Re: [Paddlewise] Current Info on Electric or Foot Pumps?

From:           	VajraT_at_aol.com
Date sent:      	Mon, 10 May 1999 10:47:20 EDT
Subject:        	[Paddlewise] Current Info on Electric or Foot Pumps?
To:             	clyde_sisler_at_email.msn.com, PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net

> 
> Does anyone have a set-up which they've used awhile and:
> 1) Easily available for purchase
> 2) Can be installed by a non-engineer
> 3) Won't take up a large amount of space
> 4) Reasonable price (under $50)
> 
> And what about the deck port, with a cover?  Is there a kit which has all the 
> needed components, designed to work together?  
> 
> Does anyone have experience with both electric and foot-operated pumps?

We beat this topic to death a few months ago, so it's all probably 
on the archives somewhere.  

Handpumps are the quickest way to empty a flooded boat if you're 
doing a demo sitting by a dock in flat water.  The standard gray 
and red pumps are powerful, and empty a flooded boat in less than 
a minute.  However, that's not where you're going to need it --- by 
the dock in flat water.

For my money, the foot pump is still the best option.  I looked at 
electric pumps, but saw too many potential failure points and a lot 
of routine maintenance.  (The Attwood "D" cell operated pump 
which Nick mentioned is the only simple electric pump I've tried, 
but it took forever to make a dent in my intentionally flooded 
cockpit --- too slow for my interests.)  There are two pumps 
available which should work well: the Henderson foot pump --- 
basically, the venerable Chimp pump outfitted with a tough 
stainless steel spring inside the chamber which pulls water up into 
the pump and a pedal to expel it overboard, and the Guzzler foot 
pump, identical in operation.

The Henderson foot pump is compact, and is ideal for sea kayaks; 
many "British Heavies" come with Henderson pumps, although 
there seem to be a lot of foredeck pumps coming over most 
recently --- not a lot of foot pumps.  Downside is that it comes from 
the UK, and it's going to run significanctly over $100 in the States.  
To get a sense of what they look like, check out Whale, 
Henderson's sister company's, web site --- both part of Munster 
Simms --- <http://www.whale.ltd.uk/marpro/urchin.htm>.  Imagine 
that pump with a plate to push in on with your foot instead of the 
handle for both operations.

Also see the direct action Guzzler foot pump at Bosworth's web 
site, <http://www.bosworth.thomasregister.com/olc/bosworth>; 
functionally identical to Henderson --- maybe a slightly larger 
footprint and overall volume --- but is made in Rhode Island, and is 
priced at local marine suppliers at about $50.  

I have Hendersons installed in my "British Heavy" Pintail and in my 
newly constructed CLC North Bay, and am very happy with both.  
They're simple in operation, dependable, and batteries are neither 
included or needed.   I can wet exit, do a re-entry and roll, put on 
my skirt, skull or start paddling, and have the boat essentially dry 
in one to two minutes, max.  That's worst case.  Hands on the 
paddle, not on the pump.  In big water with no help, where you 
might need a pump, a handpump would not likely be effective at all. 
Foot pumps work.

As to covers and other plumbing issues, no worries.  These pumps 
have a flapper valve on the intake port --- water can enter the 
chamber only when the spring extends the diaphragm --- and a 
triple baffle "goose beak" exhaust valve (much like a heart valve) on 
the overboard end.  Little or no water will enter, especially if you 
exhaust it over the side vice using the deck.  Keep the plumbing 
short and sweet, but use a "strum box" or other device in the bilge 
at the open end of the intake hose to catch the max amount of 
water.  

Jack Martin
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