1) Should the bilge pump system be waterproof?
The bilge pump system can be exposed to water (in fact, fully submerged). Some bilge pump websites states that the battery must be in a dry box and use a waterproof switch and waterproof connections. It is not a design requirement to keep all components dry. The battery terminals, switch, and connections are all exposed to water in our system. The prototype bilge pump system has performed reliably for 8 years and counting. When the kit is frequently used in salt water you should use a dry box to protect the switch, battery terminals, & connections from reacting with the corrosive water. In researching bilge pumps on Cboats.net & BoaterTalk.com, it has convinced me to use a waterproof toggle switch. For added reliability, we use a double insulated toggle switch with a protective boot cap. Starting in 2010, our kits were equipped with a double insulated toggle switch with a screw-on boot cap. In Dec 2009, I had a failure of a non-waterproof rocker switch in my prototype bilge pump kit. We made the change to improve the service life of our bilge pump system. Also see Q 18
2) Do you get shocked when water submerges the exposed battery terminals?
No, there is not even a slight tingle. An insignificant amount of current is consumed by the water when submerging the sealed lead acid battery terminals. The user does not experience any sensations or loss of bilge pumping capacity when the pump and battery are underwater.
3) How long does the sealed lead acid (SLA) battery 5.0 Ahr last before it needs recharging? back to questions
It will last for several river trips, but it is best to short cycle the battery (charging when only 1%-60% discharged). The pump would run continuously for about 1.5 hr (do not run the battery till it loses power). It is recommended to limit the bilge run time to 50 minutes, that's about 38 times averaging 1.33 minutes (80 seconds) each time it is used before recharging the SLA battery. It is advisable to only discharge the battery up to 50%. You should charge the SLA battery after every river trip for peak performance. When in storage the SLA battery should be recharged every 3-4 months for good performance otherwise permanent loss of capacity might occur as a result of sulfate buildup. Store the battery in a cool and dry location (in doors in a closet is probably the best place). If you use the pump only in the summer months, you would need to charge the SLA battery at least twice in the off seasons. When the Electric Bilge Pump is in dry storage, disconnect the battery leads to reduce battery discharge rate. Extreme hot and cold prolonged conditions will cause the most loss of capacity to the battery.
4) How long does it take for the 5.0 Ahr SLA battery to recharge? replacement cost of charger?
It all depends on how long the electric pump was operated.
The 5.0 Ahr SLA battery will take from 1 - 5 hours with the supplied 12 volt 500 mA 3 stage SLA battery charger. If you have to charge 6 - 7 hours you are over discharging the battery. If you have a voltage meter, you can check the battery shortly after charging and it should read 12.8 - 13.4 volts. Before charging, the voltage should not be lower than 11.5 volts. If the battery voltage reading is lower than 11.5 volts before charging, you are running your battery too long or the battery is reaching its age limit.
The charger provided is made specifically for a SLA battery with a .5 Amp charging current. Many SLA chargers were tested before settling on this model. The 3 stage SLA charger has a red & green light built into the unit. While the battery is charging the light is red, it will turn green when fully charged so you do not overcharge the SLA battery. The charger has a quality power cord and good leads to the alligator clips. Some paddlers try to save money and use a 2 Amp automobile trickle charger for charging their battery. If you use a trickle charger, you will shorten the life of the SLA battery by overcharging. Note that overcharging a sealed lead acid battery can permanently damage the battery, or reduce the capacity of the battery.
The 3 stage SLA charger cost about $25 including shipping. Be careful connecting the charger to the battery, if the charger leads are connected backwards you could destroy the charger (always connect red(+) to red(+) and black(-) to black(-)). Connect red lead first then black lead when charging and negative lead first then positive lead when disconnecting. Here is a good replacement charger: 12v SLA Battery Charger with 3 stages floating
5) What is the life of the SLA battery? & replacement cost?
The battery will last for 3-5 years if well maintained with short discharging cycles. The SLA battery has a durable case and holds a charge much longer than the light weight rechargeable batteries. The battery can be recharged 300 - 400 times. A SLA battery only loses about 0.6-0.8% per week of it's capacity or loses 7-10% in 3 months; SLAs have the lowest self-discharge rate of any rechargeable battery (higher temperatures promote greater self-discharge). Very hot conditions (greater than 120 degrees, F) will shorten a SLA battery's life so leaving a battery in a sunny parked car should be avoided. SLA batteries are one of the most widely used rechargeable battery types in the world and will not suffer from memory effect. SLA batteries virtually require no maintenance and can be used in almost any position. Visit B.B. Battery website, our bilge pump kits use the BP series SLA battery B.B. Battery website - Specs for 3.6 Ahr SLA Battery, Specs for 5.0 Ahr SLA Battery. The replacement cost for a B.B. SLA Battery is about $30.00 - $35.00 including shipping (BP5-12T2 or BP3.6-12T1). link to 5.0 SLA Battery and link to 3.6 SLA Battery. Proper Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Battery Care
First, when the electric bilge pump has been used on a river trip, recharge the SLA battery to store it with a full charge. If a SLA battery is left with a low charge for a very long period of time, most likely the battery will not accept a full charge or will be unchargeable. Once a sealed lead acid battery has completely lost its charge it cannot be recharged. If you plan on storing for a long period of time, it is recommended that you periodically (3 months) charge it up to full capacity.
