> I put mine out the side above the water line, but you could use the
> bottom. The pump probably sits above the waterline as well, so a valve
> failure wouldn't flood the boat.

Probably not. But a fitting failure would. And these fittings leak a little on a good day. Everything leaks a little --- the skirt, the hatches, occasionally even the paddler. That's why you've got the bloody pump! The most vulnerable part of the boat is the bottom --- look at an old boat sometime --- most of the scratches and gouges are where the boat rides over rocks and obstructions. Or gets dinged from ground contact when you're loading and putting in or taking out. You don't want that through the hull fitting to get dinged or sheared off, especially below the water line. These boats are pretty enough to live with a little fitting above the water line below the sheer. Or even through the deck --- maybe. This ain't no coffee table --- it's a kayak!

Calmly,

Jack Martin