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From: Nick Gill <nicholas.gill_at_adfa.edu.au>
subject: [Paddlewise] waterbuster modifications
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 1999 10:37:29 +1000
in case anybody is interested.

I actually prefer foot pumps but for various reasons currently have an attwood waterbuster pump in the boat. That's the self contained pump that runs off d cells. volume is lower than a rule type pump but the self contained design is handy

problem is it only has a switch on the pump body. You really need a deck switch on a sea kayak. I have added one, experimenting with modifications to a waterbuster.

I bought a waterproof toggle switch from dick smith electronics plus cable,  the necessary spade connectors etc.

to the waterproof switch I soldered a length of cable and araldited and sikaflexed the  joints. I then  toook the original switch off the pump (it just unscrews) and inserted a blanking grommet in the hole. I then ran the wires off the switch through the grommet (having punched  a hole in it with a hot nail). I connected the relevant sized spade connectors to the wires and attached them to the internal pump connections. I then smeared sikeflex all over the grommet and wires where they went through the grommet - inside and out. I probably should have used some araldite here as well for some stiffness.

So now I have the attwood pump with an external switch off a length of cable. I then just drlled a hole for the switch just behind the seat , screwed the switch in and screwed on the rubber boot, alI with plenty of sikaflex. I then  reintalled the pump in my cockpit, behind the seat. Voila, a deck switch powered waterbuster with no new drill holes in my rear compartment.

Hopefully the pump will not leak, we'll see.


nick

Nicholas Gill
School of Geography and Oceanography
University of NSW
Australian Defence Force Academy
Canberra ACT 2600

Ph. 02 6268 8317
Mob. 041 7659440
Fax 02 6268 8313

Email: nicholas.gill_at_adfa.edu.au
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