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
- [ SPECIFICATIONS ]: Model Number: SFBP1-G750-06, Voltage: 12V, Flow Rate: 750 GPH, Outlet Diameter: 3/4" (19mm), Current Draw: 2.48A, Max Draw: 5A, Wire Lead Length: 3' (1m),
- [BACKED BY A 4-YEAR WARRANTY ]: SEAFLO’s industry-leading warranty guarantees reliability and peace of mind for years to come.
- [ ALL-IN-ONE PUMP AND SWITCH ]: This compact unit combines a pump and float switch into one integrated solution, reducing the need for separate components. Ideal for retrofitting or new installations, it simplifies bilge water management.
- [ AUTOMATIC OPERATION FOR EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE ]: The built-in float switch activates the pump automatically when water levels rise and shuts it off when water is removed, ensuring consistent and worry-free operation.
- [HIGH-PERFORMANCE 750 GPH FLOW RATE]: Equipped with a 5-blade impeller that delivers a higher flow rate than competing bilge pumps, this pump efficiently removes water to keep your boat dry and protected in demanding marine conditions
- 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
- 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
- Moisture-tight seal
- Easy-clean snap-lock strainer
- Anti-airlock protection
- Stainless steel shaft
- Rust and corrosion protection
- 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
- Reliable and Efficient: This 1500 GPH water pump offers superior performance for various boating needs, making it an essential bilge pump with pressure switch for efficient water removal and boat maintenance.
- User-Friendly: This12 Volt bilge pump provides hassle-free operation and peace of mind for all boating adventures. It comes with a 6 foot wire for easy installation and use.
- High Durability: Made with high-quality materials, this water pump is designed to withstand harsh marine environments, ensuring long-lasting durability and reliable operation for years.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for use in boats, kayaks, and other watercraft, this pump is perfect for jon boat accessories, live well pump systems, and other marine applications requiring efficient water transfer.
- Compact and Portable: With its compact design and lightweight construction, this submersible pump is easy to install and transport, making it an excellent addition to your boat accessories and marine supplies.
- Reliably provides bilge water pumping for boats of any size
- Meets automatic switch pump requirements for any vessels 20 feet and over with sleeping accommodations
- Also convenient and useful for boats of any size
- Compact and durable package includes pump, wire seals, strainer, and mercury-free switch in one unit
- Installs quickly and easily in tight spaces, mounts horizontally only
- Fully submersible 800 Gallons per hour bilge pump with a self-contained automatic switch to maintain a safe water level
- Features a durable plastic housing that can withstand the harshest marine environment
- Comes with a universal mounting base for effortless installation and cleaning
- With a tough stainless-steel impeller shaft and tinned marine grade wiring for a steady and reliable performance
- The outlet hose barb measures ¾’ that can fit a common ¾ bilge hose and thru-hull fittings
- WIDE APPLICATION: The bilge pump is used in a wide range of Marine environments, including fishing boats, cruisers, speedboats, yachts, kayaks and more, built for harsh Marine environments to withstand the most adverse conditions
- AUTOMATIC BILGE PUMP: Our 12V pumps do not require a separate float switch and have a built-in electronically controlled reed sensor system for fully automatic operation. With a capacity of 1100 gallons per hour, ensure fast and efficient water removal to keep your boat dry and safe
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: Bilge pump plumbing kit includes auto bilge pump, 6 FT of 1-1/8 inch diameter hose, 2 sturdy clamps, thru-hull connector and instruction. Everything you need for a quick and hassle-free installation
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made with high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials, this bilge pump is designed to withstand harsh marine environments, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability
- PERFECT FIT: With straightforward instructions and all necessary components included, the bilge pump kit is easy to install. Any questions please feel free to reach out to us, and we will reply to you in time
- 3000 GPH High Flow Rate: Our automatic bilge pump is equipped with a 3300 RPM high-speed copper wire motor, an efficient drainage impeller, and a 1.6"/40 mm diameter outlet pipe. It can swiftly drain water up to 3000 GPH, reaching 18 ft/5.5 m away!
- Automatic On/Off: When the brown wire is connected to your battery's positive pole (+), the boat bilge pump enters automatic on/off mode. When the water level rises above the bottom plane of the filter by 11.8", the pump automatically starts draining.
- High-Quality Motor: Crafted with copper wires for conductivity and a stainless steel shaft for corrosion resistance, our bilge pump motor runs quietly and efficiently and lasts long. The motor's sealed waterproof housing further protects it. With an insulation class of B, the motor is protected even during prolonged operation.
- Sturdy and Durable: Our automatic boat bilge pump features a pressure-resistant, corrosion-resistant ABS747 waterproof housing, reinforced switch, clog-resistant filter base, and impeller. These features ensure it stands the test of time, no matter the conditions.
- Wide Application: This marine bilge pump, capable of rapid and continuous drainage with an automatic on/off function, can be used for fishing boats, kayaks, and motorboats to prevent excessive submersion of the hull, ensuring the security of personnel, equipment, and cargo. It is also suitable for basements as a backup sewage pump to discharge rainwater.
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.