: Thanks John for the picture of your install, it is how I "Pictured"
: the install, ha, ha!! Nice to see it first though and you are right to
: point out that the pump is better mounted high enough to allow the
: "ball" of the foot actuate it. I am installing a fixed compass
: into a recess on the deck too. (liked your idea of an epoxy sealed
: "equalization hole" in both bulkheads:-) When the time comes I
: think I will make some thigh braces like you did out of molded fiber so I
: appreciate your page. I am using the forward fixed bulkhead for my
: footrest too. Luckily this works for me, because I don't think there is
: another way to mount this foot pump well if you do not use the bulkhead
: for a footrest too.

Thanks for the kind words, Joe. I'm glad the site helps. When I started, I expected to mount the pump, and then pad around it with minicell for my footbrace, but decided near the last minute to put in the mid length Yakima footbraces so that other folks could enjoy the boat. Turns out the adjustable footbraces were a good idea. While the bulkhead is positioned so I can comfortably actuate the pump, my footbraces are currently 3" back from the bulkhead, and I would adjust them another inch back if I was in significant current or chop.

I'm very pleased with the seal and retention on my hatch covers. I'd be more concerned with introducing water *into* the hatches by extending the bilge pump capability to the hatches. I really like the volume of this pump - should be able to drain the cockpit quickly. We'll see when I decide the water is warm & clean enough to justify reentry practice.