Bilge Pumps

Whether you're seeking simplicity, reliability, or advanced functionality, there's a bilge pump type tailored to meet your requirements. Let's dive in and explore the diverse array of bilge pump options to help you make the best choice for your marine adventures. Read More

Manual and Electric Pumps

Electrical bilge pumps are easy to install, cost-effective, and have a high water capacity compared to manual bilge pumps. Electrically operated pumps rely on power provided by the batteries on the boat, and if the power were to fail because of water entering the boat the pump would no longer function. To alleviate this risk, it is recommended that you carry an additional hand-operated manual pump.

While electrical pumps are much more convenient and efficient, manual pumps are also capable of moving sufficient water to evacuate unwanted water from a boat. However, a manual pump will be physically demanding and may be awkward to operate in a restricted or inaccessible bilge area.

Diaphragm Pumps

A diaphragm pump is commonly used in boats and operates a flexible diaphragm that moves back and forth to create a pumping action drawing water in and then expelling it from the pump. The diaphragm is typically made of rubber or other flexible material and as the diaphragm moves, it creates a vacuum that draws water into the pump and valve. When the diaphragm moves in the opposite direction, it compresses the water and forces it through the outlet valve.

These types of pumps can be either manual or electrically powered (automatic or manual switches). Manual pumps require users to manually move the diaphragm, and electric pumps are equipped with an electric motor that automates the pumping process. Electric diaphragm bilge pumps are preferred because of their convenience and ease of use; however, manual pumps are also carried as a backup if an extra pump is needed, or power failure occurs.

Diaphragm pumps have an advantage in their ability to expel debris and small solids in addition to the water without clogging or damaging the pump. However, a strainer is needed at the end of the system to avoid debris clogging the outlet valve. They are also self-priming, meaning that they can remove the air from the system and pump water without manual priming. These pumps are considered reliable, easy to install, and can easily remove small amounts of water from a boat.

Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are the most common type of bilge pump. They are almost always electrical and used in small to medium-sized boats. These pumps consist of an impeller, casing, inlet valve, and outlet valve. In a centrifugal pump, the impeller is made of anything from metal to plastic and has curved blades or vanes designed to create a centrifugal force as the impeller spins.

This force propels the water away from the center of the rotation and out of the outlet hose of the boat. The casing of the impeller is designed to provide a pathway from the water to flow and maximize the pump’s efficiency.

This type of pump is not self-priming and must be submersed into the water to pump. They are usually placed in the sump area of the boat’s bilge where the water is designed to collect and have a screen or filter on the inlet to avoid clogging or damaging the impeller.

This filter can be easily removed for cleaning and removal of debris. Centrifugal pumps are desirable because of their ability to remove large amounts of water quickly and their relatively high flow rates.

When selecting a bilge pump for your boat, several considerations regarding capacity and flow rate play a crucial role in ensuring effective water removal and maintaining safety onboard. Read More

1. Size and use of the boat: When determining the bilge pump you will install for your boat, you should first consider the size of your boat and how or where your boat will be used. Smaller boats typically hold much less water than their larger counterparts and will sink quicker from small leaks. So, a smaller boat that is used in rougher conditions will need a higher pump capacity than a larger boat used on a calm river or lake. Furthermore, installing a larger pump capacity is never a bad idea. When provided with the option, always go with the largest pump that your plumbing and hoses will allow to ensure your boat can remove unwanted water.
2. Identify water sources: Choosing a bilge pump is also dependent on the expected sources of unwanted water. Some potential sources can be rainwater, through-hull fitting leaks, wave splashes, or other smaller leaks. Consider the largest possible source of water and how much water could be taken on by these sources at one time.
3. Backup pumps: Boaters are typically advised to have at least one backup to the automated or electrical pumps that are installed onboard. This can help in case of failure or if the boat is overwhelmed by water and needs to have more water evacuated than a single pump could reasonably handle.

These factors collectively influence the pump's ability to move water effectively, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right pump size to compensate for potential losses in efficiency. Read More

Voltage Drop

Most bilge pumps are rated at power levels higher than a boat electrical system will deliver, and the gallons per hour rating is based on that higher power rating. Batteries can deliver optimal power levels when they are being actively charged through shore power or when the engine is running.

However, when not actively charging, the voltage delivered by the battery can decrease significantly. Furthermore, corroded or undersized wires can limit the voltage given to the bilge pump, decreasing the capacity even more.

Vertical Climb

Bilge pumps are also rated when pumping water horizontally. Bilge pumps are located in the bilge, the lowest part of the boat below the waterline. Water will be pumped to reach the outlet above the waterline. All bilge pumps will have to lift the water up some vertical climb, and this significantly impacts the efficiency and capacity of the bilge pump.

Typically, this will cut down the capacity of the pump by 20-40%. If you’re looking to reach a capacity mark, be sure to up the size of the pump to make up for the loss in efficiency.

When using an electrical bilge pump, the two most common types of bilge switches to enable electrical pumps to function automatically are the built-in automatic switch or a separate float switch: Read More

Built-in Automatic Switch

Some pumps come with a float switch integrated into the housing and wiring of the pump itself. This helps to simplify the installation and makes it easier to install into tight bilge areas. The built-in float switch determines the water level based on the switch height when water is present.

The switch will then allow the pump to operate until the water level lowers to an acceptable level. Often, these switch and pump types do not remove all the water from the bilge and leave less than an inch of water in the sump area.

Separate Float Switch

Another popular type of switch is the separate float switch. These separate float switches can be used to convert a manual electrically operated pump into an automatic system. This switch operates similarly to the built-in automatic switches, but they are not integrated into the casing or wiring of the pump and are installed separately.

A bilge pump is a piece of electronic equipment installed on a boat to prevent water from accumulating in the bilge area. Unwanted water can cause minor and major issues for boats, and bilge pumps help to mitigate these problems.

Bilge pumps work like a vacuum to draw water from the bilge area out of the boat and pump it back overboard.

The size of the boat, body of water, and intended use are all important determinants of the size and type of bilge pump that should be installed. It is recommended to consider worst-case scenarios and pick a pump that can best help in those situations.

The two most common types of bilge pumps are diaphragm and centrifugal pumps. Diaphragm pumps can handle debris better, while centrifugal pumps have higher flow rates. Both are submersible and can be automatically or manually operated.

Usually, a bilge pump is designed to handle small amounts of water from seepage or rainwater. They are not intended to handle major water issues caused by a damaged or punctured hull.

Multiple bilge pumps are recommended in case of primary pump failure. A manual or hand-operated pump may be sufficient to provide an additional option.

While a diaphragm bilge pump can expel smaller debris from the bilge area, it is not the primary purpose nor advisable to use it to expel debris. Centrifugal bilge pumps will fail if debris enters the impeller system, and they will stop expelling water.