Second, if you are storing a SLA battery, make sure the battery is placed in a mild-temperature environment. If placed in a hot environment, the battery may overheat and cause a loss of battery capacity.
6) Can you recycle a SLA battery? back to questions
Never toss SLA batteries in the trash, recycle them. You can find a location near you that participates in the rechargeable battery recycling program.
Copy this link into your web browser: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) - Call2Recycle http://www.rbrc.org/call2recycle/dropoff/index.php
and enter your city & state to find the nearest location.
7) Do you need to be careful of shorting the battery terminals? Yes, this is indeed a 12-volt battery. It could catch on fire and destroy the battery if the battery terminals were accidentally touched together by an object like a screw driver. The fuse holder would blow if it was in the circuit. This device is very safe but you need to thoughtfully locate electrical connections and use an in-line fuse near the positive battery lead. Wiring splices and terminal connections should have crimped connectors and apply liquid electrical tape to all of the connections. The electric bilge pump is an energized device and the SLA battery should be handled with respect. When the battery is removed from the boat, place electrical tape over the battery terminals to prevent electrical arcing by accidentally touching a metal object across both terminals. I have accidentally created a spark by unintentionally touching a metal rod across the battery terminals and it is a violent, high intensity sound and with an arcing glow of light. I was lucky the rod was on the terminals for less than a second. Do not attempt this stunt.
8) What is the weight of the bilge pump system?
The 5.0 Ahr SLA battery is the standard size that weighs 3.3 lbs and the pump & accessories weight 1.1 lb for a total of 4.4 lbs. The 5.0 Ahr battery will run about 45-50 minutes before charging. If you're river trips are 1 to possibly 3 days, then the standard battery will do the job. When you are doing week long adventure trips, supplement the 5.0 Ahr SLA battery with a spare 5.0 Ahr SLA battery. 5.0 Ahr SLA Battery.
9) What are the dimensions of the assembled bilge pump kit? back to questions
The 5.0 Ahr solo bilge pump kit dimensions are height=7.5" (including the switch body), width=4.5" (pump dia width), depth=8" (battery+pump).
10) Will the electric bilge pump(s) get all the water out of the canoe? The short answer is almost.
The solo bilge pump kit will leave about 1/2" of water in the boat. It is slightly more than a manual hand pump. You will have to lean forward to get the last bit of water out of the boat. The water remaining after a pumping is about 2 quarts - 1/2 of a gallon (1/2 gallon of water weights 4.2 lbs).
A good tip for either kit is to place an absorbent sponge (4" x 8" x 1.5") with a tether on the canoe floor to collect most of the remaining water.
11) Does the Attwood electric bilge pump make much noise? back to questions
It is fairly quiet, especially when used on moving water. You cannot hear the pump running in a boat that is just a few feet away.
The Solo bilge pump kit with one Attwood T1200 bilge pump works fine for solo boats 11'-12' in length. A solo canoe with flotation that is 3/4 full of water will be emptied in about 1 minute, 45 seconds (removing about 26 gallons of water). The single bilge pump will leave about 2.5 quarts of water in the canoe (5 lbs of water).
13) Have you experienced reliability issue with the bilge pump system?
Only four notable issues have occurred - two minor and two major.
Minor - The first was a poorly crimped connector that pulled off when disconnecting the battery terminal (solution: crimped a new connector on the wire). It is recommended to apply Permatex dielectric silicone grease (available at Auto Zone or Northern Tool) to the battery terminals to lubricate and protect the connectors several times a year.
Minor - The second was a small stick that jammed in the pump housing. The solution was to open the pump housing and pull out the lodged stick.
Moderate - The third was a malfunction of a non-waterproof rocker switch in 2010. The solution was to install a double insulated toggle switch. This was the most serious deficiency to date, and the double insulated toggle switch with a waterproof boot cap has performed well.
Moderate - The fourth was a poorly attached SLA battery in 2013. The solution was to reapply glue to the Velcro attached to the canoe, and firmly attach a bungee cord to the battery so it is double secured to the canoe support points. Another option is to use a Velcro strap instead of the bungee cord plus the Velcro supplied to hold down the battery to the canoe floor. Double secure batteries because these guys like to get free. Be sure to inspect the attachment of the pump, battery, & toggle switch twice a year.
