This is a Steve type question though I'm sure he would do it better. 
My boat came with a Villiage Marine SPW 400 watermaker. It's rated at 400gallons per day. It has been unused for 5 years and I don't see that I will ever really need a watermaker. I have done some research on these things and find that they are best if used periodically even then the membranes need to be replaced as a consumable item at the tune of about $500 for parts. It is pumping now and doing some watermaking but I'm sure it needs membranes and who knows what else.
As I see it I have two options:
Have it serviced and new membranes installed, I'm guessing maybe $1000 so I can use it for a Bahamas trip this year then probably never use it again.
Leave it as is, in storage for added value when I sell the boat?
Any opinions or suggestions?
My boat came with a Villiage Marine SPW 400 watermaker. It's rated at 400gallons per day. It has been unused for 5 years and I don't see that I will ever really need a watermaker. I have done some research on these things and find that they are best if used periodically even then the membranes need to be replaced as a consumable item at the tune of about $500 for parts. It is pumping now and doing some watermaking but I'm sure it needs membranes and who knows what else.
As I see it I have two options:
Have it serviced and new membranes installed, I'm guessing maybe $1000 so I can use it for a Bahamas trip this year then probably never use it again.
Leave it as is, in storage for added value when I sell the boat?
Any opinions or suggestions?