Air pump power supply

[duncan99210]

I've been given a inflator for the dinghy, to save all the work involved in using the current hand pump. Downside is that it needs 25amps supplying to it. I can envisage a number of routes to doing this, including the simplest of simply extending the cable by about 10 metres so that it can simply be clipped on to the domestic battery posts.

However, perhaps the collected wisdom of the forum could come up with a more elegant solution. Ideally, I'd like to be able to fit a socket in the cockpit to plug into with a sealing plug to put in place when not in use. The traditional cigar lighter socket is no good, as they are only rated to 15 amps.

Ideas please!

 

[typhoonNige]

I've done as you propose but I uprated the entire cable rather than just extending it. Access to our batteries is straightforward so we just clip on as required

 

[sailorman]

My LVM High speed has one of these

 

[FWB]

Mine is fitted with a shore power plug and a socket in a locker. I'm the only one that uses it so no danger of it actually being plugged into a marina supply!
The locker socket is wired to the battery switch. Works for me.

 

[prv]

I've just finished fitting a socket in my anchor locker for that exact purpose. I used the full-size Bulgin Buccaneer connectors, like this:

which are rated to 32 amps and fully submersible.

However, the main issue to be aware of is the wiring size needed for a run of any length. It will be substantial! I calculated and ordered mine some time ago so I now can't remember what I used, but it was either 10mm² or 16mm².

If you use wiring that is too thin (as I did with a temporary extension on my pump before fitting the socket) then the wire heats up and the pump slows down, so that you end up using a footpump. I think my temporary cable was about five metres of 2.5mm².

Pete

 

[neilf39]

I just have one of those small 7Ah lead acid motor cycle batteries and attach my inflator via its crocodile clips. Easy to store and charge and you just put it next to the inflatable.

 

[prv]

I just have one of those small 7Ah lead acid motor cycle batteries and attach my inflator via its crocodile clips. Easy to store and charge and you just put it next to the inflatable.

An excellent alternative

I think Bravo make a pump now with the battery built in; if I didn't already have the LVM inflator I might well go down that route.

Pete

 

[Kelpie]

Or sell the fancy pump and buy a cheap one than runs off a ciggy lighter socket

 

[prv]

Or sell the fancy pump and buy a cheap one than runs off a ciggy lighter socket

Mine isn't very fancy, just nice and powerful . Blows a dinghy up pretty quick, anything that draws less power will necessarily be slower, and might need some manual pumping to get up to full pressure.

Pete

 

[duncan99210]

I knew I'd get some lateral thinking on here! Neil's idea is brilliant, saves trying to fit a single use power outlet in the cockpit along with the expensive wiring required. And SWMBO is delighted as she will not now have to make a bag for the inflator, as I'll get a box to put the battery and the inflator in.

 

[wiggy]

I got the 12v one of these http://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=919, haven't recharged yet after about 4 inflations, when needed it will come home and get charged by my mototorcyle charger.

 

[zambant]

......... simplest of simply extending the cable by about 10 metres so that it can simply be clipped on to the domestic battery posts.

That's what I did - works great !!!!