Product Focus

The Spectra Product Story

To the delight of some and the dismay of others we are constantly improving our product line. This of course translates to change, which is often difficult for you, our distributors and dealers to keep track of. We often hear "why have you discontinued the Santa Cruz? Can I still buy a 200-C?

I am hoping to give you some insight into why we have changed and improved our product mix.
First a little history. As many "old timers" remember we started out with the 180 stainless steel pump system. We soon moved to the 200-C when we introduced the Composite high-pressure pump. At this time we were, without a doubt, the most efficient products available. In the development process we found the Shurflo feed water pump offered reasonable cost, efficiency and reliability. Many of the original systems with these pumps are still functioning. As the demand grew for more water we developed the 380-C which uses twin feed water pumps offering a higher system output and flow, which also provides superior water quality and longer membrane life.
The combination was very popular and we sold many 380 systems. The downside was that we were pushing the Shurflo pump to its limit in this application. The higher pressures in many cases limit the life span of the feed pumps. The performance would often degrade sooner than what we feel is ideal. This led us to the search for a more robust feedwater pump.

During the same time we developed the MPC-3000 control. The MPC-3000 added another level of convenience and automation to the system. The acceptance of this new control exceeded our expectations. We were soon asked to fit it to systems that were never designed for it. After building a few Santa Cruz systems with the MPC control we decided that this was not a proper match due to the high quantity of connections and the redundant monitoring systems.

To address the need for a more robust pumping system and customer demand for the MPC control, we developed the Newport system. The Newport is unique in that it not only has the Spectra high pressure pump technology but it was the first system to have totally digital system monitoring. We introduced it with special motors made for Spectra driving a stainless steel vane pump. It is a semi modular system that allows for flexibility in its installation. Although not as efficient as our modular systems we felt that sacrificing some efficiency was worthwhile if we could get more consistent product output in the long run. We have continued to improve this product in several ways. First, we have added additional filtration on the inlet side. This addressed some issues we had with silt damaging the feed water pumps. In so doing we streamlined the plumbing of the system so it is far more strait forward and easier to service. We have also included a very nice mounting bracket system for the Spectra HP pump and membrane that shortens installation time dramatically. It also allows us to pre-plumb the high pressure piping for reliability. Look for a few more small changes in the future. We are now supplying all 120V and 240V systems with variable frequency motor drives. This is to provide total system flow control during operation, freshwater flushing and service procedures. We now have a custom electrical enclosure that mates up with the Newport pump chassis to house all of the electrical components in a single integrated package.

As sales grew for Newport they declined for the Santa Cruz to the point where it became impossible to keep in production. After the last few are sold we will say goodbye to what has been a great and popular product.
In order to address the smaller boat market we introduced the Ventura 150. The Ventura 150 uses a lower displacement Spectra high-pressure pump matched to the 21" membrane. Although the Ventura 150 isn't up-gradable to a higher flow capacity like the 200-C it is technically superior for two reasons. First the flows and pressures are higher proportional to the membrane size so that water quality and membrane life will be excellent. Next due to the additional mechanical advantage from the lower displacement the Shurflo pump will run at a lower pressure than other systems giving it a reasonable life expectancy. I consider the Shurflo very appropriate feed pump for this application due to its self-priming nature and tolerance for air in the intake, often found on smaller boats. It also can run dry and without the additional filtration and vacuum switch necessary on the vane driven systems.

Always looking for a better mousetrap we started testing and evaluating a new Magnetic drive version of the vane pump. The results have been very exciting. The Magnetic drive coupling between the pump and the motor allows for a seal-less pump without the associated bearing assembly. This translates to a more efficient and quieter feed pump that should prove to have enhanced reliability. During our bench testing we could easily produce 13 Gallons (49L) an hour on as little as 15A at 12V. Close to 15 WH per gallon or 5 Wh per liter. Almost as good as a 200-C! The magnetic couple also acts a safety device in the event pressure gets to high the pump will simply de-couple. This eliminates the integral pressure relief valve, which could pose a maintenance problem.

This was the foundation or our new Catalina system. It nicely filled the gap between the Ventura 150 customer and the Newport series. It is a little more modular for installation on smaller boats. The Catalina retains the famous Spectra efficiency and with its conservative rating or 300 GPD (1100 LPD) enough capacity for crew of four or more. This system was available with 12 and 24 volt DC motors in the MPC-3000 version only. It is now available with a simplified and less expensive control for the cruising sailor called the Catalina 300 Deluxe.

Having many similar features to the Newport and the advantages of energy efficiency the Catalina has become one of our more popular models. As we expected it has replaced the 380-C very much like the Newport 400 has replaced the Santa Cruz. However, the ever popular 380-C has been reincarnated in the form of the Cape Horn Extreme.

The Cape Horn Extreme was recently designed with the Volvo Race boats in mind as they traditionally need energy efficiency coupled with the ability to produce substantial quantities of water in a unit that can withstand aeration of the thru hull in extreme rough weather conditions. The Cape Horn Extreme meets all of the above criteria with room to spare.

The Cape Horn Extreme is also an ideal unit for the long range cruiser looking for an uncomplicated mechanical unit without sophisticated electronic controls, just turn it on to make water. When you are thru making water a handy manual fresh water flush control makes for easy maintenance. The redundant pumps make for additional reliability and flexibility, run one pump for energy efficiency in colder climates and two pumps in warmer water for additional output.

The Newport systems have been going thru subtle changes over the last few years to improve reliability efficiency and performance. The first major change in the DC models was to incorporate a motor speed control so the unit could be tuned for maximum efficiency and reliability this also allows for a more controlled fresh water flush. The next step was to replace the Newport 400 with the Newport MagDrive, although it produced a little less product it is more reliable, much more energy efficient plus runs smoother and quieter. The MagDrive pump has no shaft, seals, or bearings to fail increasing the life span of the feed water pump many times over.
Most recently the larger Newport series systems have been fitted with a new larger more efficient motor and a monster series 5 MagDrive pump as an option. This new pump will eventually replace the current shaft drive pumps due to the increased efficiency, reliability and quietness of operation just like the Newport MagDrive has replaced the standard Newport 400.

Spectra currently has several ideas in the R and D testing phase to create a next generation of Watermachines that will be even more efficient and reliable.

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