[Paddlewise] Electric Bilge Pumps

"They sound like more trouble than they're worth."
Not at all, I think they're great. My experience to date with electric pumps
is pretty positive. I have a Rule 500 which hasn't failed at all, paddling
most weekends and using it for cockpit clearout after re-enter and roll
practice, pump outs in surf, etc.
I do know of a Rule 1100 which failed. Also, a connection can fail: the
other day, a paddler I was with happened to test his electric pump before
launch, and nothing happened. Connections checked, it worked. Just as well,
as soon after he was belted over in surf and needed it. So, if you rely on
an electric pump alone, switch it on and check it before each launch. Be
thorough installing it, and pull the whole system out and re-wire and
re-install every couple of years or sooner. Salt water is a harsh
environment.
Electric pumps are quite widely used here in Victoria, Australia. Some
installations are pretty slick, with flush-to-the-deck switches. The battery
is sometimes also connected to illumination for deck-mounted compasses. No
doubt solar panel recharging would be possible.
Electric pumps work a lot quicker and easier than any foot pump I have seen
so far. Despite the failure possibility, I think they are the best choice at
present. A backup should be available though. Experimentally, I also have a
foot pump fitted, and carry a hand pump and sponge. Is this called the belt
and braces approach? Belt, braces, suspenders, double underwear...what, me
worry?
I'd like to see a higher volume foot pump developed, maybe operated by both
feet. Any hydraulics / mechanical engineers on the list?

Regards,
Peter Treby
37* 42' S 145* 08' E



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