Simbad 55 sails without boundaries with the HP Watermakers desalination system

The world of boating welcomes a new, interesting partnership between the young Spanish shipyard Simbad Yachts and HP Watermakers, the Italian company renowned for designing and manufacturing reverse osmosis desalination systems.

The Alicante-based shipyard has chosen to equip its first model, the brand-new sailing catamaran Simbad 55, with the HP SCA 220 desalination unit by HP Watermakers. This choice further confirms the Milanese company’s ability to meet the demands of vessels designed for long-range cruising, where reliability, autonomy, and uninterrupted onboard services are essential requirements.

The HP SCA 220 watermaker

The HP SCA 220 watermaker selected for the new Simbad 55 belongs to HP Watermakers’ SCA range and delivers a freshwater production capacity of 220 litres per hour.

One of its distinctive features is the RP-TRONIC system, the only technology capable of automatically adjusting operating parameters in the engine room and maintaining optimal pressure levels within the desalination unit. Thanks to a motorized, automatic micrometric precision valve, it ensures safe and efficient operation over time.

The AMCS (Automatic Membrane Conservation System) protects the membranes against bacterial growth, one of the main causes of clogging and reduced performance. Combined with the automatic washing cycle and RP-TRONIC technology, it automatically doses sodium metabisulfite during the rinsing process, extending membrane lifespan.

The system is completed by Part-NET, the user interface compatible with Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, Simrad, B&G, and Lowrance chartplotters, allowing owners to monitor and control the desalination unit directly from the helm station.

Simbad 55, the first model of Simbad Yachts

The other protagonist of this new partnership is Simbad Yachts, young Alicante-based shipyard entering the world of offshore catamarans with the Simbad 55.

Measuring 17.59 metres in length with an 8.92-metre beam, this sailing catamaran features exterior and interior design by Franck Darnet, while the naval architecture was developed by Pierre Delion.

Below deck, owners can choose between two and five cabins, depending on whether the yacht is intended primarily for private cruising or charter use.

The Simbad 55 is available in three different versions. The entry-level Select already offers a comprehensive package including a painted aluminium mast and boom, polyester sails, two 110 hp Yanmar engines, a tender with outboard engine, and a teak deck in the aft cockpit.

The Ultra and Legend versions progressively raise the level of equipment with increasingly advanced solutions. At the top of the range, the Legend features a carbon mast and boom, Doyle Technora carbon sails, electric winches and furlers, large-format chartplotters, the Sea.ai anti-collision system for detecting obstacles even at night, and fully electrified deck hardware, including cleats and winches.

In terms of onboard comfort, both the Ultra and Legend versions come standard with the HP SCA 220 desalination unit, a water purification system, and air conditioning throughout all living areas.