: calling all footpump experts,

You know the definition of "Expert", don't you? Ex = something that has been, and Spurt is like a drip but at higher pressure. Thus an Expert is "A has-been drip under pressure"

I've only done one pump, and it hasn't been tested much, so take my thoughts with a LARGE grain of salt (gallon of saltwater?)

what's the best/cheapest footpump and method of
: installation.. guzzler 400?

That's a pretty good pump for the money. Decent output, multiple configurations available, relatively light weight, good reputation for durability. The Guzzler 500 is identical except for a larger hose diameter to improve throughput (not sure how much difference that makes with the short hoses in kayaks).

: ,, and what's with the s.s. spring business?

Bosworth now makes an optional lighter gauge return spring for the Guzzler pumps, if you want to use the button style. They sent me one at no charge when I inquired! Don't have the exact poundage, but it feels like it requires about half the force of the "standard" spring. Definitely the way to go if you use the button-and-spring style of Guzzler. Since it's a factory part, it fits perfectly and should be as durable as the rest of the pump.

: installing pump in completed boat?

Yes. You'll want to be able to remove it for maintenance etc., so you better be able to put it in the completed boat. Don't want to have to pull the deck off just to replace a torn diaphragm in the pump! Drill some of the mounting holes ahead of time if you want, but it's probably better to wait until you can see exactly where everything fits .

:minicell bulkheads?

I personally think you'd want a rigid place to mount the pump. Maybe a thwartwise wood or aluminum bracket by the minicell bulkhead? (Or attached to your adjustable footpegs so multiple people can use the pump?)

:wood bulkheads?

That's what I did. Installed the bulkhead so it would be at just the right distance for the pump. Works really well, & no worries (other than making sure I drilled the outlet hole in the deck at just the right spot).

I tried putting bolts through the bulkhead with nuts on the other side. As Pete Roszyk told me at R2K1, this is a real pain to do. So I took his advice & glued wooden blocks on the backside of the bulkhead. Standard wood screws from the cockpit side are all that's needed to hold the pump in place. Much easier to deal with.

: removal and maintenance?

If your pump is wedged between hull & deck, with input right against the hull & output straight up (easiest & most compact configuration), be sure at least one of the fittings has enough flex so you can get the pump in or out. Mine has the pump output high up against the through-deck fitting, so I have somewhat flexible hose on the bottom . I'll try to post pictures (My ISP has been weird lately, so I'm not sure it'll work).

: What kind of apple is best with bleu cheese?
Well, if it's the computer, you probably do not want to spread the cheese over the keyboard! That would be messy!

Val
(Mac user)