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

In our last discussion on the pump issue, I posted a long winded summary
of my thoughts about installing a foot pump.  

At the time, I was unsure that a foot pump was an improvement over a
hand pump.  

Since then, I've gone out and tested solo rescues (most intentional, one
not) in severe conditions.  I found that I could perform a self rescue
(after wet exit) with a hand pump, but in my unstable boat (Nordkapp) I
had a very difficult time staying upright in waves and chop while using
my hand pump to empty the water.  Having a paddle float outrigger
helped, but this was extremely awkward and left me with a bad feeling
about the procedure.  

Two weeks ago, I installed a Henderson foot pump.  While it does not
empty the boat as quickly as the hand pump, it does a fairly good job at
getting the water out and leaving my hands free to maintain stability
and even forward progress.  I'm very happy with how it works.  

Another suggestion that came out of the discussion a few months ago was
to get the spray skirt on while upside down after performing the reentry
piece of a reentry and roll.  While it is (still) a difficult process,
I've found that with practice that I can do it reliably so that once I
roll to the surface, I'm prepared to use the foot pump and to deal with
the above water conditions.  

The installation of the foot pump was not difficult.  I installed the
foot pump directly on the forward bulkhead by (gasp) drilling four holes
in the bulkhead, one for each mounting screw on the pump.  I created a
stencil to make sure I didn't screw up the drilling.  I mounted the pump
directly on the bulkhead with thick rubber washers between the pump and
the bulkhead to help keep the pump from rubbing directly on the bulkhead
and to help keep the water out of the forward hatch.  I also used the
stencil to drill holes through a piece of wood.  I placed that piece of
wood on the inside of the hatch and passed the mounting screws through
the wood and placed bolts on the end.  I'm hoping that the board will
distribute the pressure of the pumping motion across the entire bulkhead
and will help reduce the damage to the bulkhead when the pump is used.

I'm not sure that this is the optimal installation, I intend to remove
the pump after a period of use to see if any damage is being caused to
the front bulkhead. So far, the installation seems water tight, I've
flooded the cockpit several times and no water has made its way to the
forward compartment. 

Given that I don't have foot pegs (I use foam padding extending from the
bulkhead), this seemed to be the only way to securely install the pump. 
As a result, my boat fits me and people like me - adjustments to other
body types are difficult to make.

I also drilled a 1" hole (deep gasp) for the output port - I chose to do
this on the side of the boat instead of on top - I didn't want the
expelled water to be blown in my face when pumping out and as a result
of testing, I wasn't worried about about water intake. 

Tests of the new system show that it works well.  Since I haven't yet
installed a strum box, the pump does not get all the water out.  As Jack
suggests, I believe that the strum box will make a big difference.  Even
the way it is, it still does a very good job.

After a lot of though and experimentation, I'm convinced that for boats
like mine, that this is the way to go.  I also gave thought to
installing an electrical pump, but I dismissed that thought quickly
given the complexity, the low volume pumping power, and the inevitable
problems that are sure to come about mixing electricity and sea water. 

As for my paddle float, I never expect to use it.  I've got a very
reliable reentry and roll and I would use that method with just the
paddle and no paddle float.  I do carry a paddle float... it's there
just in case... I also keep it mostly inflated behind my seat.  Here,
provides a comfortable back rest and fills space that water would
otherwise occupy in a wet exit.  Also, if I ever need it, it will be
nearly ready to go. And yes, I tested that I can get it out quickly if
needed.
	
Long winded again... sorry!

Greg Hollingsworth

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