I've had a manual electric bilge pump in the Viking since I got it nearly 3 years ago, I test it every time before I launch and it hasn't missed a beat. When I installed it I filled the kayak and it pumped all the water out in a few minutes, only draws 2.1 amps so it can run for at least 8 hours on the 20ah LiFePO in the tackle pod. I'm hoping even if the kayak got nipped by a shark I'd be able to keep it above water until I got to shore. The great thing about Reloads is there is virtually no way water can get in except for the hatch at the front which I've never had to access on the water all the other storage hatches are self contained, nothing opens into the hull of the kayak. I think Stealths are built the same way.

I have seen electric pump set ups work for years, although they were installed carefully and with a lot of forethought. And providing they are functional, they work great. I agree that manual pumps are ultimately more reliable. SLH sell a drain plug that is commonly used as a bilge drainage port used in conjunction with a manual bilge pump with a length of 25mm PVC added to it's length (which is a good fit inside the drain plug hole).
https://slhobie.com.au/gear/kayak-acces ... drain-plug

On manual bilge pumps and reliability I should add that some of them are actually pretty poor quality. Not going to mention names, but one we have found to hold up really well is the Seattle Sports one (available from any Hobie dealer):
https://slhobie.com.au/gear/kayak-acces ... bilge-pump

Yakass wrote: On manual bilge pumps and reliability I should add that some of them are actually pretty poor quality.

If you dont routinely use your manual pump it is worth testing regularly to make sure it works.

Those bungs are also available from BCF.

Where would you put a drain discharge on an AI with an electric pump?

laneends wrote:

Yakass wrote: On manual bilge pumps and reliability I should add that some of them are actually pretty poor quality.

If you dont routinely use your manual pump it is worth testing regularly to make sure it works.

Those bungs are also available from BCF.


Where would you put a drain discharge on an AI with an electric pump?

Being so low in the water that's a good question Keith. I would think near the rear hatch

inshorebrawler wrote:

laneends wrote:

Yakass wrote: On manual bilge pumps and reliability I should add that some of them are actually pretty poor quality.

If you dont routinely use your manual pump it is worth testing regularly to make sure it works.

Those bungs are also available from BCF.


Where would you put a drain discharge on an AI with an electric pump?

Being so low in the water that's a good question Keith. I would think near the rear hatch

I would think the best place would be in the cockpit. Safe from ingress under normal circumstances and visible when you do pump.

inshorebrawler wrote: Being so low in the water that's a good question Keith. I would think near the rear hatch

Not a good spot. When an AI gets very full of water the rear ends drops and will be below the water-line, including the rear hatch. You also want it somewhere accessible on the water. A discharge somewhere on the top edge behind the rear seat would be better. Something like Rob Appleby in this video of his installation in his outback, or preferably a bit closer.

shane wrote:

inshorebrawler wrote: Being so low in the water that's a good question Keith. I would think near the rear hatch

Not a good spot. When an AI gets very full of water the rear ends drops and will be below the water-line, including the rear hatch. You also want it somewhere accessible on the water. A discharge somewhere on the top edge behind the rear seat would be better. Something like Rob Appleby in this video of his installation in his outback, or preferably a bit closer.

The only problem I see with that mount is that water splashing can enter the outlet into the hull. If mounted on a vertical surface Wall of cockpit) ingress is minimised. When full the pump outflow prevents water continuing to ingress.

spider25160 wrote: The only problem I see with that mount is that water splashing can enter the outlet into the hull. If mounted on a vertical surface Wall of cockpit) ingress is minimised. When full the pump outflow prevents water continuing to ingress.

It's not an ideal installation overall. There should be a non-return valve between the pump and outlet, close to the outlet. I'd also prefer an outlet with a flap and yes a more vertical and sheltered mounting place would be preferred.

Glad you escaped unharmed Tas. Yes sounds like you accidently opened the hatch. The 10 litres of foam you refer to would be a hobie install as I had not added any additional boyancy

laneends wrote:

Yakass wrote: On manual bilge pumps and reliability I should add that some of them are actually pretty poor quality.

If you dont routinely use your manual pump it is worth testing regularly to make sure it works.

Those bungs are also available from BCF.

Where would you put a drain discharge on an AI with an electric pump?

Last time I set up a leccy bilge pump in my kayak I had a discharge outlet plug set up on the front deck, infront of the pedals, just below the front xbar. It squirted water straight into the mirage well, which is the largest most efficient drainage point of the boat. Worked exceptionally well. Shane is dead right - you don't want water being drained into the rear well. Rear-heavy AIs (especially older ones) do not fare well in an emergency.