: I've just put together a system using the Rule 500. Things which people would
: probably like as options would be a bronze thru fitting rather that just
: the white nylon. It looks much nicer and is more appropriate for wooden
: boats. I bought mine through the West Marine website.

When I get around to installing my thru-hull, it won't have anything protruding from the outside surface of the hull. (This wouldn't have to be an option for a commercial application, though) I will simply glue and fillet a piece of CPVC inside a hole in my hull, so a little tan color will be visible inside the hole, but won't be very noticeable.

: If you supply sufficient hose to allow for making a loop, then you don't need
: a one-way valve.

Good idea.

: Heavy duty velcro is one option but sand will trash it and perhaps a way of
: using a couple of nylon web straps, at least for the battery which will
: come out a lot more frequently than the pump could be worked out. Maybe
: using cable ties attached to a bulkhead and then running a nylon strap
: thru the cable tie would work. I glued the bottom piece of the pump in the
: boat. The working part is removable and solves the velcro and sand
: problem.

Heavy duty velcro isn't as bad with sand as the lighter stuff. Nylon straps are relatively cheap, so both options could possibly be offered for the customer to choose from.

: As far as the battery charger is concerned get one that can be left plugged
: in without killing the battery.

Great idea!! With all the advances in electronics, it would seem foolish to not have such a feature.

: If you don't have a
: good waterproof area to place the battery then a waterproof box with
: provision to run the wires through is another possibility.

This should be implemented in the design of the commercial pump.

: I had to put this all together from at least 3 sources. I'd pay up to $100
: for a well designed package including the bronze thru fitting and charger.
: I would have gladly foregone all the time I spent on the internet if I
: could have.

Including the charger...I forgot that part. I think it should be separate to accommodate folks with multiple boats, but I'd gladly pay another $30-40 for it.

: How big the market is much tougher. People on this board are pretty safety
: aware. The general public wouldn't understand the importance of the pump.

But this might be a good place to start with the general public's safety awareness!

Shawn