Installation Instructions for whitewater
canoe, and sea kayak (sea kayak toward bottom half of this page)
How to Install in Canoe:
(installation accessories are provided with your kit)
The pump and battery pack can be attached to your boat’s saddle, either directly to the foam with screws, to the saddle via straps, or on the foot brace rail via straps or zip-ties. The pump and pack can also be attached to an existing D-ring that is currently used for an airbag, or thigh strap, or to a separate D-ring or anchor pad glued to the bottom of your boat. Although most whitewater open canoes are outfitted in a similar manner, some arrangements are unique, therefore we recommend trying several installation methods before making one permanent. The final installation method that you choose should compliment the style in which you outfit your boat.
When placing the pump and battery pack in your boat, be cognizant as to the length of the pump wire (approximately 54”) when choosing locations, make sure the wire will reach. If the side of the saddle is chosen, we recommend placement of the pump on your paddling side, since the boat will have a slight lean to that side. Some boaters make use of a strap with cam buckle to mount the bilge pump, so they can transfer the pump from boat to boat. The pump can be mounted with the outlet nozzle facing in one of three directions; a right hand outlet exit, a left hand outlet exit, or a direct rear exit. The yellow top portion of the pump can be disconnected (twist off) from the bottom portion, and then repositioned and reattached to achieve the outlet nozzle orientation you desire. The battery pack should be placed within arm’s reach to activate the switch. Keep in mind that the battery pack should be attached in such a way as to provide easy removal from the boat for charging.
For best placement of the outlet hose, we recommend the hose be run along the top of the rear airbag (under the first three airbag tie down lines), and then the last few inches of hose can be draped over the gunwale, or run under the airbag and then attached to a thru-hull fitting, about an inch below the gunwale. We recommend the hose be attached to the thru-hull fitting with marine sealant, and a zip-tie to prevent any leakage.
The battery box can be quickly and easily attached to any existing foot brace rail, D-ring or thigh strap ring via reusable zip ties and strap (as shown).
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A long cam buckle strap can also be used to strap the battery box to the saddle.
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To attach the pump and basket - Choose a location for the pump that will allow the power cord to reach the battery pack. Be sure that this location will allow for the outlet hose to travel and exit the boat unobstructed.
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Place basket section of pump in its chosen location, and then mark the screw holes with a pen. Be sure that the screws can enter the saddle completely, and will not be obstructed by any other metal or plastic components that may already be in the saddle.
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Remove the basket and start with the bottom two screws first. A very small, very short pilot hole can be helpful prior to inserting the screws into the foam (4 screws are already included in your kit). Use a Phillips head screw driver to slowly and gently insert the bottom two screws. Drive the screws approximately ¾ of the way in, and then use the basket (inverted) as a spacer to drive the screws the rest of the way in, creating a gap between the screw head and the foam that will fit the basket.
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Turn the basket right side up, and place it on the two screws. Very slowly and gently tighten the two bottom screws (DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN - DO NOT STRIP THE FOAM). Determine if the bottom of the basket is flush with the bottom of the boat. Washers can be added to the top two screws (Between the foam and the plastic basket) to cause the upper portion of the basket to lean slightly, and allow the bottom of the basket to lay flat against the bottom of the boat.
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Insert the top two screws. Add any additional washers if necessary. Gently and slowly drive the top two screws into the foam. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREWS - DO NOT STRIP THE FOAM.
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Prepare to place the pump into the basket. Be aware of the pump and exit nozzle orientation prior to placement. You have three choices for positioning of the exit nozzle. Align the upper portion of the pump with the basket to achieve the proper orientation. Hold the basket firmly with one hand, and gently twist to lock the pump in place. If you choose to remove the pump at any time, be sure to hold the lower basket portion firmly, before twisting the upper pump to release.
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Hold the pump firmly against the floor of the boat with one hand, and with a gentle back and forth twisting motion of the other hand, attach the clear hose to the exit nozzle.
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For best placement of the outlet hose, we recommend the hose be run along the top of the rear airbag (under the first three airbag tie down lines), and then the last few inches of hose can be draped over the gunwale, or run under the airbag and then attached to a thru-hull fitting, about an inch below the gunwale. We recommend the hose be attached to the thru-hull fitting with marine sealant, and a zip-tie to prevent any leakage.
* Alternate installation on side of saddle, when hardware or airbags may be in the way.
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Choose a location for the pump that will allow the power cord to reach the battery pack. Be sure that this location will allow for the outlet hose to travel and exit the boat unobstructed.
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Place a small piece of mini-cell foam (2" x 3") on the spot where the pump will be placed, and then proceed with the installation as previously listed.
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Outlet hose orientation can vary, as shown. For best placement of the outlet hose, we recommend the hose be run along the top of the rear airbag (under the first three airbag tie down lines), and then the last few inches of hose can be draped over the gunwale, or run under the airbag and then attached to a thru-hull fitting, about an inch below the gunwale. We recommend the hose be attached to the thru-hull fitting with marine sealant, and a zip-tie to prevent any leakage.
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The thru-hull fitting can be placed approximately one inch below the gunwale, toward the rear of the boat (or directly out the back). We recommend drilling a hole in the hull using a one inch size drill bite. Once the thru-hull fitting has been placed in the boat, apply marine sealant on the thru-hull fitting (where it meets the hose), attach the hose, and then tightly attach the reusable zip-tie around the hose where it meets the fitting (to prevent leakage under pressure).
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Alternate installation with cam buckle strap and zip ties.
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Place 2 small 4" zip ties on the basket screw notches (as shown) to form strap loops.
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Run the cam buckle strap thru the loops, and attach to the saddle as shown.
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Use a cam buckle strap with a width that will fit through the loops, and a length that will reach around the canoe saddle. Run the strap through the loops on the basket, as well as the battery box, and tighten around the saddle.
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Sea Kayak Installation Instructions:
How to Install in Sea Kayak:
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We recommend the pump and battery pack be placed behind the seat. The pump and battery box can be attached together, or separately, with the battery box attached to the anchor pad, and the pump attached to an interior bulkhead wall. The foot switch can then be placed in the front interior portion of the cockpit, either on a foam block that rests against the inner bulkhead wall, or on an additional foot brace pedal, placed on the rail behind your two existing foot pedals. A small Hypalon strap pad glued into the kayak will keep the pump and battery pack in place, by way of the removable strap. After drilling a 1" hole behind, and to the side of the cockpit, the thru-hull fitting can be put in place to attach the outlet hose.
After attaching the anchor pad (with strap) to the boat using the appropriate glue, allow glue to dry before proceeding. Use the cam buckle strap to attach the battery box to the anchor pad. Attach the pump to the battery box via the cam buckle strap, (on the side on the box with the built-in loop).
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We recommend drilling a hole in the hull using a one inch
size drill bite. Once the thru-hull fitting has been placed in the boat,
apply marine sealant on the thru-hull fitting (where it meets the boat,
and where it meets the hose), attach the hose, and then tightly attach
the reusable zip-tie around the hose where it meets the fitting (to prevent
leakage under pressure).
Below is an article featuring Rapid Runner Bilge Systems
in Adventure Kayak Magazine:
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