Harmony High Volume Sea Kayak Pump

This pump is used in our canoe (and sometimes kayak), for those times when we get a bit more water in the boat than a bilge sponge can easily handle! It is inexpensive, but works well without much effort, and quickly removes water from the floor of the canoe.

Paddling season is just about here in Vermont, so we are engaged in our annual pre-season gear checks. One little item, that has traveled with us for the past two years, and which is holding up well, with no signs of corrosion or deterioration, and had become an important part of our kit, is this handy Harmony bilge pump.

We decided to get a small bilge pump to carry with us on our canoe outings, after a few incidents of taking on water while paddling in some very rough conditions, and frustratingly trying to empty the boat using a handmade milk-jug bailer. This pump is now something we carry  every trip, and though we thankfully do not have to use it frequently, it is nice to have along.

The pump is 17 inches long (unextended), and is lightweight, with a comfortable handle, and is covered with foam, making it buoyant. There is a small loop attachment point for a lanyard or hook. We usually carry the pump strapped with velcro straps to a thwart in the boat. It is easily accessible, yet out of the way. It does come with a mesh bag for storage, but we do not generally use that during the season.
The pump is reported to require 9 strokes to remove a gallon of water. The pump is easy to hold while using, with a comfortable handle. The exit port is short, so it will not get hung up on gear or edge of boat. This does mean we have to be sure to hold the pump far enough away from the canoe while using it, so we do not end up putting water back inside the hull. The effort to pump is minimal.

We like the bright orange color, so if it should end up in the water, it would be easy to spot.

This has been a very satisfactory purchase for us...the pump was inexpensive, yet is of very good, reliable, quality. I have recommended this pump to relatives and friends.