A bilge pump is an electric or manual pump that removes water from the bilge, the lowest point of the hull where bilge water, rainwater and condensation moisture collect. Without a bilge pump, water accumulation leads to extra weight, corrosion and in serious cases damage to the hull or electrical installations. Seaflo, Hibo and EvoNautic offer models for every boat type, from small inflatable to larger motorboat.
Which type of bilge pump suits your boat?
| Type | Capacity | Use | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual diaphragm pump | unlimited (manual) | Emergency backup, small tender, kayak | Low |
| Electric 12V manual | 350-1100 GPH | Inflatable, tender, dinghy | Mid |
| Electric 12V automatic (float switch) | 600-1100 GPH | Motorboat, sailboat, unattended at berth | Mid-high |
| Low profile automatic | 800-1100 GPH | Boats with limited space under floorboards | Mid-high |
Manual or electric?
A manual bilge pump works without power and is the reliable emergency backup on board. An electric 12V pump removes water automatically or at the press of a button, without you having to do anything. For unattended boats and larger tenders, an automatic pump with float switch is standard. Also check the boat accessories section for connection kits and fuse holders.
Calculating capacity
GPH stands for gallons per hour. Multiply by 3.785 for litres per hour. Rule of thumb: choose at least 1000 GPH extra above your expected inflow rate. A small inflatable or tender is well served with 500-750 GPH. A motorboat of 6 metres or longer will benefit from 1100 GPH. Also browse the SUP pump range if you are looking for a SUP pump for your inflatable board.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bilge pump and why do I need one?
A bilge pump removes water from the bilge, the lowest point of the hull. Water collects there through small leaks around the propeller shaft, rainfall, wave splash or condensation. Without a bilge pump, weight increases, corrosion forms on metal components and electrical systems get damaged. A bilge pump is standard on almost every motorboat and sailboat. On inflatables and small tenders a manual pump is strongly recommended as emergency gear, and an electric pump is a comfortable addition.
Manual or electric bilge pump: what do I choose?
A manual diaphragm pump works without a battery or wiring and is therefore always available, even during power failure. They are compact, inexpensive and ideal as a backup or as the only pump in a small kayak or inflatable. An electric 12V pump moves water faster and without effort. The automatic version switches itself on as soon as the float switch detects water, even when you are not on board. For boats that sit in the water overnight or are regularly left unattended, an automatic electric pump is almost essential.
What is a float switch and how does it work?
A float switch automatically activates the bilge pump as soon as the water reaches a set level. The float rises with the water and closes the electrical circuit. When the water drops, the float falls and the pump switches off. Many automatic bilge pumps have a built-in float switch. Some models also allow a separate switch to be connected, so you can operate the pump manually as a supplement to the automatic function.
How do I install an electric bilge pump in an inflatable?
Mount the pump at the lowest point of the bilge, secured with screws into a wood or plastic block for vibration dampening. Connect the red cable to the positive terminal via an appropriate fuse (5-15 amps) and the black cable to the negative. Route the discharge hose upward to an outlet above the waterline and fit a check valve on the discharge to prevent backflow. Test the installation by pouring a small amount of water into the bilge and checking that the pump starts.
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