RE: [Paddlewise] Foot pumps

From:           	"Sisler, Clyde" <Clyde.Sisler_at_wang.com>
To:             	"'Paddlewise'" <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Subject:        	RE: [Paddlewise] Foot pumps
Date sent:      	Wed, 12 May 1999 09:34:38 -0400

<Snip>
> 
> Is a foot pump operated by a gas pedal type mechanism or does it push like a
> hand pump?  I assume a pedal type because there's not much room for leg
> movement the other way.
> 
It depends.  It comes with a "pedal", but it's fixed to the end of the 
shaft which moves the diaphragm; you can push directly on the 
stifffening plates which support the center of the diaphragm and 
center the internal spring just as effectively.  But they don't come 
with an articulating "pedal" like you'd have in a car or truck.

> I was trying to imagine operating a pedal for 10-15 minutes (or more?) in
> emptying a cockpit and I swear my achilles tendon and calf started to ache.
> I assume you can switch feet.  How much of your foot can you get on the
> pedal?
> 
Again, it depends how you have it set up.  But you could empty a 
fleet of boats in ten or 15 minutes!  It takes me less than a minute 
to empty my (admittedly low volume) cockpit, so, theoretically, I'd 
guess a normally rigged 'glass kayak with some storage behind the 
seat and dead space forward of the footrests would take several 
minutes to empty --- but not ten or 15 minutes.  Yes, you'd 
probably cramp up if it took that long.  Maybe not if you could 
center mount it and switch off feet --- a good idea if you can mount 
it that way.  (On my Pintail, the compass recess is in the way, and on the North Bay, the deckplate takes up the other "half" of the bulkhead.)
> 
> GRO was listed as a supplier but I don't recall seeing any other sources in
> the US.

Stan's website, <http://www.erols.com/rapids/GRO/>, has a list of 
his dealers.  Pumps are available at a lot of better boat supply 
places --- both the domestic Guzzler and the Brit (Northern Ireland, 
actually) Henderson.  Do some price comparisons --- very good 
discounts are available through retailers.

Jack Martin
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