Acorn Skiff Solar Powered Auto Bailer?

[ricknriver]

Hi, Just acquired a neat Acorn Skiff, built at the Landing School, for rowing, and occasional sail. Want to keep her nearby in the water at a small local lake. Any knowledge of a home made or commercial solar/battery powered portable auto bailer the pickup of which would fit into the 5" wide slot of the removable floorboard section behind the daggerboard slot, to remove rain water? Have found a couple of self-contained units but their ~10x10 boxes too big to submerge in the bilge. Had plans for a home made battery powered "bilge stick" once but can't find them. Tks, Rick 

[Hirilonde]

Any DC bilge pump that fits will work.  The issue is how good your solar charger is, and how much the boat leaks and how much it rains. Google "small DC bilge pump" and you will get many that will work.

 

[ricknriver]

Thanks Dave, Challenge is to find a small efficient waterproof (and not too $$$) solar panel/charger that will keep maybe a small 5ah lithium battery charged for the pump. Boat doesn't leak yet, just worry heavy rain, until I can have a proper cover made that I can easily set and remove from one side from the dock. R

[Oyster]

All rvs have solar panels completely exposed to the elements.  The little tear drop ones uses mostly portable suit case panels. The most economical direction is to go to Harbor Freight and get their 25 watt panel, which acts as a trickle charger  and use a simple Rule bilge pump to a conventional and small 12 volt motorcycle battery.  They come in AGM.  This is the direction that is used on many wooden skiffs stored in the water, but with wet cell batteries. But the upgrade is nicer.. 

[ricknriver]

Sounds great and will give it a go.  Tks, Rick