14) Trouble-shooting electric bilge pump, you flip the switch and nothing happens? back to questions
Step 1) Check for a disconnected battery connection (#1 reason).
Step 2) Is the battery charged?
Step 3) Check for a blown fuse, and replace T1200 or T500 with new 5 or 2 amp mini fuse (ATM).
Step 4) Check all connections for loose or unplugged fitting(s).
Step 5) Check the switch with a multimeter for continuity. Or by-pass the switch (see Step 5a)
Step 5a) Unplug the switch wires and plug them directly to the battery (red to +, brown to -).
Step 6) Check the battery voltage with a multimeter, the reading should be 12.2 - 13.0 volts.
Step 7) Connect the bilge pump to an alternate 12 volt battery for testing.
Step 8) Send the pump back to the Manufacturer or buy a replacement pump.
Manufacturer warranty offers, if any, are at the discretion of the manufacturer. We are not an authorized dealer. We are a reseller. If you have a problem with the pump after using the unit, you will need to contact the manufacturer under any warranty they may offer. Attwood Contact Info
15) Does the bilge pump system look like a retrofit installation? See Photos of installed bilge pump kits
My emphasis is on a functional pump that is safe, easy to use, & economical, and not as much on aesthetics. The solo bilge pump kit is placed in front of the pedestal utilizing the thigh strap d-rings for ease of installation and access to the pump housing. It can all be disassembled and put into another boat without any obvious markings. Some bilge pump websites recommend putting the pump inside the pedestal, this is a labor intensive undertaking and some pedestals are not strong enough for craving out room for the bilge pump housing (saddle must be reinforced with extra framing in the cut out region).
16) Why should I buy a bilge pump kit?
The main reason to buy an electric bilge pump kit is for the convenience of getting all the parts assembled into a proven and reliable bilge pump system. The bilge pump systems have been tested for over 8 years and have a proven track record to be reliable. High quality and performance parts are delivered from 6 suppliers to build the kit. Every part has been researched for durability. The kits are built to a high standard with each kit getting the same attention to detail as though it were going into my personal canoe. The kit price is reasonable considering many items are ordered from internet suppliers and shipping cost can make building just one kit expensive.
17) What are some of the most useful benefit to having an electric bilge pump kit? back to questions
It is great to have an electric bilge pump when you have over turned your canoe in moving water. Once you have righted and re-entered the canoe, even though it may be full of water, you can turn on the pump as you float downstream safely inside the swamped boat. This is extremely important benefit on a wide river and you capsize in the middle of the river. It boosts your confidence to know you have the ability to get back in the canoe quickly, even if it is full of water. It is helpful to have a boating partner hold onto the gunwale opposite the swimmer as they leap into the swamped canoe. Your safety improves when you re-enter the canoe quickly, it reduces the odds of being struck by rocks in moving water and not having to ride out the next rapid in the water. You should practice this technique with a partner in some deep class 1 water to get the feel of re-entering a swamped canoe. Another useful benefit for having a bilge pump kit would be extracting water from a crashing rapid or from going over a 3'-4' ledge. The bilge pump system takes less time bailing providing more time to paddle.
18) Could the bilge pump be occasionally used in salt water environment?Top of Q & A
Yes, it is recommended that the bilge pump and all connections including the battery terminals be flushed with tap water after the trip. This will keep down corrosion and premature failure of the pump. If you paddle on salt water frequently, you should invest in a dry box to house the battery & mount the switch on the outside surface of the dry box away from the corrosive effects of salt water. You will have to drill two holes in the dry box one for the bilge pump wires and another for the switch mount then apply marine goop in the holes (inside & outside) to reseal the box.
19) Why do you prefer over the gunwale discharge versus a thru hull fitting? back to questions
There are three reasons to consider:
A) The bilge pump kit is made to be removable. When you sell your old boat you can take it out and no explanation about a thru hull fitting. Then reinstall the bilge pump kit in your new boat.
B) You can view the water being pumped out of the over the gunwale discharge hose. Viewing the discharge hose is helpful when you're trying to get the last gallon of water out of the canoe.
