Re: [Paddlewise] Powering Electric Pumps

From: Wes Boyd <boydwe_at_dmci.net>
Date: Thu, 04 Feb 1999 20:26:26 -0800
Byron Lawrence wrote:
> 
> On the subject of electric pumps, "West Marine" stocks a variety of "Rule"
> brand electric pumps with various GPH rates. Some have automatic switches
> and some have a manual switches (and being good retailers, they of course,
> sell various waterproof switches...). Most of these pumps are the size of a
> small can of tomato paste and are priced $60 and under.

I may be stepping on Philip Wylie's toes with this, but this is the content of
an e-mail to him from Laurie Ford that was posted on the Bidarka last last 
year. (I saved it since it seemed like one of those key things you want to
remember.) It may answer many of your questions:

"As for electric pumps - in the last 20 years there is only one type that I
would recommend, and I have tried out several others. The RULE 500 (usedto
be 400) is the only one that never gives any trouble. Others have hadthe
impeller disintegrate, or the housing develop leaks. 
The gel battery most of us use is 6AH, 12v - but this would depend on 
whether you are mainly into day trips or 2 week trips. 
If you only intend day paddles, then a 2AH would be sufficient - 
and some commercial kayaks come out fitted with these.  
But for a 2 week trip (or longer) use the 6AH version. 
The RULE 500 draws about 2 amp when running, and will empty a full 
cockpit in a couple of minutes - and in theory you could have the 
pump running for over 3 hours continuously."

-- Wes
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Received on Thu Feb 04 1999 - 17:37:18 PST

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