I certainly agree with the "go now"--and go as cheaply as safe...but: Not all of the Caribbean is 3rd world in the sense that Central America or S. America and some parts of Mexico are. (Remember all of the tourists) I have drunk the water at Bequia and consider it safe. Gary and Gail may well have been lucky--and I also have been, having spent over three years total in Mexico and another year or so in parts of Spain which are quite primative--as well as other remote areas. However I took great precaution to not consume contaminated water and food. There were a few times when I made mistakes and got sick. However I have personally treated some very, very ill people in their boats who were infected with virius, bacterial and parasitic infections from drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. I have seen people die from these infections. There are reasonable alternatives to a watermaker--but don't take a risk with your life. Yes people live in these areas--There is some immunity to these diseases--but there is also morbidity and mortality. Do not risk your health. A watermaker is not the only safe way. There is filtration and chemical treatment, filtration and ultraviolet treatment and catching of rain water. Any of these can cost less than the much touted GPS chart plotter that no one can live without (and I am guilty as anyone--having 4 in two boats, plus two handhelds) Bob Austin