Re: [Paddlewise] RFI electric bilge pumps

Hi to Ulli, Christine, Eddie, and anyone else with the stomach to consider
electric pumps again..

Ulli, you mention the Paddlewise topic page on electric pumps,
http://www.paddlewise.net/topics/boatequip/elecpumps.html

Here is an update on the system I described in the last post of that page.
It all works well except the switch.  Christine, you are absolutely right
about salt water:  it will corrode where it is allowed to get in.  The
original switches were inexpensive Radio Shack push-on push-off models that
I enclosed in plastic project boxes which I attempted to seal with plastic
sheeting, tape and gobs of aquarium sealer.  Just a very few drops of
moisture got in to both switches (Joan's and mine) and corroded them by the
end of the season.  Joan's switch failed in a January pool session. Mine
hung in there, but I found it to be corroded when I took the assembly apart.

So I went out and spent $37 each for switches that are designed to be
submersible.

The rest of the system, including soldered connections that were more
exposed that the switches were, is intact.  All the connections were sealed
with silicone sealer and wrapped with tape.  The battery is in a sealed
plastic container within the sealed forward hatch.  The battery is the
sealed, "maintenance free" type.  I learned that it's a good idea to vent
the sealed container after use, although I have not had a problem.
Apparently, gases given off by the battery can be corrosive to the
terminals.  These can be protected with a healthy dose of silicone grease
(found in auto stores to protect trailer hitch connections).

Bottom line, Ulli et al., is that the configuration that I described does
work and is functional (now that the switch has been upgraded).  Other
systems have been successful as well.  The important thing is to seal the
switch and all connections carefully and to check them with reasonable
regularity.

Happy pumping!

    Bob V
-----Original Message-----
From: Christine Allison <sailnut_at_asan.com>
To: Ulli Hoeger <uhoeger_at_is.dal.ca>; PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net
<PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Thursday, April 06, 2000 5:07 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] RFI electric bilge pumps


>If you are paddling in salt water I would be very careful about my battery
>hook up.  Your pump/battery pac is going to exist in a very corrosive
>environment!
>
>I would avoid the motorcycle batteries as my experience with them has been
>disappointing.  Lantern batteries or perhaps a Ni-Cad pack would be the way
>to go.  BUT be sure that the batteries are in a watertight container and
>that the power leads from the pump are attached via a water proof connector
>to the batteries.
>
>I believe there are some hi-end crimp terminals that will do the job.  As
>for a waterproof box.... I have not seen one for larger size batteries but
>perhaps some of the manufactures of waterproof flashlights can help.
>
>Richard Smith
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Ulli Hoeger <uhoeger_at_is.dal.ca>
>To: <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
>Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2000 2:09 PM
>Subject: [Paddlewise] RFI electric bilge pumps
>
>
>> Hi paddlewisers,
>>
>> looks like sping outside.
>> The last couple of days I looked into the electric bilge pump issue.
>> I found the summary from last years discussion in the paddlewise
>> www page -was before I got into kayaking.
>> There was also an article in one of last years Seakayaker issues
>> (August 99?).  Is it worth to get this article?
>>
>> Right now I think about installing a Rule 500 pump with a separate
>> battery pack (motorcycle battery or 2 connected lantern batteries)
>> in the cockpit compartment of my stitch and glue kayak.  Not sure
>> yet if the pump goes behind the seat or into the front.  Have to
>> check were the deepest point of the cockpit is.............
>>
>> Any further suggestions from you?
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> ulli
>>
>> P.S.  I will carry a regular two hander manual pump as backup .
>> Ulli Hoeger
>> Dept. Physiology and Biophysics
>> Dalhousie University
>> Halifax, B3H4H7, Nova Scotia
>> Canada
>>
>> Phone I : 902-494-2673
>> Fax: 902-494-1685
>> Phone II :902-488-6796
>> http://is.dal.ca/~uhoeger
>>
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