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The Best Bilge Pumps For Reliable Drainage

Do you own a boat? If not, what about a car? Boat owners and car owners alike have one major thing in common, and that’s the tendency to treat their motorized equipment with a lot of TLC. It all comes down to taking care of their boat and viewing boat ownership as a major responsibility. No matter which type of boat you own, there's absolutely no way for you to fully prevent any and all water from seeping into it.

Truthfully, no matter how intentional you are about sidestepping it, water will get into your boat in one way or another. But you don’t have to keep it there! Instead, invest in one of the best bilge pumps of 2024. Intentionally designed to remove water from the bilge of your boat, a bilge pump — like our favorite one, the MAXZONE Bilge Pump — can help you like no other. Read our buying guide to find out more!

Our Top Picks For Bilge Pumps

• Best Overall: MAXZONE Bilge Pump Shop Now ➔
• Most Affordable: MAXZONE Automatic Bilge Pump Shop Now ➔
• Easy To Install: Shoreline Marine Bilge Pump Shop Now ➔
• Best Warranty: Dontmiss Automatic Bilge Pump Shop Now ➔
• Best Performance: Creatorele Bilge Pump Shop Now ➔
• 1 Features To Look For in a Bilge Pump
• 3 Automatic
• 5 Installation

Which type of bilge pump is best for large boats?

Why do small boats need high-capacity pumps, is one pump enough for my boat, which type of switches are best, do i really need a bilge pump, related articles, the best bilge pumps, best overall.

MAXZONE Bilge Pump

While MAXZONE’s Bilge Pump is inexpensive in comparison to its competitors, this in no way means that the brand compromises on its features. Featuring a flow rate of 1100 GPH at 12V, it’s suitable for all kinds of water vessels, including fishing boats, cruises, and yachts. 

Compatible with hydraulic systems that utilize cold water, it has a moisture-tight seal that enables the motor to work very efficiently. Other admirable features include ignition protection and ABS-exclusive construction.  The pump has a lockable strainer base that acts like an automatic bilge pump. Additionally, it has a head of up to 13 feet, resulting in distant water expulsion and making it our favorite option on the list.

• Great for those on a budget 
• Can withstand various environments
• Vibrant colors for visibility 
• Might produce loud sounds

Most Affordable

MAXZONE Automatic Bilge Pump

The MAXZONE Automatic Bilge Pump is an all-in-one pump. Fully automatic and capable of operating as a controlled reed sensor system with a maximum flow rate of 11000 GPH at 12V, it has a built-in float switch. This means that this pump uses energy only after its activation and stops usage after it has shut down. 

Featuring a nylon hose barb that allows multiple connection options, the device has a prolonged life motor with an anti-fouling impeller and ABS-exclusive moisture seal. The strainer base is also detachable, which makes cleaning and maintenance easy.  It also works very well for small and larger boats!

• Made with durable materials 
• Takes up very little space
• Excellent option as a backup pump
• Doesn’t have a sensitive float switch

Easy To Install

Shoreline Marine Bilge Pump

Shoreline’s Marine Bilge Pump is without a doubt one of the best in the industry. Capable of being submerged and operating on a pumping capacity of 600 GPH, it is small, compact, and exemplary if you’re looking for something modest. 

Featuring a very low current of 3A, all of its hardware uses stainless steel with marine-grade lead wiring. Even though the pump itself is pretty inexpensive, if you’re looking for it to be automatic you’ll have to add a few additional parts to the total cost, such as a float and switch. It also comes with a mounting bracket and a user-friendly guide.

• Removable easy-to-clean design
• Secure clip for ease of installation
• Universal silent-operation mounting system
• May have a weak pressure

Best Warranty

Dontmiss Automatic Bilge Pump

The Dontmiss Automatic Bilge Pump is extremely powerful. It supports both automatic and non-automatic connections. Plus, the installment features different colored wires for your desired operation mode. With the built-in electronic sensor system being responsible for promoting a more complete automatic function, Dontmiss ensures zero energy consumption. 

With a capacity of 750 GPH and a flow rate of 12.5 gallons per minute at 12V, an integral float switch eliminates the need for an additional one. Adding to its functionality, it is inaudible and vibrationless, and the added quick-release strainer makes its maintenance a little easier.  Even though it’s not a well-known brand, you can rest assured that Dontmiss will last for years to come.

• Sealed motor that doesn’t burn out
• Comes with a one-year warranty
• Resistant to rust and corrosion
• Might have float switch malfunctions

Best Performance

Creatorele Bilge Pump

The Creatorele Bilge Pump is fully submersible and extremely easy to use. Ideal for small boats and fishing boats, it has a rated voltage of 12V and a capacity of 1100 GPH. As one of the reasons for the commendable efficiency of this pump, the stainless steel shafts and ABS plastic pumps of this bilge pump are resistant to different impacts. 

The discharge port has a nylon pump that accommodates all kinds of joints. Also, when it comes to cleaning, Creatorele offers an instruction manual to make the job easier, resulting in maximum productivity and extended usage.

