re: [Paddlewise] bilge pumps - batteries vs feet?

From: <TaskerNoman_at_netscape.net>
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 12:31:40 -0500
DPEVA_at_aol.com wrote:I recently purchased a self-contained battery powered submersible pump from, of all places, JC Whitney. Takes 3 D-cells and claims to be watertight.  Item #:  07ZX7636X Cordless Submersible Pump $29.95link://www.jcwhitney.com/productnoitem.jhtml?CATID=354836&BQ=jcw2">http://www.jcwhitney.com/productnoitem.jhtml?CATID=354836&BQ=jcw2</A>

I had fitted exactly this pump into a kayak I sold a couple of years ago. It did stand up well to submersion, and was easier than hand pumping during self-rescues, although not as fast. (I practised in moderate surf.) My new kayak has a higher volume cockpit, where the comparative slowness of the electric pump would have been even more of a issue. So, on the theory that prevention is better than cure, I now line the cockpit with a sea sock anytime I feel unplanned wet exits are at all likely.

BTW, I'd really encourage folks who've only ever rehearsed the paddlefloat rescue in calm water to try in even moderate (1 to 2 foot) surf. It's a real eye opener - even an inch or two of water sloshing back and forth in the cockpit is incredibly destablizing. And that's the beauty of the sea sock - it not only reduces the amount of water taken on board, but vastly reduces the room and leverage that flooded-in water has to roam about and knock you over.

Philip  


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Received on Thu Feb 13 2003 - 11:18:30 PST

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