C) A good quality thru hull fitting is about $10 and the boat owner must have a 1 3/8" diameter hole saw ($12) plus you will need a special wrench to tighten the nut ($12 for curved jaw vise-grip). My objective is to make an economical electric bilge pump kit. Reasons to consider a Thru Hull Fitting - 1) It makes transporting a boat on canoe racks easier to load and it is easier to invert the canoe on the shore to get water out before carrying and loading. 2) It makes for a cleaner installation (no hose on top of gunwale). Note: We stock a thru hull fitting if you have the tools to install one (see Thru-Hull-Fitting Photo). The thru hull fitting is white plastic with a 90 degree bend for easy bilge hose attachment ($10 extra cost). Be sure to cut the bilge hose on each end in the cuffed region of the hose. This will provide for a tight fit up of the bilge pump outlet fitting and the thru hull fitting. You will need a 1 3/8" hole saw bit (somewhat hard to find one), a wrench to fit a 1 3/4" plastic nut (curved jaw vise-grip is one option), and a drill to make the installation. The bilge hose outlet hole can be placed 1'-3' in front of the bilge pump (on your off-side, so you can keep paddling with the pump on). The thru hull fitting hole should be located with a half inch clearance to the bottom side of the gunwale (measure from the bottom of the gunwale material 1 1/4" to mark the center of the thru the hull hole). Be sure to locate the Thru Hole edge at least an inch away from a thwart location. You can add a thru hull fitting to your the order, it is an option in the dropdown menu for a Solo Bilge Pump Kit.
You may be wonder which method do I use on my whitewater canoes? I use both, the hose over the top of the gunwale and the Thru Hull Fittings. Each method has its advantages.
20) Why do you list all of the components to build the kit? View Parts List
To share information with the boating community, this website was developed for boaters who are seeking ideas on how to build & install an electric bilge pump kit. This gives the DIY person the ability to make the kit. It will take an estimate of 6-8 hours to research, purchase, & assemble all the items in the parts list. There are unique details to assembling the bilge pump kits that are learned through the experience of building many bilge systems.
21) How many suppliers are used in the making of the electric bilge pump kit? back to questions
It takes 6 different suppliers.
1) Electric bilge pump - Internet websites or some Walmarts
2) Marine bilge hose - Internet Boat Supplier
3) Electrical components - wires, fuse holders, & wire connectors - Electrical Supply Co
4) SLA battery & charger - Internet Battery Supplier
5) Minicell & Adhesive - local boat outfitters - NRS, NOC, ACK
6) Plastic baseplate & bungee cord - Home Builder's Warehouse - Lowe's or Home Depot
22) I've decide to build my own bilge pump kit, what tools & equipment will I need to assemble the kit?
You'll need the following:
A) Work shop with a work bench for assembly (an area that can be well ventilated)
B) Stand mounted electric scroll saw for cutting the minicell
C) Drill for pilot holes & an electric grinder
D) Multi-meter & Battery Tester - for checking switches, connections, & batteries
E) Crimping tool for connectors & a heat gun for heat shrink connector
F) Tape measure
G) Heavy duty scissors for cutting velcro
H) Dragon Skin or Stanley 21-115 Surform Shaver for shaping minicell
I) Phillips screw driver & utility knife
23) How long does it take to install the bilge pump kit?
The kit is designed to be easy to install. The typical installation time for the Solo Bilge Pump Kit is about 2-3 hours. So it take 2 to 5 hours to install the various Bilge Pump Kits. The bilge pump kits are shipped with step by step instructions, and suggest where to install the pump assembly and how to attach the outlet bilge hose. The base and one side of the battery are attached to the canoe with precut velcro for easy installation, and the pump housing is restrained by a bungee cord. The installation does require drilling two 1/8" diameter holes below the gunwale for restraining the outlet hose. See Installed Bilge Pump Photos
24) What is the preferred way to order an electric bilge pump kit? back to questions
By making payment with your PayPal Invoice. PayPal Invoice does offer debit cards and credit cards as an option to pay for items. If you do not have a PayPal Invoice account, it will take 3-4 days to open and get a verified account. When using Invoice for your order click on the pay button and you will be directed to PayPal Invoice website for payment options. You will receive an email confirming the receipt of the order within 48 hours (check the top page for dates when unavailable for orders). I would encourage you to email me, jtkcanoes@gmail[dot]com, prior to placing an order with any questions about the ordering process or the bilge pump kit.Top of Page
25) How long will it take to get my order and what type of payments do you accept?
From the time we receive the order, it will take 5 - 11 business days to receive the order and federal holidays will delay delivery times. The bilge pump kit will be shipped within 3 - 5 business days when you use PayPal Invoice. The order takes 2-4 days to ship to eastern states and 4-6 days to ship to western states. In most cases, the order will be shipped by UPS ground delivery with signature required. This assures me that the buyer receives the merchandise (and keeps the box from disappearing if you're unavailable at delivery). The items can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We cannot ship to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico and no shipment to oversea addresses (exception, see question 48).
26) What type of maintenance will my electric bilge pump require?
It only takes a little effort to keep the bilge pump in great shape. First, apply dielectric grease (from Auto Zone or Northern Tool) to the battery terminals 2-4 times a year. Second, charge the battery at least 2-4 times a year to keep the battery fully charged. Thirdly, occasionally open the bilge pump housing and clean debris from the inside housing and clean the propeller fins. Lastly, semi-annually inspect the velcro attachments and if necessary, reapply glue to both mounting surfaces for secure attachment points.
