Re: [Paddlewise] Foot pumps

Robert Woodard wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> Looking for someone who has put a foot pump in a fiberglass boat with
> plastic bulkheads. I'm interested in putting a foot pump in my Gulfstream,
> but worried the bulkheads won't be able to take the strain. Ideas?

Try mounting a brace across the bulkhead inside the cockpit and
attach the pump to it.  Two lengths of hardwood about one inch square
in section would probably do it (a tad larger if you're worried - being
Canadian, I'd recycle a hockey stick).  Epoxy or spar varnish the wood
to seal the surface, then mount it with some kind of bracket, bolted
through the hull on either side above the water line.  (ya get to drill
through the hull !  ha ha haaa!!)  I'm not sure where the foot peg rails are
in the Gulfstream, or whether your legs are short enough to allow, but you
might be able to attach the cross pieces to the ends of the rails, saving
you the drilling.

If the bulkhead is the same material as in the Solstice kayaks (ABS),
it's probably strong enough, but it'll be quite flexible.  If you don't think
their strong - try to remove one!  If you pump a lot though, the sealant
holding the bulkhead in position might eventually start to leak.

Mike

PS - I've never done this, but thought about installing a foot pump and
this is how I'd do it if I did.

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