Hi Steve,

You're the man!!!

The mounting solution, remote switch, and thru-hull all sound ideal. Some people may be reluctant about mounting a thru-hull, but that's a small price to pay for the convenience of such a system. Does the thru-hull have a one-way valve?

1. Dou you want this product?

Absolutely! I have started to assemble a system by myself, but a factory-produced unit with everything tied together (professionally) and in a more compact package would be ideal. I have 3 kayaks, but don't want to assemble systems for all of them. I would probably keep my original as a spare, and buy your units for primary use.

How many pumping-out cycles should this system do on one charge?

2. What would you be willing to pay for such a system?

$40-50. I hope that would leave enough room for retail markup. The individual components, assembled by hand, run about $40-60 (retail), depending on material choices. There is a significant convenience factor for having this system ready-made, but I would hope there would be some economy of scale if this system could be mass-assembled/produced. I would pay $60-70 if it were really a nice system, but I think you'd have a harder time with volume sales at that price point. I will buy 3 at $40 apiece, but probably only one at $70.

3. What changes would you like to see in the system?

A quick-disconnect fitting would be handy (switch wire and drain hose) so the unit could be moved to another kayak in an emergency situation. I don't think this should be added to the base product, but would make a nice $20-30 accessory. I realize the problems involved with a QD wire, but the hose shouldn't be too difficult.

An accessory attachment point (maybe even the fitting for the 12v charger) would be nice to have power for a nighttime navigation/visibility lighting system, especially if the battery were of sufficient amperage. I'm thinking of an LED system so power drain would be low enough to not detract from the safety of the pump system.

Lastly, I am trying to get a grip on just how many kayaks are out there and
how many are manufacturer/sold each year.

I think Matt Broze of Mariner Kayaks (http://www.marinerkayaks.com/) has that information, but is pretty tight-lipped with it. If he understood that you aren't a competitor, but are producing a complementary product, he might be able to give you some idea. The Trade Association of Paddlesports (http://www.taps.org) might also have a figure.

All of your comments and help are greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

This unit could probably also be marketed to owners of canoes, small aluminum fishing boats, jonboats, dinghies, and small sailboats.

Thank you!

Shawn