Home |
The Boat |
First Mate
|
Admiral |
Guestbook
Date: 11 June 2016. Toy Bails Dinghy.
© janice142
I love it when a plan comes together. First, for the most part I use a 12-volt bilge pump in Algae. Because I already have a battery in there for the Newport Trolling Motor getting the majority of rain that collects out is easy. However a pump can only get so much of the water out. There is always a bit left in the keel. Today I will show you how to solve that issue for a dollar. It is fun too!
This is summertime in Florida. That translates to the sun is shining while the rain is pouring down. We can and do have rainbows, sunshine and rainfall simultaneously. Afternoon thunder-boomers are the rule over here on the west coast.
Most of us who own rowboats use a Clorox bottle with the bottom cut off as our hand bailer. Bailing requires effort but not a whole lot. I upgraded to an Orca Whale 12-volt bilge pump a couple years back. That makes bailing a matter of flipping a switch. Still, there was always that last 1" in the keel area. I wanted it gone too.
|
Side Note regarding the Orca's: These are rated for fresh water only. I bought mine on Defender for $10 or so. It is not the best bilge pump however for the price it is Good Enough. My version is not automatic. |
The Orca bilge pump does empty almost all the water out of Algae. Still, there is a bit at the bottom in the keel area. For that I have a fun one dollar solution.
This is similar to a gigantic syringe. This item is marketed as a "Water Blaster" among other similar names. To find one, go to a Dollar Tree or any store catering to those who do not wish to part with a lot of perfectly good money.
Mine came from a hardware store in Georgia and it's still working. Please note that I keep it out of the sunlight. Essentially I consider this is a disposable item. The quality is what you would expect for a dollar, i.e. not great.
It doesn't have to be Spectacular for a dollar.
|
|
What Goes Wrong and How to Fix It
Now put some Vaseline
around the black rubber part. It will enable the plunger part
to slide easily. I believe I get a better seal when drawing
water into the unit because of the
Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly. This is similar to a
syringe. It is not perfect. Water will dribble out. The Best Part: Full of
water with a fast push on the handle you |
To remove the last inch in the bottom of your keel there is not much
better.
For those getting out to the discount stores this
season I suggest you buy a new toy, er, tool.
Fully extended it holds about a pint of water. This is a fun gizmo. Get yours while the summer merchandise is available. I saw them in the Dollar Tree (kiddie beach section) just this past week.
Enjoy. Life is good afloat.
|
Addendum. 12 June 2016. A neighbor bought one of these at my suggestion. We attempted to separate the plunger from the tube. It did not come out. For the newest versions you may not be able to add Vaseline to the black part as I did. His works fine as is straight from the store. Note to Self: EVERYTHING does not have to be tweaked. |
Have you a Water Blaster?
Is there any other use you have found for yours?
|
Regarding the Comments Section, found at the end of every article:
|
COMMENTS:
© 2016, 2023
Report on Colin (a tropical storm)
~ Previous
Post ... 
... Next Post ~
Safety Nets
The Archive holds a running list with synopsis of published articles, and links to same.
Aphorism Alert: In every job that must be done there is an element of fun. Mary Poppins.
Every gift helps.
The Cruising Kitty is what boaters refer to as spending money. There's never enough aboard Seaweed!
I am also an Amazon Affiliate.
My Buddy, and his girlfriend...