Re: [Paddlewise] [PaddleWise] Pump my ride

From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:23:56 -0400
Tord Eriksson wrote:

> SLAs and othe lead acid batteries are great on amps, with fairly
> constant efficiency over time, while NiCDs and NiMHs are easy to
> overheat, unless you keep the amps down, or cool them well!
> Heat-losses are an effect of amps, squared, so you'd want low 
> amps and high voltage! 

Always put a fuse on the pump.  My pump, rated at 1A has a 2A fuse 
inside the battery case.  This is one reason I recommend the Attwood 625 
- other brands need much higher currents - 3.5A are not uncommon!

> For bilge pumps I think Li-ion batteries 
> would be ideal, as they don't discharge over time nearly as fast 
> as other types, including lead-acids.

True, but I find that the high-capacity NiMH that are available now are 
fine in most kayaking uses.  I've left my batteries in the kayak for 
over a month with no noticable decrease in pumping power.

Li-Ion, OTOH, are quite a bit more expensive and the combination of a 
good, general-purpose Li-Ion with a good charger is hard to find.

Given that NiMH AAs are common and good, fast chargers are readily 
available, I'd only recommend Li-Ion for specific purposes, notably 
extended cold weather paddling.

If you're rich and like to reserve bragging rights, go for Li-Ion :-)

Mike
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Received on Thu Apr 19 2007 - 13:24:43 PDT

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