Our Story: Built by Cruisers, for Cruisers
Open Ocean Watermakers was founded in 2001 in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, born from a simple realisation: Reliability through simplicity.
Open Ocean Watermakers was founded in 2001 in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, born from a simple realisation: Reliability through simplicity.
Terry and Ariel
The Legacy of Terry & Ariel
The Quencher system was developed by Terry Forsbrey, who lived aboard and cruised offshore with his wife, Ariel, for over two decades. During 12 years of active cruising, Terry saw that the high-tech components were not only unnecessary, they were also the first ones to fail.
He found that by bypassing "smart" electronics, he could get most systems running again. This experience shaped the Open Ocean philosophy: a watermaker should be simple, reliable, and affordable.
Proven at Sea
Terry developed an early version of an engine-driven model and put it to the test at sea for five years. Returning to New Zealand, he refined the design to create a system built without unnecessary gadgets or proprietary electronics.
The result is a watermaker that prioritises:
Mechanical Integrity: High-quality components focused on long-term performance.
Global Serviceability: Built primarily with standard parts that can be sourced in most parts of the world.
Ease of Use: A straightforward system that works consistently, even in the harshest environments.
Terry developed an early version of an engine-driven model and put it to the test at sea for five years. Returning to New Zealand, he refined the design to create a system built without unnecessary gadgets or proprietary electronics.
The result is a watermaker that prioritises:
Mechanical Integrity: High-quality components focused on long-term performance.
Global Serviceability: Built primarily with standard parts that can be sourced in most parts of the world.
Ease of Use: A straightforward system that works consistently, even in the harshest environments.
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A New Chapter
After 20 years of dedicated service to the global sailing community, Terry and Ariel have retired, passing the torch to new owners committed to the same "Pure and Simple" philosophy. We are proud to carry on the Open Ocean legacy, ensuring that the service and quality Terry established remains available to the next generation of voyagers. |
Terry and Ariel's boat, Stella, racing in the Marshall Islands
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