Bilge Pump?

[mjkeith13]

After seeing all the great advice on what to remember each trip as well as new equipment (how did I not already have a brush grabber?), I'm organizing my gear in crates under the kayak in the rolling rack. I have an "always go" "sometimes go" and "cold weather go" crates.

I found a small bilge pump that I bought years ago for basement issue. Its not huge and actually is a small kayak bilge pump.

Is this something worth stowing somewhere each trip? I like to travel super light so if this something that isn't especially helpful on a SOT kayak, I'll keep it in the "sometimes" box.

[dsaavedra]

You could keep it inside the hull, strapped in place to it doesn't roll around. Then you just open the rectangular on your Outback, pull out the gear bucket, and can have the bilge pump right there at hand. Always accessible but out of the way.

[mjkeith13]

Thank you Dave - that is a great idea. Thinking about using velcro inside the hatch out of the way....if it sticks securely.

[Jman]

Just some food for thought- if you are in a situation where you need the bilge pump and it’s stowed away in the hatch you may not be able to access it when you really need it, especially if it’s under a bucket liner. Obviously, it depends on where you are kayaking, how far away from shore you are, and how bad the leak or water is in the yak.

I ran into a situation a few years ago at the CBBT where I had a leak with no bilge pump, fortunately I was with Joe. I wouldn’t have been able to grab it from my hatch by the time I discovered the leak. I keep mine handy -within arms reach - for this reason.


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[dsaavedra]

Velcro is what I had in mind, it ought to stick. I've used it to keep things in place inside the hull before.

Regarding accessibility, you'd have to open the hatch and take the gear bucket out to use the bilge pump anyway given the layout of the 2020 Outback, so I don't think it would slow you down to store it down there too.

[mjkeith13]

I might look to velcro it somewhere under the seat or somewhere close behind the seat. Too cold and I'm too lazy to go to garage to check fit. I keep a small rescue ladder under the seat so would be good to keep all the emergency stuff I hope to never need in one place.

[Mark]

I have a pump but don't normally carry it while kayak fishing. I've taken it while sea kayaking and stowed it within easy reach on the top deck of my boat's bungie cords.

See here:

P1030982.jpg

The pump works well and removes a lot of water on each stroke. I use it more at home than on outings. It's great for pumping water out of my Ultimate kayaks after outings when I squirt their interiors for cleaning with a hose. Ultimates have no scuppers. It's easier for me to pump water out of them than to lift them and tilt.

[xtian996]

Mike,

This is where I stash my bilge pump on my Hobie. I use two of the bigger gear ties you get at the hardware store. Wrapping them once around the top brace on the back of the seat, and then around the pump.

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[thedutchtouch]

Mine rides in the milk crate behind my seat whenever I'm out.

[mjkeith13]

Mike,

This is where I stash my bilge pump on my Hobie. I use two of the bigger gear ties you get at the hardware store. Wrapping them once around the top brace on the back of the seat, and then around the pump.

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Thank you Christian - that is a perfect solution! I just ordered about a dozen gear ties, from 18" to 24," not just for the bilge pump but to help organize other stuff all over our garage. I like this option better than my velcro placement. Easy and quick access if needed!