The SXR 68 XL, a 68-foot hybrid yacht currently under development in the U.S., is introducing a first-of-its-kind solution for freshwater generation at sea—atmospheric water generation (AWG). Designed through a collaboration between Altitude Water, RM Design Pro, and wellness design firm M2 Holistic Studio, the vessel incorporates AWG directly into its infrastructure, bypassing traditional desalination or bottled water systems.
This embedded technology extracts moisture from the air and produces clean drinking water without the corrosive impacts and maintenance issues typical of reverse osmosis systems. It also eliminates the need for seawater intake and the extensive filtration networks that come with it. This is not an aftermarket solution—it’s built in from the ground up, with AWG systems forming a central component of the yacht’s off-grid functionality.
Beyond just water, the SXR 68 XL integrates solar regeneration and a hybrid propulsion system, creating a resource-independent platform tailored for longer charters with reduced environmental overhead.
RM Design Pro has paired the AWG unit with their proprietary Yacht Integrative Control Systems & Monitoring (YICSM)—a smart control interface driven by AI. This technology enables real-time monitoring and optimization of all key onboard systems, from propulsion to water and energy management.
Jeff Szur, founder of Altitude Water, notes that while smaller AWG units have made appearances on yachts before, challenges with size, integration, and utility have limited their effectiveness. "By designing the AWG system directly into the yacht’s core infrastructure, we’ve eliminated the taste, reliability, and maintenance issues that plague traditional marine water systems.”
The project also aims for broad compliance with maritime standards, including USCG, ABYC, NMMA, and EPA Tier IV guidelines. This ensures the vessel meets requirements for commercial charter operations, while also making it a viable option for owners and builders seeking to future-proof their fleets.
