If your boat has a hull, there’s a good chance there’s a bilge. The bilge is the lowest part of the boat, so it’s the first place water will seep in if your boat springs a leak. And regardless of the size of your boat, there’s a pretty good chance your bilge has a few inches of water in it, even when your boat is upright on dry land.
Since you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve already discovered this for yourself. If you’ve ever turned on a light in your boat and been greeted by a cloud of water vapor, you know what we’re talking about. And if you’ve ever gone to start up your boat and found that it wouldn’t start, chances are at least part of the reason was water in the bilge.
Bilge pumps are installed to help prevent water from collecting in the bilge, but they can’t do their job if they’re not working properly, or if they’re not installed correctly. To help you find the best boat bilge pumps we’ve rounded up our top picks and
Our Editor’s Best Boat Bilge Pumps Reviews
- Flow Rate (GPH): 1100GPH; Volt: 12V; Current(A): 3.8A; Head(M): 3.0M
- Wire Lead(M): 1m; Outlet Diameter: 29mm/ 1.14 Inch (1-1/8"); Width: Approx. 81mm
- Built-in float switch! (No separate float switch is needed)
- No power use until pump is activated by internal float switch (when water level rises)
- Equipped with built in electronic controlled reed sensor system for easy fully automatic operation
- Flow Rate: 1100 GPH; Voltage: 12 VDC
- Flow: 1100 gallons per hour or 5000 L / hour, Head: 13 Ft (4mts), Outlet Dia. 1-1/8" (29mm)
- Typical Uses: Suitable for hydraulic systems fed with cold water—used in line to be fed by gravity or pressure
- Ideal For Fishing Boats, Cruisers, Runabouts, Yachts, Etc
- Built for the harsh marine environment, are suitable to withstand the most adverse condition. The water-cooled engine ensures a long service life
- Voltage: 12V Flow Rate: 750 GPH Outlet Diameter: 3/4" (19mm)
- Embrace worry-free boating with the Seaflo 750GPH Automatic Submersible Boat Bilge Water Pump. This all-in-one pump and float switch combo eliminates the need for an additional float switch, making it a convenient and efficient choice for marine applications.
- Automatic Operation: The pump activates when the water level rises and automatically shuts off once the water is removed. No manual intervention required, ensuring peace of mind during your marine adventures.
- Automatic Operation: The pump activates when the water level rises and automatically shuts off once the water is removed. No manual intervention required, ensuring peace of mind during your marine adventures.The float switch's hollow design enables seamless functionality. When the water level rises above 2” (50 mm), the pump activates, and it deactivates when the water level drops to 3/4” (20) mm above the strainer's bottom surface.
- Oil-Resistance: This pump is designed to handle straight motor oil without activating, keeping your bilge free from unwanted pumping due to oil presence.
- Package Included: We will provide you with 0.98 inch 1100 gph marine bilge pump 12v, 6 ft/1.8 m bilge pump hose, through hull connector and 2 hose clamps, with exquisite packaging, complete accessories and sufficient quantity, which can meet your daily various needs, so that you can use it with no hassle, and make you realize a worry-free shopping
- Easy to Use: The bilge pump kit for boats has a removable design, easy to assemble and disassemble, even if you don't have a lot of professional knowledge and installation experience, you can easily and quickly put it in place. In addition, it continues to run smoothly even when there is no water for a short period of time, and there is no risk of burning out the pump, which allows you to use it with peace of mind, freedom and without any hassle while using it
- Safe and Reliable: The non-automatic bilge pump is made of high quality material, very good sealing, oil, solvent and sunlight resistance, long service life, the detachable design also makes it easy to clean, easy to operate and use, with it, you will get a good shopping experience
- Easy to Carry: The rule bilge pump is compact and will not take up extra space, with high flow rate, high actual head and fast pumping speed, in addition, it is uniquely designed with a filter, which can quickly filter all kinds of impurities and garbage in the water to ensure that the pump is not interfered with in the process of working, which prolongs the service life of the pump
- Wide Range of Applications: Bilge pumps for boats have many applications, which can be used in a variety of working environments, ideal for use on fishing boats, cruisers, small speedboats, yachts and other vessels. In addition, bilge pumps for boats with hose kit is very practical, which can help you improve the efficiency of your work and bring you more obvious working results
- LONG HOSE FOR EASY WATER REMOVAL: A 39" long hose lets you reach deep areas to discharge with ease. 1" intake nozzle, 14" chamber and 1.25" diameter hose to remove water quickly. 115 cubic inches per pump or 1 gallon removal in 2 to 3 pumps.
