In the overly complex world of today, everything has to be powered and complicated. I have an old air mattress we use with the occasional guest/kid sleeping over or something. It has a integrated foot pump. You may get a bit of exercise in your leg, but you'll soon have a nice bed, no matter if the power is out or what.

You can't seem to buy one now... they all have to have a battery powered "blower". And when you need that bed, you can guarantee the batteries are dead. read more »

Did you know that something like this even existed? I didn't. Seems just the thing for a simple drinking water setup on your boat (or elsewhere).

NOTE: This site is just an example. It's available from lots of places on the net. Search for "Bottled Water Hand Pump" and find what you like.

Simplicity and keeping things simple have been themes in my build for a while. I've found that simplifying is a good trend in lots of aspects of life... computer systems, "stuff around the house", all manner of things.

The Briney Bug is "Simplicity taken to the max". Trawlers and Trawlering has a nice little article with several pictures of this unique design.  read more »