School me on Watermakers

Here on the West Coast, we've been living on watermakers while in Mexico for the winter season for 30 years. We've seen them come and go, and had them go from the highest required maintenance and repair item on a yacht, to highly reliable equipment. I have used and maintained Sea Recovery, HRO, and Village Marine Tec, as well as a few of those cobbled together made from Grainger parts. Personally, my preference is Village. They are the largest suppliers of fixed systems for shore based applications that I know of, and are technologically ahead.
In sizing a watermaker for an application, I think the arithmetic needs to revolve around tank size, use, and GPH. GPD is a 24 hour number and almost useless. Considering the OP's desire to fresh water flush the ground tackle, the consideration will be the amount of water used. Think about how long it takes at 3 t0 5 GPM, and how long the watermaker has to run to restore that. Given the other demands on the 95 gallon tank, the sense of security given by the presence of a watermaker could easily leave you without water. No matter what the output of the watermaker, you'll need to manage the water use. In practice, I start the watermaker when the tank is around ⅓ empty. If there's a watermaker or generator problem while making water, you'll be able to get by. There are also times when you shouldn't be making water, such as when a lot of soap is being dumped into the water. Always use the holding tank when making water!
Whatever you buy, I would recommend the separate component installation. The all-in-a-rack units are almost impossible to service or repair.

Take a look at the spot zero systems as well- it makes boat washing at the end of the day far easier and a cleaner boat.

PSW
I have the Sea Recovery 900 gpd unit in the Cabo. It has been a good unit overall. Never in 9 yrs have I replaced anything other than the prefilters. I have found the 25 and 5 micron from any of the filter companies work well in them. Actually use a 20 and 5.
Regarding the trolling valves on mine you can get to any speed even with both engines. I can creep it along at .5 knot even using both engines. You don't even know your moving.

Captholli,
Yes, same membranes actually for 11 years as it was installed when the boat was new. It does have a manual back flush that I use once a month even if the boat is sitting. Well most of the time. Yes 40 gph with clean filters at 850psi. I must say I don't know anything about a needle valve. Please enlighten me. Annually I check the salt ppm in the water and its always less than 500. That's not great but okay. The machine just has 528 hrs on it because I just replaced pre filters and logged info.
Skip

Okay the pressure regulator valve knob. Knock on wood no issues there and it stays at the 850 number. I have 528 hrs on it. Only use it on annual trip to Bahamas for two months.

Captholli, we have many more hours but not the years and we've had very good luck but I think you hit it on the head with meticulous maintenance more than Monday luck, although could be both. Another thing you mentioned, captholli, auto fresh water flush every 7 days. Also, commercial pre-filter and oil water separator do a lot to save the membranes. Membranes are projected to last five years with normal usage and periodic cleaning during that time. We haven't yet reached five years on any of them to know. However, when we've cleaned the membranes they're really looked good. Now, I'm not saying other brands might not be better nor arguing with any of the problems others have had. It's just our experience.

The commercial pre-filter will take the sand and the oil water separator will keep the oil from reaching the membrane.

These Mycelx filters will protect your watermaker from oil/hydrocarbons. Their products work.
http://www.controlmastersinc.com/mycelx_marine.htm#Watermaker System

I used to use RO filters on my reef tanks. I just bought off eBay for a couple hundred bucks. All you need is a pump able to push it through filter, 80 to 100 psi from what i remember, unless the stock pump will work which is very possible. All it should take is a little plumbing and wiring. You can also add a ultra violet sterilizer if you like. Just pump fresh into holding tank.

Yes your right when your wanting on demand but to fill a holding tank could be simpler if you can tell how full tank is or use solenoid and float switch. I had auto fill on my tanks this way. Not sure how long membranes would last with saltwater though.