27) What is the address & website of Attwood Electric Bilge Pumps? back to questions
Attwood Corporation
1016 N. Monroe Street
Lowell, MI 49331-0260
28) Who is jtkcanoes?
I am a whitewater canoeist living in southeast Tennessee. My wife and I have been paddling for over 20 years. We are members of three canoe clubs - TVCC, TSRA, & CCC. We truely enjoy the sport of whitewater canoeing and our electric bilge pumps have made the sport even more enjoyable. It keeps the water in the river and not in our boats. I have a fascination with electric bilge pumps and canoeing accessories. The bilge pump kits are meticulously assembled and the prototypes were thoroughly field tested before being added to this site. The exact bilge pump kits that are listed on this website are in our canoes. We have received only good comments about our products. One of our customers, Sarah Z. from Allentown, PA, comments that "I LOVE MY PUMP!!! You do a fantastic job." The bilge pump kits have reliably pumped out our canoes for the past 10 years. The electric bilge pump will give you more confidence to try harder moves knowing that a crashing wave will be quickly pumped away.
29) Has everyone enjoyed the benefits of jtkcanoes products? back to questions
We are proud to have 100% satisfaction, the customers are enjoying the benefits in all of these states: AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, ID, IL, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TN, VA, & WI. One of our customers, Stu S. from Hillsdale, NY said "I liked my first Solo Bilge Pump Kit so well, I had to order a second for my canoe buddy, my son. There was no sense in only having one when we almost always paddle together. They work great!"
30 Why does it take over a week to ship special orders?
Special orders are custom built for the customers, and sometimes we have a low stock of electric bilge pumps and SLA batteries. So it may be necessary for us to acquire the parts to fill the order. When paying with PayPal Invoice, our goal is to ship solo bilge pump kits within 6 - 10 days of receiving the order, but occasionally an item might be temporary out of stock which could delay the order. If an order will be delayed, you'll get an email telling you when the order is expected to ship.
31) Should I be concerned about making payment with PayPal Invoice? back to questions
PayPal Invoice is probably the safest way to pay on line. PayPal Invoice would not allow jtkcanoes to use their services with unsatisfied customers. You can pay with with a credit or debit card, bank account, PayPal balance, or PayPal Credit financing. If paying with a credit or debit card, customers are not required to have a PayPal account to make payment. FYI - there have been no disputed orders and customers have been very satisfied with the products. There has not been any requests to return a bilge pump order.
32) Can you mount the bilge pump kit behind the pedestal?
The bilge pump kits are designed to be mounted in front of the pedestal. It is possible to mount the pump & battery behind the pedestal with some adjustments to our tie down method. The water needs to pond behind the pedestal for good bilge pump suction. The switch would have to be mounted in some convenient spot for controlling the pump (29" of wiring is provided with the pump). There is loop velcro on the bottom & side of the battery and applying hook velcro to the canoe floor and the pedestal backside will secure the pump kit. Also attach the supplied carabiner loop bungee cord over the top of the pump to owner installed anchor points.
33) Do you provide any units with a nickel or lithium powered batteries? back to questions
We only use SLA batteries; the nickel batteries are expensive and they lose a charge over a 6 week period, my objective is to make an economical and reliable bilge pump kit. Both type of nickel batteries, NiCd and NiMH have shortcomings, making SLA batteries a better choice, in my opinion. Hot and cold temperature effect nickel batteries and while storing the nickel batteries they will lose a charge, SLA batteries work great in the summer or winter paddles, and stay highly charged in storage. Lithium batteries have some benefits (lighter weight) but the battery pack and power charger are expensive (2-3 times as expensive than SLA battery and charger) and requires a quality dry box (more expense) to store the battery pack and waterproof wire glands for the exiting battery leads to provide power to the bilge pump. It is vital to keep lithium battery packs completely dry or you will destroy a high price lithium battery pack. For that reason, I am going with the proven SLA battery that can be submerged in water with no effect on performance.
34) My Attwood T1200 bilge pump rattles when shaken, should I be concerned?
Steven Hovinga, a Technical Support Rep for Attwood Corporation, said the following:
"No, it's nothing to worry about. There are little plastic points that guide the top and colored ring in place when the housing is sonic welded together and the tip of the guide vibrates off and gets trapped outside of the motor housing but behind the colored ring. It can't get into the motor so it's only a nuisance rattle." [email protected] jtkcanoes comment: This rattle only occurred on one electric bilge pump.
