Re: [Paddlewise] Fitting a hands free pump to a Kahuna

On 12 Nov 2003 at 7:08, PeterO wrote:

> In order to meet my clubs safety requirements I need to fit a hands
> free pump, probably electrical, into my Kahuna, between the sea sock
> and the hull. Any ideas on how to do this? Or where I can get a small,
> effective portable electric pump?

Since no one else answered...

Do you want a self contained unit?  I'm not familiar with the Kahuna, 
but some of the folders have lots of room at/near the cockpit, so a 
combined pump/battery rig could be used.  I don't know much about 
them other than that they exist.

For a separate pump and battery rig, I'd suggest looking into the 
Paddlewise archive for stuff I posted a while ago.  Also do a google 
search on rec.boats.paddle.touring for a post I put up within the 
last couple of months.

I suppose that main issue I see is attaching everything.  With a 
hardshell kayak, you have bulkheads and such to attach to.  You can 
also drill thru the hull to attach the outlet hose.  

For a folder, you could easily attach the pump to a small sheet of 
plastic or waterproofed plywood and then suspend that between a 
couple of stringers or clip it to a frame.  

How would you handle the outlet hose?  I'd be loath to cut thru the 
skin.  Putting a hose thru the seasock and then letting it dangle 
over the coaming and under the mostly-attached skirt might be 
acceptable.When not in use, it would lie in the seasock with you - a 
bit of a leak in the seasock, but not much (you can get a checkvalve 
to prevent flow into the kayak).

Since the Aussies are associated in my mind with originating the 
trend towards putting electric pumps in kayaks, you should be able to 
get good local advice.

Mike
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