Quote:
Originally Posted by sapdawg711
The automatic bilge pumps that they have now are GOOD. These are not your old "connect your bilge to a separate float so that your system is the size of a small army" style pumps. They are compact. They turn on only when there are a few inches of water in the boat. They have an internal check valve. And they even come apart for easy cleaning. Water starts to fill the boat and you don't know about it, the pump turns on, you'll hear it, water gets pumped out AND you can investigate. I don't know why you would go any other route.
By adding a manual switch into that system, you are adding a significant weak point.
I'm going to disagree. By not adding a manual switch you creating an "out of sight out of mind" situation. I guess your just going to assume that your bilge is going to work. When are you going to find that out, after you've noticed the weight of the water in your hull?
And plugging the water outlet is a bad idea. As previously stated, be certain to run a generous amount of hose above your outlet prior to running it down to the bilge and the amount of water coming into the hull from the outlet will be minimal. Plugging the outlet requires you to remember to UNplug the outlet with things "hit the fan". And when things hit the fan, its amazing what you will forget.
I'm going to disagree again. Is it really hard to reach over and pull the plug? Please. 
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You really want to keep water from inside the hull? Quit drilling holes in your kayak. You want all that crap, buy a boat. Most got into kayaking for the simplicity of it. What's wrong with the bucket in the milk crate
on the outside of the kayak, or the bait tube (again on the outside).
I've never had water in the hull with the exception of getting caught in the surf. The manufactures seals on the manufactures molded openings are suffencient to keep most of the water out.