Up there with scissors, bottle-openers and other “Why didn’t I think of that” inventions, witness the new Paddle Pump, a paddle that doubles as a…wait for it…bilge pump for pumping water out of your boat.
If you’re canoeing or pursuing some other form of one-bladed paddling you usually need both, so why not combine them into one product, saving weight, space and hard-earned shuttle money that you can now spend on that enchilada plate on the drive home?
Developed, tested and made in Maine by founders Dan Dufault and John Hartz, the Paddle Pump was born from seaplane flying, combining two watercraft essential tools into one convenient package. In flying floatplanes, they maintain, every preflight includes pumping out the float compartments. Similarly, part of every floatplane’s kit is a paddle that can be used to get to the dock, away from danger, or to shove off rocks and obstacles. “Since we expect to use our pumps every time we fly, we set out to make the operation smoother and easier while maintaining durability,” says Hartz. “Our patented valve system made for a significant improvement over the standard plastic pumps that were the normal options for pilots and boaters alike. Our pump glides with ease while maintaining the same output as a traditional pump.”
They’ve also one-upped the game on traditional bilge pumps. “Oftentimes sumps and bilges may be full of sand and grime. Through extensive testing and iterative design we made the pump durable and capable of pumping in all situations.”
And the paddle has chops as well, crafted using anodized aluminum for its great strength to weight offerings as well as blades and handles amade with recycled plastics. “As pilots, we expect our equipment to perform when needed and a paddle is no different,” maintains Hartz. “As such, the paddle was designed without compromising strength. We used strong anodized aluminum to ensure the shaft won’t bend, break, or snap during operation. The paddle design was built off of the classic beaver tail blade style because of its efficient and balanced feel. The beaver tail blade design further maximizes the reach of the Paddle Pump into bilges and sumps.”
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