: In rough seas, especially for touring kayaks, we find that it is dangerous
: and energy consuming to pump out your boat while also trying to keep
: upright. We are developing a prototype for an electric bilge pump for
: kayaks. The specs call for the unit to vacate a fully submerged kayak in
: about 4 to 5 minutes, using a DC battery. The base unit would consist of a
: pumping unit, battery and charging station for in-home and in-car.
: Optional add-ons would be a solar charging power kit, surface mounted
: on/off switch and surface mounted hose to expel the water.

: We are trying to guage what the market would be willing to pay, in order to
: see if the economics of the product would work. So two questions. 1.)
: Would a product of this type be interesting to you? Under what parameters?
: 2.) What would you be willing to pay for the base product? For the
: optional products?

: Being a fellow kayaker, who deeply loves the sport, I appreciate your
: feedback on this!

: Many thanks, LM

LM sounds like an abbreviation.

I am sure there are those out there who would buy and use this product. also in the mass produced market.

Being a believer in Murphy's law I would probably not install them. When you most need it, will be the one time it probably won't work.

Also it adds to the gear bag as one would have to have a backup hand pump anyway. There is always too much stuff that one doesn't use, but we take it anyway 'just in case'. The cell-phone would be an example of this. something we never had ten years ago but take along now 'just in waterproof case'

Last time I was out I got a text. From the 02 phone company with a special offer. Just what I needed in rough weather.

Yes I take the phone, but I like to stay as low tech as possible. Less to go wrong.

Et