- NO CLOG FILTER & WATERTIGHT GASKET: A rubber seal creates a watertight seal that won't leak allowing for maximum suction with the manual water pump. Features a filtered nozzle to prevent seaweed, leaves and debris from clogging the hand siphon pump.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, PORTABLE & IDEAL FOR EMERGENCIES: The hand pump is light and easy tostore, making it perfect for emergency use in small boats, kayaks, canoes or dinghy. Does not require power making it ideal as an emergency bailer or in kayaking.
- EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY: Our marine-grade bilge pump is specially designed to quickly remove water from hard to reach places season after season. We use premium materials not found in other lesser quality boat, RV, car and home products.
- WHY BETTER BOAT: We are a family owned American business committed to making premium quality interior & exterior RV care and boat cleaning supplies. We stand behind your satisfaction and our hand water pump or hand held bilge pumps for boats.
- Package Content: the package will provide you with 1 piece of 750gph bilge pumps for boats, 1 piece of bilge pump hose which measures about 70.87 inches/ 1.8 meters, 2 pieces of hose clamps and 1 piece of thru hull fitting, suitable for diving and burning protection
- Quality Material: the bilge pump hose is composed of quality PVC material, and the bilge pump is made of stainless steel shaft, and the body of pump is made of tough, moisture resistant thermoplastic material, have a good oil, solvent and sunlight resistance, serviceable for long time use
- Decorative But Practical: the hose of 12v sump pump has a corrugated spiral design with anti kink structure and small bending radius, which can ensure a long service life as well as keep a stable flow rate, the cuffless design with a smooth inner hole prevents leakage at the connection end
- Convenient to Use: the bilge pump kit is easy to use, suitable for 1-1/8" OD pump outlet, simple to install and remove the filter device, to ensure that the pump runs freely without vibration, and will not burn out the pump if it runs without water for a short time, and suction lift does not need to be fully submerged, thus providing you with a convenient using experience
- Scope of Occasions: the plastic hose clamp and pump enjoys a wide range of applications, such as small swimming pools, cistern replenishment, sewage sampling, liquid transfer, fountains and more, fit various industries including fish farming, environmental protection, ships, industry and agriculture, etc
- 【Perfect Design】This product is made with bodies crafted from ABS exclusive moisture tight seal. The pure copper motor boasts excellent electrical conductivity, minimal resistance, low energy consumption, high performance, solid stability, reduced noise, and an extended service life.
- 【Small yet Powerful】1/10HP sump pump moves up to 1500 gallons per hour tackles any draining job at a fraction of the time. Small size, high efficiency, low current (12V/3.5A); to achieve a small size perfect combination of high flow.
- 【Built-in Float Switch】Automatic mode: Start/stop automatically. When water level is below 1 inch, it will automatically disconnect the power; when water level rises above 1.4 inch, the pump will start again. Manual mode: The pump will not stop automatically once started, need to manually cut off the power supply.
- 【Auto/Manual Mode Connection】Automatic mode connection: Contect black wire to negative, contect blue wire to positive, red wire is not connected. Manual mode connection: contect black wire to negative, contect ren wire to positive, blue wire is not connected.
- 【Easy to Use】The pump outlet Diameter is 1-1/8" (29mm), 1pcs of stainless steel clamp is included, which makes easier to connect discharge hose. Ideal for fishing boats, cruisers, runabouts, yachts, skiff, dingy, fish tank, RV, as a portable shower, etc.
- Package included 1 pack of 1100 gph bilge pumps for boats, 1 pack of 6 ft/1.8 meters bilge pump hose, 2 stainless steel hose clamps, and 1 thru hull connector.
- The bilge pump hose is made of high-quality PVC material, which is light and durable. And it is resistant to oils, solvents and chemicals.
- Corrugated helix, kink-proof construction with an excellently tight bend radius ensures maximum durability and maintains a steady flow.
- The bilge pump kit is easy to use, suitable for 1-1/8" OD pump outlet, simple to install and remove the filter device, to ensure that the pump runs freely without vibration, and will not burn out the pump if it runs without water for a short time, and suction lift does not need to be fully submerged, thus providing you with a convenient using experience.
