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. My question is what are the methods of powering these pumps and approp. sealing of the batteries. It would seem that some type of rechargeable, sealed gel battery (i.e., small "Quantum" batteries used by photographers) might be a good choice if it can be properly sealed and protected. Otherwise, I can see a substantial weight penalty if you start getting into the larger lantern batteries. Other ideas? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
> My question is what are the methods of powering these pumps and approp. > sealing of the batteries. It would seem that some type of rechargeable, > sealed gel battery (i.e., small "Quantum" batteries used by photographers) > might be a good choice if it can be properly sealed and protected. > Otherwise, I can see a substantial weight penalty if you start > getting into > the larger lantern batteries. > Other ideas? I don't paddle in salt water, only fresh, so your mileage may vary: I use a 450 GPH pump made by Attwood. 12 V, $10 at Walmart. For the battery I use a gel cell YT4L-BS ($35 also at Walmart) The battery is about the size of a single 6V lantern battery. This battery is sealed (non vented). and I just stick it to the hull behind my seat with velcro. A few small alligator clips tie it into the electrical system. I've never tried to see how many times I could empty the cockpit with it though. I've also mounted a weatherized cigarette power adapter (I can't remember the cost, but I got it at Walmart also). This allows me to power my GPS, but I suspose other devices could use it (radio, spot light, whatever). Again, I only paddle in fresh water so I don't have to worry so much about corrosion or if salt water will short the system out. I figure once corrosion becomes a problem I'll just spend a few bucks to replace the wiring. All told I probably spent $60 on the system. At $10 a pop for the pump, I like Ralph's idea of a second one. It already pumps water like a fire boat though 8^) Woody *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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