Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge - View Single Post - Bilge pump set-up for a Kayak

wiredantz · 06-15-2016, 07:43 AM

I really need to re-think this whole bilge pump placement idea.

You need to have a switch to power the pump close enough to you. If you are flooded and you move your body weight forward or back, you're also moving all that water in your hull. (say hello to the titanic again)

You also need to make sure that your electrical connections are watertight. The last thing you want to do, is turn on your pump and your battery is under water and you connectors have fallen off due to the electrical corrosion of the salt water. Those two way trailer connectors will FAIL.

And if you do pool noodles you want to make sure you are floating enough to make sure the manual bilge pump is effective.

The whale pump does seem ideal, if you can pump, rudder steer, and pedal all at the same time. Alot to think about when the worst does happen. I am tired even thinking about doing that...

Right now, i am thinking about an automatic bilge pump connected straight to a battery with a one way valve, but the battery would have to be above the water line. (I am still planning it) (maybe strapping the battery right under the hobie lid will work, since the bilge pump should technically pump the water before it gets to the lid) Everyone on this site has their opinions, but i want to know which ideas have worked during the worst case scenario, not the what if scenario...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...A2K3VWEYUL0T6U

06-15-2016, 07:43 AM	#12
wiredantz Currently @ MLO Territory Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Under the Shadow Posts: 2,290	I really need to re-think this whole bilge pump placement idea. You need to have a switch to power the pump close enough to you. If you are flooded and you move your body weight forward or back, you're also moving all that water in your hull. (say hello to the titanic again) You also need to make sure that your electrical connections are watertight. The last thing you want to do, is turn on your pump and your battery is under water and you connectors have fallen off due to the electrical corrosion of the salt water. Those two way trailer connectors will FAIL. And if you do pool noodles you want to make sure you are floating enough to make sure the manual bilge pump is effective. The whale pump does seem ideal, if you can pump, rudder steer, and pedal all at the same time. Alot to think about when the worst does happen. I am tired even thinking about doing that... Right now, i am thinking about an automatic bilge pump connected straight to a battery with a one way valve, but the battery would have to be above the water line. (I am still planning it) (maybe strapping the battery right under the hobie lid will work, since the bilge pump should technically pump the water before it gets to the lid) Everyone on this site has their opinions, but i want to know which ideas have worked during the worst case scenario, not the what if scenario... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...A2K3VWEYUL0T6U __________________ Team: Disbanded You only have one chance in this life...make the right decision(s)...so you don't regret it Last edited by wiredantz; 06-15-2016 at 08:03 AM.