Just for the weight weenies

Dave Winkworth (original designer of the Nadgee Expedition) is a serious paddler and a man who likes to paddle a light strong kayak.
Now for most of us that means cutting down on a bit of kit,maybe a lighter tent or leaving out some extra food that we dont really need.
Dave works real hard at getting the weigh down.Over the last few weeks he has come up with 2 brilliant ideas that I will definitely be looking at as options for customers and using  myself

The first one is a foot pump.The standard foot pump in a Nadgee is just under 500gms which isnt too bad, as I have seen a brand form the US at nearly a whole 1kg for the unit, strong but way too heavy for us paddlers
When you get to a certain level of skill, after a days paddle there really isnt any need for a footpump except to get that slosh out that gets through your skirt.In fact I dont think I have used my footpump in anger in years ,so its a lot of dead weight having a foot pump
Dave is the same but still wanted to get those slops out every now and then and had a plan for a light weight foot pump.
Here is Dave idea and pros and cons of using it

Hey guys,

'Finally got the bulb footpump in the boat.

My verdict:

Pros:

(1) Empties the cockpit down to the last drop (when the boat is angled down the wave).

(2) Pretty light at 120 gms vs 500gms for the bilge pump type.

(3) Cheap at about $8 complete. You can buy them at any marine shop.

(4) Robust - these bulbs survive for years sitting in the sun on oyster farmer's punts.

(5) Easy replacement - only held in by the deck connection and a shockcord loop.

(6) Pumps enough volume to easily keep the cockpit dry on "big water" days or playing in the surf.

Cons:

(1) Low volume  - probably not suitable for paddlers who fall out of their boat a lot.

 and here is a picture of Daves setup

I'll show you the next weigh saver in my next blog

From a kayak manufacturers perspective.......that's awesome