C-Forum

I'm taking a Rendezvous down the Grand Canyon in March. My knees told me that kneeling for 226 miles wasn't an option so I'm keeping the adjustable seat and rigging the boat for thigh straps and LOTS of flotation.

I'm working on adding a bilge pump. I have an Esquif bilge pump system, unused though about 3 years old: Attwood 1250, SLA battery and charger, hose, switch and various other supplies.

The challenges are having enough battery life and not wanting to spring for a 12 V solar charging system.

I have no idea how long the SLA battery will last; I guess it depends how dry my lines are. I'm thinking about making a homemade battery holder for 12 AA batteries as a backup. I'm also working on a non-permanent pump and battery hold-them-down system.

So, if anyone has ideas or experience to share, throw it my way.

John

What size is your SLA battery? Would you be willing to take a spare?

John,

Talk to Alan B. He took two of the same SLA batteries with the same pump down the Grand and (as I recall) didn't use up the first one.

But to be safe, a back-up battery is about $30 or less at Battery Mart.

Alan

Big water solo expeditions in traditional canoes is my thing.

I'm jealous, I've missed a few Grand opportunities.

I've never used a pump (Legend 15, Freedom 14), but every inch that ain't gear is stuffed with floatation. I do 12 to 33 day trips. I have a single D ring between my knees, holding simple straps back to the (reinforced) seat. I roll this easily empty. On the Alsek (12 day loaded) I rolled it at the put in, but failed under duress, luckily in an easy bend, where fatigue and extreme winds got me.

Are you solo or with support?
If you're not packing it, maybe take a spare. If not I'd only use the pump as a "parachute". Tip and dump at all opportunities. One good battery should suffice.

Then again, if you're supported and plan on lots of play - take as many spares as you can.

Have a great trip.

(Ssshhh. Try not to talk about pumps in front of Louie.)

It's been talked about a lot so you can do searches on this forum to find out more if you want.

- I like the Attwood 1250's. Best bang per amp-hour that I've found. If you care about how long it takes to pump out the boat then consider adding a second one running off the single battery.

- Last time I checked AA batteries were 1.5 volts each so if you are hooking up in series that makes 18 volts which would not be good. You didn't mention type but if ordinary alkaline then I doubt you'll get good results as far as battery life is concerned.

- I have had very good luck with the Werker brand sealed lead acid batteries. So far the model WKA12-2.3F has been the best compromise I've found. It's been available in battery specialty stores for around $25 but I haven't checked prices lately. The recommended charger ran another $20. Dunno how much charger choice matters.

- Grand Canyon in March. Brrr. You must be from some place like Montana or something. I'm headed there this May. Have a great trip!

Ken Dubel

If you're running a composite 'vous, I'd put some reinforcing brackets on the seat frame and an extra layer of glass to help hold it in. The weak link seems to be the vertical joint on the frame, can sheer with enough force and the Grand has enough force.

Can't comment on battery life. That's totally dependent on how long/ often you run the pump. The Rendezvous is way too fast for that water and will plow into and fill frequently.

I'd personally suggest a different boat, but if you get some good shots of a 'vous in the Grand, I'm sure We-no-nah would be generous.