacht owners more autonomous, intelligent and sea-friendly yachts.

Thanks to solutions such as the HP SCA 260-2 and its RP-TRONIC system, the sailing experience is smoother, quieter and more sustainable.