Re: [Paddlewise] Foot pump installation

From: <JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 13:46:37 EDT
In a message dated 98-09-18 12:14:05 EDT, Greg Hollingsworth writes:

<< 
 I'm going to attempt to install a Henderson foot pump into my Nordkapp
 this weekend.  Before I drill any holes, are there any words of wisdom
 that anyone would care to share?  
 
 One question - A friend noted problems with water leaking in the exhaust
 hole for his pump.  The hole is on the side of his boat, is it better
 to place the exhaust on the deck? >>


Yeah, Greg --- for a start, you don't really have to drill holes.  I built up
a set of foam blocks aft of the forward bulkhead which serve as a <really>
comfortable footrest, and now house my footpump, as well.  Just carved away
the part of the foam that looked like a pump, jammed it in there, and that was
it!  Suction hose comes down to a strum box --- a wedge-shape fiberglass
pickup widget sold by the same folks who sell pumps, and definitely at least a
nice-to-have if not a gotta-have to make the pump work most efficiently ---
just forward of the seat, the lowest point in my Pintail.

My exhaust port is on the side,  with the outlet fitting just below the
fiberglass seam.  Have never noticed a problem with leaks --- RTV the fitting
when you go through the hull, and the flapper valves in the pump should keep
water from coming in any further than the housing, if it comes in that far.

You <can> pump out through the deck, and a lot of people configure pumps that
way; it cuts down on the plumbing runs, but you run the risk of nailing
yourself with a mouthful of bilge water when pushing into the wind.  And the
speeds you paddle at, you don't need wind!  That decision is really just a
judgement call.

Good luck --- lemme know if you want to see my installation first.  There's a
tiny chance I might make it to Wye Island tomorrow.

Jack Martin

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Received on Fri Sep 18 1998 - 10:48:29 PDT

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