35) My SLA charger shows a green light all the time, do I need a new one? back to questions
This means that either your SLA battery is not accepting a charge because of a dead battery cell or the charger has been fried. CAUTION: Take care connecting the red (positive) charger alligator clip to red battery post (positive battery terminal) and the black charger alligator to black battery post (negative battery terminal). If you reverse the charger alligator clips it will fry the SLA charger and it happens in an instant with a spark and you have destroyed the charger. I have reversed the polarity on two chargers and the chargers are fried with the slightest touch. In a dimly lit garage you can make a mistake. When the charger is connected to the SLA battery it charges only when the red light is on. Check the battery voltage with a multimeter, it should read 12.2 - 13.0 volts. If the voltage reads 10 or less, you have a bad battery cell which will not take a charge. The SLA battery should be replaced. Otherwise, check that the red and black copper wires are in contact with the charger's alligator clips. You will have to pull back the nylon cap covers to view the wire ends of the alligator clips. If the wires are loose, resolder the connection or wrap tightly with electrical tape. If the wires are in good contact with the alligator clips then it might be possible that you have accidentally hooked the charger leads backwards (black to red, red to black) this will destroy the unit. It is important to connect the charger correctly. Here is a good replacement charger: SLA 2-stage charger.
36) I'm not using my bilge pump for the next several months, how should I store it?
If you do not use the pump for several months, remove the pump and battery from the canoe. It is best to store the battery in a cool location (around 60 degrees, Fahrenheit) and cover the battery terminals with electrical tape. It is recommended to store the SLA battery with a full charge, so every 12 - 16 weeks recharge the battery for peak performance. Year round when the pump & battery are not in use, disconnect the battery leads. This will reduce the SLA battery discharge rate.
37) You can buy instructions to build your own solo bilge pump kit? back to questions
A do-it-yourself step by step guide to building the exact solo bilge pump kit listed on this site. The instructions have the dimensions of all the components and the process to assemble the bilge pump kit. The document includes a list of all of the parts and provides a web link to reliable vendors. It would also include the step by step boat installation instructions. This guide will save you countless hours of research, and ordering from my vendors will get you reliable parts. The proposed priced at $20 for the do-it-yourself manual and installation instructions. Contact me at jtkcanoes[at]gmail[dot]com if you would like to purchase a list of parts, assembly and installation guides. These documents are not to be reproduced and all rights to the material are copyright protected. One downside to building your own kit, you'll have to pay shipping charges from several vendors (up to 4-5 vendors) to acquire all the parts to build your personal kit. You will not save money by building only one bilge pump kit.
38) Does it hurt the pump to run it dry?
It does not hurt the pump to be turned on at the top of a rapid. I would not recommend turning it on too soon, it only works when there is water to pump. And turning on the pump early will drain the battery without removing any water.
39) How easy is the kit to install? back to questions
If your canoe has thigh straps with d-rings attachments, then the installation is easy (follow the installation instruction that are included with the kit). The kit has a bungee loop with carabiners that attach to the thigh strap d-rings for securing the bilge pump and Velcro attachments are used to double support the kit.
If your outfitting does not have d-ring thigh straps, then you will have to decide how to secure the bilge pump kit to the pedestal. One suggestion, you can use a nylon 1" flat webbing strap with a cam buckle to wrap around the pump and the pedestal. Another idea is to wrap a velcro strap around the pump housing that is mated to velcro pieces attached to the pedestal. The flat webbing strap with a cam buckle is not included in the kit. The velcro strap could be cut out of the extra velcro included in the kit.
40) Is it necessary to disconnect the leads to the battery when you are recharging it?
You do not have to disconnect the leads; you can leave the battery leads attached to charge the SLA battery. It may be necessary to back the connectors off slightly to get the alligator clips attached. It's a good practice to disconnect one lead in storage. This will reduce the SLA battery discharge rate.
41) Do you provide an automatic switch option for your kits? back to questions
The electric bilge pump kits works with a double insulated toggle switch with a protective boot cap for moisture protection. You control when the pump runs. We do not stock an automatic submerge pump switch. The toggle switch is very reliable and has worked well for us and many others. The kits are designed to be economical and the extra expense of an automatic switch does not meet that criteria.
42) I dropped my SLA battery on a hard surface, should I replace it? back to questions
Inspect the battery carefully and if you find a hairline crack or missing plastic chip, you should get a new SLA battery and recycle the old one. SLA batteries use AGM which stands for Absorbed Glass Mat. This means that the battery contains glass mats that absorb the acid in the battery. When an SLA battery cracks it can sometimes leak a little acid that seeps from the glass mats. Do not take any chances with a mishandled SLA battery. A replacement battery is much cheaper than a boat.
