Electric air pump - chords and clips kayak, dinghy, fenders etc - 2011

In this picture the chords with the clips are going down the hatch you just can not see them

We tried to use the new pump on deflating the Solstice Trekker Duo kayak but could not seem to get the fittings right. 

June 2011 - At Marina Cortez Harbor Island, San Diego, CA

This we will try again when we have more time.

We got it mainly for inflating the Solstice Trekker Duo kayak and a dingy anyway. It was just a test to see if the cords would reach etc. So bottom line is we think it will work for our purpose.

To use the pump we had to drop the chords with alligator clips through the hatch and clip them to the + and – 400 amp buses. They just reached. If you moved the pump it would pull off a clip. That could be a real problem as the positive clip could short out and weld itself to something, can ruin battery(s) etc.

Solstice Trekker Duo kayak back in bag.

 As we will probably be inflatting and de-flatting up on the fore deck at anchor we want the pump to work there. Also if it works there it will work about anywhere else on the boat or dock.

 The upgrade we will make is a longer chord and a plug instead of alligator clips. 

So a 20 – 30-amp connector and some #10 wire would be the way to go. 

 We would probably like the connector to be a plug at the ready say in the cockpit. This way we could run the chord up the side deck to ding\kayak and pump it up. If we had the connection in the lazarette then the lazarette cover would need to stay open which is a potential hazard while walking around the boat.

From mcmaster.com "dc voltage connectors"

This would fit the cockpit mount. 

DC Voltage Turn-Lock Plugs and

Receptacle

A unique locking configuration provides a secure connection

and prevents attachment to AC connectors. All

are rated for voltages up to 48 VDC and current up to

30 amps. Housing is glass-filled nylon.

Plugs have an O-ring that seals out moisture when

connected to a receptacle. Blades are nickel-plated

brass. Plug with wire entry has three entry holes for

up to 8 AWG wires. Plug with cord entry has a single

entry hole for 1/4 to 1/2 dia. cord. Receptacle fits into

a 11/8 dia. mounting hole and accepts two or three

wires up to 8 AWG. It has corrosion-resistant electrical

components and a water-tight cap. Contacts are

nickel-plated brass.
Note:
 This air pump idea never did work out as planed. It is easier to just use the dinghy pmp and less to store and mess with. We gave the pump away and kept the long round wire.We have still been using the plug system.