RE: [Paddlewise] Pumps

Ulli:
>"Pumps have always been problematic. I have recently purchased a pump that
has the batteries inside. Although it bench-tests well, the ocean
environment will be the true test. It uses 3 D batteries and pumps 200 gpm
with a 4 foot head and may be purchased from West Marine."
Sid Taylor wrote that, and I quoted. Come in Sid.
"No problem to switch the pump on before getting back in, but shutting it
down after spraydeck back on and water out was a pain in the neck with the
switch under the rear coaming, espcl.
when working and concentrating on preventing another capsize."
You could try fitting the switch on the deck.
I had a waterproof switch covered with a electrical conduit saddle on the
last boat. The better outfitted boats here have flush deck switches. You can
make these by fabricating a fibreglass switch container over a 35mm film
canister. A standard 10 amp household light switch goes inside. The
container is mounted under the deck, and is bolted to a stainless or marine
aluminium rim above deck, holding a synthetic rubber membrane which covers
the switch. Sikaflex seals the whole arrangement.
My description probably leaves a few questions, but regrettably I don't have
a diagram in transmittable form.
"The switch I use has 3 positions, 1)OFF, 2) ON with sensor (pump only works
if water is above a crtain level in the bottom of the boat), 3) ON pump runs
as long as switch is in this position and batteries last."
This sounds great, always provided the electrical circuitry is well sealed
and up to enduring salt water conditions. Because of the harsh conditions
for electrics, I favour simple field-maintainable arrangements.
Good Paddling,
Peter Treby
37º 42' S  145º 08' E



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