43) Have you had a blown bilge pump fuse on the river? back to questions
One, in April 2013, I blew a fuse after removing a small stick from the interior pump housing. When I attempted to lock the motor back into the housing I miss aligned the cartridge & the impeller was actually against the side wall. When the pump was turned on it blew the fuse, instead of burning up the motor. I replaced the mini fuse and carefully reinstalled the pump motor cartridge. The bilge pump was then turned on and it functions as designed. The fuse did it's job and protected the bilge pump motor from damage. It is a good idea to carry the small container with the spare fuse provided with the kit in your dry bag.
44) Can you install the Solo Bilge Pump Kit in a Blackfly or Esquif? back to questions
The Solo Bilge Pump Kit will have to be modified to work in a Blackfly or Esquif. The Custom Solo Bilge Pump Kit was developed for these shorter canoes. A low profile toggle switch could be mounted to the Bulkhead. It will take extra wiring to the switch (about 6' of additional wires) and spiral wrapping of the wires from the pump and from the toggle switch. Also the spiral wrap will have Velcro attachment points for securing the wiring harness to the canoe. The bilge pump could be inserted in a 2"-3" notch in the pedestal (mid canoe) with the SLA battery placed behind the saddle. Contact me at [email protected] with your dimension for the pump and battery placements (have a standard wiring harness available). These modifications will cost an extra $40 to the price of the kit. The order will be paid by requesting a PayPal Invoice on the Blackfly page.
45) Do you provide a clamp for the bilge hose connection to the pump? back to questions
There is no clamp provided because it is not required for the bilge hose connection to the pump. The bilge hose has a collar section every foot that necks down to provide a tight pump outlet connection that allows you to take the connection apart for taking the pump in and out. If you order a thru hull fitting, you do not get a bilge hose clamp or an electrical tie wrap because one is not required. Be sure to cut the bilge hose on each end in the collar region so you get a tight connection on each end of the bilge hose. If you prefer a clamp, try using electrical tie wrap to secure the bilge hose. There are tie wraps that have a release mechanism making them reusable.
46) How does the electric bilge pump work? back to questions
The bilge pump is powered by a 12 volt SLA battery that will continuously run the pump for 50-55 minutes. The paddler manually operates the toggle switch and monitors the subsiding water level then switches the pump off when no more water will pump out. The bilge pump houses an impeller that spins at high rpms and this spinning water creates a suction on the bottom of the bilge pump housing. The strainer cup at the bottom of the pump strains the water of debris before being pumped out the outlet nozzle. The bilge hose is attached to outlet nozzle where the bilge hose carries the water away from the pump and back into the river or lake. When the bilge pump has a large volume of water to pump like 3"-6" of water depth in the canoe, it discharges the water at a higher rate than low water pumping. The higher the water level the higher the discharge rate and the lower the water level the lower the discharge rate. Recharge the SLA Battery after every river trip for extended battery life.
47) What steps to take when the bilge pump starts making a loud noise while pumping? back to questions
The bilge pump has sucked a small object into the pump housing. First, turn off the pump immediately. Second, try pulsing the bilge pump on and off, 5 - 8 times. Third, if that does not dislodge the object, add extra water to the canoe (couple of gallons) and repeat step two again. Fourth, pump still making a loud noise when turned on, take the pump housing apart. Remove the bungee, then the switch pad from the pump by pulling up on the minicell pad, then pull the pump upward to release the Velcro. Hold the housing with one hand, depress orange locking tab with the other. Twist counter-clockwise and remove pump housing from its base. Find the object and remove it from the pump housing. Reassemble the pump and reattach the pump to the canoe.
48) Do you sell bilge pump kits to Canadians? back to questionsback to products page
The cost to mail to Canada is extremely high, the Bilge Pump Kits are not shipped to that destination.
49) The switch plates are orange, green, blue, & black can I pick the color? back to questions
Unfortunately you can not select your favorite color. The switch plate color is either orange, green, blue, & black dependent on the availability of the supplier. The choice of color is not an option since the color varies with what is in stock.
50) Any precautions with the toggle switch? back to questions
Be careful not to drop objects like a helmet, PFD, or water bottle unto the toggle stem. The toggle stem can be broken with a lack of attention. Be aware of accidentally turning on the bilge pump by catching the toggle switch while retrieving your PFD or helmet that was earlier placed in the canoe for gear consolidation. It is recommended to leave the battery terminals disconnected till you get to the river to be sure your not accidentally running the pump while in transport.
