I want to install a foot-operated bilge pump in my Valley Avocet RM over the winter. Based on what I have gleaned from past discussions, I am considering the Bosworth Guzzler pump, with direct action (i.e., no lever), and duck-bill valve. It may be viewed at: http://www.bosworth.thomasregister.com/olc/bosworth/page3.htm The Series 400 and 500 are alike, except that they are 25mm and 38mm diameter inlet/outlet, respectively. The bilge strainer (aka strum box) and non-return valve may be viewed at: http://www.jabsco.com/accbilg.asp The other fittings (wire reinforced hose, hose end cuffs, clamps, and a slotted strainer I intend to use as the through-hull fitting, may be viewed at: http://www.bosworth.thomasregister.com/olc/bosworth/page5.htm I plan to mount the pump to a heavy polypropylene plate (there are cutting boards that will work nicely), attached to the foot peg rails using stainless or anodized aluminum bracketry. I will probably make a third anchor point by attaching an anchor pad of some kind to the forward bulkhead using 3M 4200 Marine Sealant/Adhesive. No holes will be drilled in the bulkhead. Here are some questions I have: 1. Does size matter? (25mm vs 38mm, that is) 2. Does this type hose (vinyl with coiled wire) work well in kayaks, or should I be using neoprene/fabric, or something else? 3. Optimum position of the non-return valve in the layout: at the strainer, at the through-hull fitting? 4. Best choice for a through-hull fitting-- I'm not convinced I've found the right one. 5. Any tips on the pump mounting? Any expert opinion on my choices will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Dan Harrison *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Dan, I'm contemplating a similar foot pump installation this winter. However, I might mount mine directly to the bulkhead, since it's custom-positioned right beyond my feet. (It actually serves as my footbrace) >1. Does size matter? (25mm vs 38mm, that is) The Guzzler 500 will move more water faster, but with slightly more leg-effort on your part. It's the same net energy expenditure, but it's more effort over a shorter time. Your choice. The bigger consideration is if you have room for 1.5" plumbing rather than 1" >2. Does this type hose (vinyl with coiled wire) work well in kayaks, or should I >be using neoprene/fabric, or something else? It should work. You might want to make sure the wire is SS, or rust could be a problem. >3. Optimum position of the non-return valve in the layout: at the strainer, at the >through-hull fitting? Or do you need one? The Guzzlers have two valves (inlet and outlet) so a non-return valve would be unnecessary, unless you want the peace of mind of a redundant valve. >4. Best choice for a through-hull fitting-- I'm not convinced I've found the right >one. I think I'll just glass a piece of 1" PVC to the inside of the hull, then simply cut the hull/deck to the ID of the pipe and have nothing protruding from the outer surface. >5. Any tips on the pump mounting? If you mounted it higher, rather than lower, you could pump it with either leg action or foot action, and switch off those muscles. If it's too low, you can only use leg action to pump. This is hypothetical, though, as I've never used a footpump--you probably need the opinion of someone who uses one regularly. >Any expert opinion on my choices will be greatly appreciated. Well, there was my opinion, but definitely not from an expert standpoint! Shawn *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Shawn W. Baker" <baker_at_montana.com> > >1. Does size matter? (25mm vs 38mm, that is) > The Guzzler 500 will move more water faster, but with slightly more > leg-effort on your part. It's the same net energy expenditure, but it's > more effort over a shorter time. Your choice. The bigger consideration > is if you have room for 1.5" plumbing rather than 1" Given a finite amount of water per stroke, wouldn't the smaller diameter mean more water effectively ejected from the kayak with each stroke? Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Shawn: > The Guzzler 500 will move more water faster, but with slightly more > leg-effort on your part. It's the same net energy expenditure, but it's > more effort over a shorter time. Your choice. The bigger consideration > is if you have room for 1.5" plumbing rather than 1" Mike: >Given a finite amount of water per stroke, wouldn't the smaller diameter >mean more water effectively ejected from the kayak with each stroke? But the water would be able to fill and be ejected from the pump quicker through a larger opening. Greater flow due to more strokes per unit time rather than more volume per stroke. Still, these pumps are designed for 11' of suction head, so the 6-12" head from bottom of bilge to outlet hole is insignificant, whichever pump you choose. In terms of "ejection" though, I'd bet you can spray water farther from the 1" opening and be able to more effectively douse your paddling companions! Shawn *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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