> I cut out 4mm ply the exact shape of form 7 on the Guillemot. I will glass
> it on both sides for added strength and once the pump is mounted will
> install it as the front bulkhead. I cut a 4 inch diameter circle in it's
> center that just allows the pumps foot pad and collar to poke through. The
> pump has 12 twelve small machine screws that hold the top and bottom
> together. By getting stainless screws that are 1/4" longer I can bolt
> it right through the plywood with some marine cauking to make the bulkhead
> water tight and not interfear with it's operation.

For what it's worth, Jack, this is exactly how the Henderson Chimp deck pump used to be mounted in the after decks on "British Heavies", only they were obviously hand-operated. It should work fine.

> How often do these things need service? Should I plan on the diaphragms
> wearing out every couple of years?

My Henderson foot pump has been in the Pintail for about seven years now, and no problems. Cleaning it every year or two with some 303 is probably a good idea. I didn't do it, but it's still a good idea. My experience is that these pumps are pretty pilot-proof, but I have heard one story recently from a very accomplished paddler who had the diaphragm nut back off on the plate a little on a Henderson.

Another thought on installation: if your bulkhead is too far forward --- as it was on my Pintail --- to mount the pump to the bulkhead, a foam plug, cut and shaped to serve as a footrest, is also an option. In the Pintail, I carved a footrest plug, filling the forwardmost six inches of the cockpit, and then carved out a recess for the pump and wedged the hummer in. Again, not a foolproof installation, but it's worked so far --- seven years.

Jack Martin