51) Do you have a personal experience of the benefits of having a bilge pump kit? back to questions
Few years ago, I was on my local river watching boaters, funyaks, and tubers come down a rapid called Little Rock Island. I noticed two younger girls approaching the rapid both on one tube aiming directly for an extremely sticky hydraulic on the edge of the preferred line. Sure enough the two girls went right into the hydraulic and the wave stopped them, pulling them back into the hole. I was only feet away watching the frantic looks on there faces. So I offered my bow for them to pull free of the hole. And the girls pulled out of the hole and pulled me into the hole. Well, now I was side surfing this sticky hole for a pretty good while. I tried backing out of the hydraulic and found myself backing into a rock ledge. So I tried going forward but the water was pillowing up and was unable to go forward. So I tried letting the boat fill with water hoping to bounce out sideways. Nothing was working so my options were limited. After about 90 seconds (seemed like an hour), I leaped away from the canoe and the hole. I was now in the water finally free of the hydraulic. The water was only waist deep beside the hydraulic, I pulled my still side surfing boat out of the hole. I flipped the toggle switch to my Bilge Pump Kit and 2 minutes later I climbed back into a dry boat. The bilge pump kit kept me from having to swim the boat and myself over to the shore to dump out my boat. It would have been a hazardous swim with fast current and lots of shallow rocks. I personally would not go canoeing without an electric bilge pump system to bail me out.
52) Should I take the bilge pump kit out of the canoe for long distant trips? back to questions
The bilge pump kit is designed to be removable. It is best to remove the bilge pump kit when taking a long distant trip of more than 250 miles. The turbulent winds created by highway speeds and the sun beating down on the boat hull creates heat that loosened the cement that could cause a component to fall out. Air bags, water bottles, & velcro ankle blocks should also be removed from the canoe to keep from losing gear. Use a Popsicle stick to pry under the Velcro attachments to help in the removal of the bilge pump components.
53) Why it is not a good idea to place old fishing line on the floor of the canoe? back to questions
I try to remove hazards from the river when paddling, and fishing line is one of those items I try to get out of trees. My lack of attention to where I placed the fishing line has cost me a failed bilge pump and SLA battery. After much trouble shooting, I was puzzled about the SLA battery not accepting a charge. I finally unlocked the bilge pump housing to investigate the propeller and discovered fishing line (about 4'-5' of fishing line) wrapped around the the bilge pump shaft. This caused a strain on the bilge motor and more amps drawn on the SLA battery. It was not enough additional load to trigger the fuse. It was the prefect scenario to fail both the pump and the SLA battery. Bottom line be careful of fishing line or similar items that can wash into your bilge pump housing. A place for everything and everything in its place.
54) What happens if I want to return the Bilge Pump Kit? back to questions
Buyer will need to contact me at jtkcanoes@gmail[dot]com within 30 days, and the buyer will have to pay the return shipping cost. The return bilge pump kit should be in new condition and no parts or components showing signs of wear. The shipment should have a tracking number (to be sure the item gets to me) with shipping insurance. The refund will be issued to your PayPal account when the item is received and in new condition.
55) Do you have a question you want added to this section? back to questions
The Q & A section is for the readers benefit. Contact me at jtkcanoes@gmail[dot]com if you have a question or you want something clarified, I'll review the suggestion & post it on the website.
Benefits of building your own bilge pump kit
The cash out of pocket is less, but it requires an investment in time.
It will take 6-8 hours to research, acquire, assemble, & test the system.
Not having to search for quality parts from 6 suppliers
No knowledge of electrical connections, in-line fuses, switches, and sizing SLA batteries
Not having to layout & assemble the parts into an operational bilge pump
The bilge pump kit is thoroughly inspected & tested before shipping
Reliable parts are supplied
Quality connections - crimped with a Ratcheting Crimp Tool & liquid electrical taped
A waterproof in-line fuse is added to protect the electric pump motor
No expensive multi-meter or crimping tool to buy
Installation instructions are provided with the bilge pump system
The assembled kit is designed for quick & secure attachment
The bilge pump kits have undergone extensive field testing with 100% reliability
Every Bilge Pump Kit is built as if it were going in our own canoes (by boaters for boaters)
Benefits of having an electric bilge pump in your whitewater canoe
The ultimate point of having a hobby is to have fun... do not impose ideological barriers upon yourself that limit your options to have fun, you're loosing sight of that original motivation.
It saves energy not having to manually pump the water out
Less time spent pumping water out of your boat
More confidence to try harder lines
It allows you to go through big rapids - not skirting around the edges
Dropping off a 4' ledge usually gets water in your boat - no fuss anymore
In continuous rapids - just flip the switch and keep the fun coming
It makes self rescue safer - by quickly jumping back in and pumping the water out in less than 2 minutes
Peace of mind knowing that a swamped canoe no longer means carefully maneuvering over to the river bank to empty it out
Front & side surfing are more enjoyable since you don't get concerned about water splashing in the boat
Practicing eddy turns, peel-outs, S-turns, & backward moves are more enjoyable by spending less time bailing and more time learning
When you roll a canoe it comes up with a lot of water, just flip the switch for fast water removal
No need for your skirted friends to wait in eddies while you bail your boat
Once you install an electric pump, you'll never go back to manual bailing (all 7 of our canoes have installed electric bilge pump kits)