- Widely Applicable: the plastic hose clamp and pump enjoys a wide range of applications, such as small swimming pools, cistern replenishment, sewage sampling, liquid transfer, fountains and more, fit various industries including fish farming, environmental protection, ships, industry and agriculture, etc
- Flow rate: 7570 litres per hour, 12 volts DC
- Heavy duty motors with stainless steel shafts and tough thermoplastic bodies
- Fully submersible and ignition protected
- Meets all existing safety standards (CE, ROHS, ISO9001:2008 approved)
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
- Flow Rate: 1100 GPH; Voltage: 12 VDC
- Flow: 1100 gallons per hour or 5000 L / hour, Head: 13 Ft (4mts), Outlet Dia. 1-1/8" (29mm) Typical Uses: Suitable for hydraulic systems fed with cold water—used in line to be fed by gravity or pressure Ideal For Fishing Boats, Cruisers, Runabouts, Yachts, Etc Built for the harsh marine environment, are suitable to withstand the most adverse condition. The water-cooled engine ensures a long service life
- Ideal for fishing boats, cruise ship, yachts, etc.
- Impact resistant ABS housing, stainless steel shafts, rust proof and corrosion resistant Easy-to-clean snap lock strainers
- Built for the harsh marine environment, are suitable to withstand the most adverse condition. The water-cooled engine ensures a long service life
Best Boat Bilge Pumps Buying Guide
Before choosing the best boat bilge pumps you should consider following options:
1. What the Boat Bilge Pump Is Intended to Do: Every boat owner should have a good idea of what the bilge pump is intended to do.
The basic function of a bilge pump is to remove water from the bottom of the boat by sucking it out with a discharge hose and then transporting it to a place where it can be safely discharged.
The discharge may be connected to a discharge opening on the top of the boat, or the discharge may be connected to a discharge pipe that is lowered into the water away from the boat.
Some pumps are self-priming, which means that the pump will draw in water when the discharge is not active. This is a great feature because it prevents the pump from being out of commission if the discharge pipe is accidentally plugged.
Other pumps are designed to operate continuously with a float switch that turns on the pump when water is detected.
2. Size of the Boat Bilge Pump: The size of the boat bilge pump is extremely important. You don’t want a pump that is too small for your application or one that is overpowered for your application.
While it’s possible to have a pump that is too large, it’s much less likely. If the pump is too small, it won’t be able to remove all of the water from the bottom of the boat in a timely manner.
If the pump is oversized, it won’t have the velocity needed to move the water efficiently. It’s important to have a pump that is powerful enough to move the water, but not too powerful because the discharge pipe can become plugged if the pump is too powerful.
The GPM (gallons per minute) flow rate is the way to determine the size of the pump needed. Start by figuring out the area of the bottom of the boat that will be drained.
For example, if the bottom of the boat is 12 square feet, then the area is 12 square feet. Multiply the area by the GPM flow rate to get the gallons per minute that is needed.
For example, if you need a pump that moves 20 GPM, then you need 240 gallons of water removed every minute.
3. Discharge Location: You need to plan for the pump discharge in advance. The discharge can be from the top of the boat or from a pipe that is lowered into the water.
If the discharge is from the top of the boat, then the pump will be exposed to the weather which may cause damage to the pump. If the pump is exposed to the weather, then it’s a good idea to purchase a self-priming pump.
If the discharge is lowered into the water, then the pump will be protected from the weather and it’s not necessary for the pump to be self-priming.
4. Power Source: You may be surprised to learn that there are pumps that can be powered in different ways. There are some pumps that are completely self contained and will run off of the battery on board.
Other pumps are designed to be powered by a water intake from the boat’s engine. There are also some pumps that are powered by an electric motor that is plugged into a standard outlet.
5. Mounting Location: You also need to have a good idea of where the pump will be mounted. If the boat is anchored in open water then the pump will be exposed to the weather so it’s a good idea to purchase a self
What else you should know about boat bilge pumps
1. What is a boat bilge pump and what does it do?
A boat bilge pump is a device that is used to remove water that has accumulated in the bilge of a boat.
2. Why is it important to have a bilge pump on your boat?
A bilge pump is a very important safety feature on a boat. It is designed to remove water from the bilge, which is the lowest part of the boat where water can accumulate. This water can come from rain, waves, or leaks, and it can quickly build up to a dangerous level. If the bilge is not pumped out, the boat can become unstable and even sink.
3. How does a bilge pump work?
Bilge pumps are used to remove water from the bilge of a boat. The bilge is the lowest part of the boat, where water can collect. Bilge pumps are used to pump the water out of the bilge and overboard.
4. What are some of the different types of bilge pumps available?
Some of the different types of bilge pumps available are centrifugal pumps, diaphragm pumps, and submersible pumps.
5. How do you choose the right bilge pump for your boat?
The rule of thumb for choosing the right bilge pump for your boat is to choose a pump that can move at least one and a half times the amount of water your boat holds.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best boat bilge pumps. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best boat bilge pumps will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.