Save a Sinking Kayak...

[sandydiego]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

Kiyo has a bilge pump installed in his yaks. As sandydiego stated, all electrical must be completely sealed for it to be worth while. He will certainly not be caught with half a yak of water.

Hey sandy, remember to throw in some weight to simulate the gear you carry that is heavier than water. It might be that you cannot even keep it at the surface even with the added flotation of your PFD. I am dying to see the result though.

I was planning to put all my gear in the yak to get a honest test out of it. I have some dive weights as well (to simulate beer 6-pack). I do need to get a NRS kayak handpump. The pump I have is not up to the job.

[Hunters Pa]

6-pack would be neutral since they are filled with fluid that is predominantly water. I think the problem is that when filled the kayak is close to neutral bouyancy, it's all the stuff we take that adds the weight that makes the whole package sink. That is where the noodles come in. Adding them does nothing but add a few ounces to the overall weight when the hull is dry, but they displace water to add bouyancy to the whole package when the hull is filled.

I'm thinking another practice could be to pull the bait tank off the back and stick the pump inside the hatch so it is sucking out the water. Not the best approach, but another arrow in the quiver that could make a difference