Shorter Bilge Pump

I have the yellow/blue Seattle Sports bilge pump. I like it but it’s an inch or two long to load transverse behind the seat in my kayak (it would fit if I could get it in but since the cockpit coaming is an narrower than the inside and the seats in the way, There is no way to get it in.) So I want to get a shorter pump. I thinking up to 18" would fit.

So, what’s yer favorite pump that’s not over 18"?

-l2t

Cut down the handle and replace it with a knob.

See you on the water,
Marshall
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Why not mount it behind the cheek plate on one side of the seat? Another alternative is to make a couple of foam blocks to hold it under the foredeck.

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Use a plastic cup and a Shamwow. In all my years of paddling, the only time I ever used my pump was after washing out my cockpit. The chance of getting very much water in your boat is very remote–especially if it is a sea kayak.

The few times I have gotten much water in the cockpit, I was able to cup my hands and quickly bail enough out to be on my way. The Shamwow sucks water better than a sponge and will finish the job better than any pump.

Scotty makes a 18.25” kayak pump that I prefer Shorter and slightly lighter than most other brands. https://www.amazon.com/Scotty-544K-13-5-Inch-Float-Kayaks/dp/B001M4HT98

Magooch, very dangerous advice depending on where/what conditions the OP paddles. Sea kayaks flood for a variety of reasons, even if you don’t wet exit.

I differ from Magooch. I am using pumps often. Skirts leak. Hatches leak. Any waves large enough to go over the deck or rescue practice means some water in the boat. Hopefully just spongeable amounts, but a pump is an important piece of gear to have.

Here’s the short version of the best kayak bilge pump alternative ever…

https://www.streammachinestore.com/store/products/water-launchers/stream-machine-tl-500-8-inch-barrel-80015-2.htm

[And if you missed the original thread about this, know that I shouldn’t always be taken seriously…]

I have an Aquabound Bilge Master. It is 17 5/8" overall and fits behind the seat of my Sterling’s Ice Kap which is 19" wide at that point; works well.
https://aquabound.com/pump

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What sort of pump did the original kayakers use?

They also sewed themselves into their kayaks, didn’t wear PFDs, and likely died at a much higher rate than current kayakers do.

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Spend some time doing rescue training - especially under realistic conditions - and the need for a bilge pump becomes obvious. As I said in the “squirt gun” thread, some things that seem like good ideas are useless “when the the fecal matter hits the rotary ventilation unit”.

on my pump ,I could remove the intake cap , cut the main tube and then re installed the end cap

@Steveey said:
on my pump ,I could remove the intake cap , cut the main tube and then re installed the end cap

Wouldn’t that make the handle stick out more??

Should be blatantly obvious; squirt guns are totally useless, if you paddle whitewater in open canoe.

I’d love to see a video of someone emptying this whitewater solo canoe, with a squirt gun; after it took on 10 to 15 gallons of water.
Paddler: pblanc in Dagger Prophet at Nantahala Falls.

BOB

They didn’t have composite or plastic either.

I have this 16" one to go behind the seat in my sea kayaks, https://www.amazon.com/DasMarine-Portable-Lightweight-Professional-Accessories/dp/B07Q3RCYHZ

Honestly it’s not great, but it was the smallest I could find :man_shrugging:

I use a grouting sponge, but I am definitely not doing whitewater in my canoes.

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16.54" in case it’s critical.

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Mount it under the deck, above the space between your legs.

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