Re: [Paddlewise] Electrodynamic hydropurgation devices

Apologies in advance.  This reply began to write itself and got out of hand
(I'm also going to be late for work).

Hello, Gabriel...

I'm using a BT4L-BS maintenance-free lead acid battery.  It's designed for
use in motorcycles, and can probably be most easily found at a motorcycle
shop.  You might also look for it on line, e.g., at
http://batteriesplus.com/Product/champmtrcyc.html

The specs are as follows:  the battery puts out 12 volts, 3 amp-hours
(should run for about 35 hours continuously before needing a recharge).  It
weighs 2.9 lbs..  The dimensions are 4-1/2 X 2-13/16 X 3-3/8 inches.  You'll
also need to buy an appropriate battery charger (not cheap).  This is not
the only battery solution, but its size and weight are acceptable and it
supplies all the power I'll need for a week on the water (wish I could do
that easily) and more.  Now, if I could only find a waterproof  boom box
(just kidding!!!!!).

Take a look at the description of how I installed Rule pump systems into my
boat and my wife's, at
http://www.paddlewise.net/topics/boatequip/elecpumps.html   With Jackie's
permission, I think I'll update that page when the current discussion runs
itself out.

There is one notable change to my description.  Joan's switch recently
failed.  So I went out & bought a couple of military-spec waterproof toggle
switches from West Marine.  You can find it at
http://www.westmarine.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=201&prrf
nbr=7654

(Note that with a long url like this one, you'll probably have to highlight
it across however many lines it takes up in your email browser, then copy
it, then open Netscape or IE, then paste it into the url box, and finally
press return.  If you already knew this, forgive -- it took me a while to
figure out why I couldn't just click on these long urls in my email).

Checking on the Rule pump options:
   The "Platinum" computer-controlled pump is probably not what you want,
since it seems that it would cycle itself off for as much as ten minutes at
a time.  Here is one description I downloaded:  "Once the power is supplied,
the pump will turn on for about one second to sense for water. If water is
detected, the pump will continue to run until all the water is removed. If
water is not detected, the pump will turn off. It will then check for water
every two minutes. If after five consecutive checks no water is detected,
it's computer will change the cycling mode to every ten minutes. If and when
water is detected during any of these checks, the pump will continue to run
until all the water is removed. it will then revert back to the two minute
cycle time. During these checks, the pump operates at reduced power and is
very quiet. Only when it detects water will it power up to full capacity."
   Not great in surf!  OTOH, you could add a switch to the system, and turn
it OFF in surf.  Then, when you turn it on, the pump would immediately empty
your boat.  You could save the internal switching for more routine paddling
in relatively rough conditions that might introduce water into your boat
over a period of time.
   The older automatic models cycle on and off repeatedly.  Not sure of the
cycling schedule, but it may be as above.  I decided against them, thinking
that on-demand pumping would suit me better.
   I didn't locate a low-profile pump, so I have nothing to offer on that
one.
   As for the mercury float switch, it's relatively huge.  We actually
bought two of them, and then decided not to use them as we couldn't find a
satisfactory place to put them inside the cockpit.

-----Original Message-----
From: Gabriel L Romeu <romeug_at_erols.com>
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Electrodynamic hydropurgation devices


>You have all convinced me that an electric Rule 500 pump is the way to
>go to fit in the kayak I am currently building.  I went to the website
>and found 5 options for this pump, the only viable options being 1.the
>pump itself 2. a new model with a lower profile 3. an mercury float
>switch or a 4. non mechanical computer switch.  My preference is to keep
>it simple, so the internal switched ones are attractive, but I am sure
>there are some issues.  Any thoughts?
>
>Where should I be looking for a battery and what is the minimal size?


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