Gear Tip by Scott MacGregor SW
Sweet Justice New technology frees canoeists, without bail(ers)
Let’s compare for a moment the polygraph (lie detector), used
in police interrogation and investigation, to the whitewater canoe bilge pump, new from Rapid Runner Bilge Systems. Both devices are used to grant freedom.
The polygraph is not always judiciously accepted. The bilge pump instantly frees a
canoeist from the burden of bailing her canoe. A polygraph has different sensors that are attached to the body to measure changes in breathing, blood pressure, pulse and perspi- ration. The bilge pump connects to a battery pack and pushes 63 litres of water per minute from a canoe so that a paddler’s breathing, blood pressure, pulse and perspiration can remain at normal levels. A polygraph examination lasts about two hours; the Lithium Polymer battery from Rapid Runner lasts all day. The polygraph will beep “bullshit” if you brag about your perfect line through a rapid; the bilge pump will bail you out after your real line through a rapid. The better technology is obvious, here’s how to install it.
1.
1. With the common Mike Yee Outfitting setup, the easiest place to mount the pump is on the back of the toe block. Mark the holes and then crank long screws into the foam. The pump unlocks from the cradle.
2. Either out the stern or to the side, drill a 1-inch hole in the hull for the through-hull fitting. Or, don’t bother with the fitting and just hang the hose overboard. Tip: If you mount on the side you can tilt, changing the trajectory of the flow, to hose down kayakers who’ve been mocking you for years.
3. Strap the battery case to the front of the seat pillar with a cam strap. Mount the toggle on/off switch up for easy access.
2a.
4. The instructions don’t mention what to do with the wires. So, with a bread knife I made a half-inch cut into the foam to tuck the wires into, keeping them protected and the whole job looking neat and tidy.
2b.
5. Install the through-hull fitting, press on the tube and then zip-tie the tube in place. I was a little too eager with the drill and goofed; I put the hole at the same level as the thwart— see how the hose has to bend under the thwart?
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