Bilge pump

[h20gasm]

Was wondering if anyone has installed one and if so how well does it work? Just wanna make sure its worth it before I drill a hole in it. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Seen one setup where the pump is under the saddle and battery and wires all contained in an otterbox in the saddle also. Cool setup.
Oh by the way work sucks I should be enjoying a W W buffet rite now!
Thanks:H20gasm

[Roger]

Can purchase most of the items at your local marine supply store. Main thing is to find the lightest weight battery to power the system. MIght have to go on-line for that one.

One key thing to remember is to keep the hose length as short as possible since the length of the hose will impact pump efficiency. That said, you don't have to drill a hole in the boat as you can just run it over the gunnel if you so desire:



Here's are some links for the process:

http://geocities.com/jtkcanoes/#Installation" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.rapidrunnerbilge.com/instructions.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sure some more will weigh in here with their thoughts as lots of ways to approach this project.

[ARzach]

Talk to Sammy W....his set up is 'effin sweeeet!

[Cowper]

If you use the search feature, you can probably find some of the extensive discussions on bilge pump systems over on our "gear review" forum (unless the threads got accidentally deleted in one of our board crashes).

For your more general questions, do they work, are they worth it: Yes, and yes. Your kayaker buddies will also thank you, because you'll never again have to hold up the group while you stop to dump. The only thing I would say is that if you completely fill your boat up, then the pump will take several minutes to get all that water out. Some folks who are doing hard-core play-boating in their open boat, or running bigger WW, are installing dual pumps to get the water out faster. Just make sure you do your homework, and get batteries that have enough umph.

If you like to tinker, save money by building your own system. If you have more money than free time, then the production units with matched components (e.g., battery sizes, hose sizes, number of fittings required all figured out for you) may be worth a few extra dollars.

I went the "tinker" route - so far, I think my wife's canoe is the only one I've seen with an electronic "auto" switch that turns the pump on when it senses 2" deep water in the canoe, and off once it has pumped it down.

[jknkboaters]

Here's is a link for the process:

http://geocities.com/jtkcanoes/#Installation" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The jtkcanoes site has moved to here:

http://jtkcanoes.weebly.com/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It will answer a lot of questions about Electric Bilge Pumps for Whitewater Canoes.

[ckuntz]

Shayne, what do you need a pump for.. you're a kayaker.
Just roll back up, problem solved
Chris

[The Canoe Doctor]

What model boat are you planning on installing a bilge pump system? It is not necessary to drill a hole in the hull to install a bilge pump system. Simply run your exhaust port over the gunwale. As for installing the pump under the seat, Bob Britt taught me an effective method of utilizing a 4”x4” vinyl fence post. This gives support to the saddle while allowing water to flow from each side of the saddle.

BobBrittOutfitting.3.jpg (25.9 KiB) Viewed 1714 times

[Shep]

They are definitely worth having. I put one in my Taureau, but if you don't buy a saddle with everything ready-to-go, you'll be futzing around with where to put the battery. I am still not satisfied with my installation, but I blame the fact that my boat clam-shell's in the saddle, so I can't pull it out to route cables, tubes, and dig out a battery compartment. If you aren't excited about doing the work yourself there are several people around the state who do great work. I would offer, but I've got too many projects on my own boats to be working on somebody else's... :roll:

Shep