• Very affordable price point
• Extremely versatile design
• Reliable and high-performing
• Might deter corrosion 

Buyer’s Guide: Best Bilge Pumps

Commonly referred to as nuisance water, not having a quality bilge pump can destabilize your boat and damage your machinery. More importantly, it may sink your boat within minutes.

Features To Look For in a Bilge Pump

A bilge pump is a handy, essential tool that quickly pumps out gallons of water. Taking into account different boat sizes and environments of the boats, here are a few things to look for when purchasing a bilge pump.

The size of the bilge pump is dependent on the gallons of water it is capable of throwing out. You’ll most likely use these pumps in tricky situations, so it’s better to choose a larger pump with a high flow rate as it will be effective in case of emergencies. There is no standard size of a bilge pump, but one with a discharge capacity of 1,000 gallons per hour or more should be good enough for both small and large boats.

With a built-in float switch, it works through an integrated sensor system. Fast and thorough, a bilge pump saves the user from the trouble of finding a separate switch. All in all, it’s also the best and most effective option.

The model of your bilge pump will depend on your needs as both models have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, while manual pumps are more suitable for small boats they are easy to manage and do not require any technical skills to operate them.

Nevertheless, as a downside they may not be quick enough in certain situations—so it is preferable to have an electric bilge pump with a backup manual pump in bigger boats. An automatic electric pump is quicker and proved to be more effective.

The float switch, upon activation, removes all unwanted water before it can cross normal levels. Dying your boat in a few minutes, having a manual pump as a backup is great to have as a precaution in case of short circuits or a low battery.

Installation

The bilge is the narrowest space in a boat, which is why it is not easy to install a bilge pump or any other gear in it. Therefore, it is also necessary to make sure the pump fits into the bilge safely.

Even though the expulsion volume should be a primary factor in choosing the size of a bilge pump, it may be useless if it cannot be easily installed and worked to its full potential. The strainers of the pump should be easily accessible for cleaning as well. This is why experts recommend getting pumps with removable strainers.

A diaphragm pump uses a rubber or plastic diaphragm for water intake and output. Efficient yet susceptible to clogging, the centrifugal pump works through a spinning impelling. It sucks water and discharges it with pressure, making it an extremely reliable and fuss-free option.

People Also Asked

Centrifugal pumps are the best option for bigger boats because the larger the vessel, the higher the capacity.

Small boats still need high-capacity pumps because they will sink quickly if water enters the ship. This is due to the small hull volume and bilge, so they need a high-capacity pump for the fastest water discharge possible.

While having one pump on hand works for small boats, you'll need to mount more pumps the larger the size of the boat. This will ensure that you can rely on efficient water removal. To ensure that your bilge pump is compatible with your boat, consider taking a quick look at the product description prior to buying one.

Automatic built-in switches with controlled sensors are best. They’re a great option for both professionals and beginners alike because they are so easy to use.

Yes! If you don't have a bilge pump, your boat will be more susceptible to sinking while at sea, and this can be a dangerous — if not fatal — scenario. 

Article Contributors

Sail magazine review team.

SAIL Magazine Review Team reports on best-selling products in sailing and boating. SAIL Magazine is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.

To ensure questions about product testing or a specific article are addressed, please contact [email protected]

Marine Expert

12 Best Bilge Pumps – (Reviews & Unbiased Guide 2022)

The best bilge pump can be your lifesaver and the secret hero under your seat while sailing the sea. If you have a reliable, well-built, and quiet unit at hand, this unit will provide great value if water ever breaks into your vessel.

There are numerous models to choose from – automatic, manual, lightweight, heavy-duty, etc. Currents are unpredictable so it’s better to have one pump in operation and another, spare one. You can find both in our reviews. We also created a buying guide to make you more familiar with the bilge pump operation, installation, and most important features of this unit so you can ensure you are fully safe when on water.

See The Quick Comparison Chart

Benefits Of Bilge Pumps

If you have a high-quality, reliable bilge pump, this unit can provide you with a couple of benefits, including the following ones:

1. Portability

You can store your bilge pump anywhere you want. You can move it around your vessel or store it somewhere else in your home, garage, or car when you are not using it. Most units in this category are lightweight but you will come across heavy-duty ones as well. Although categorized as heavy-duty, these units are relatively easy to move as well.

2. Security

A functional bilge pump can get you out of a dangerous situation if water ever gets into the bottom of your vessel. If you have a recreational vehicle such as a kayak or canoe, water can get inside quite easily but if you have a small yacht – you already know you are in trouble when there is water in the underwater part of your boat.

Either way, a bilge pump provides a higher level of safety and makes you feel more confident about being far away from the coast.

3. Space-Saving

Bilge pumps are very practical, helpful, and space-saving units. Storing one on your boat won’t take up much space as most bilge pumps are convenient and rather small so you can tuck your away at the bottom of your boat, just like you would do with your boat anchor and anchor rope .

4. Budget-Friendly

If you are thinking about raw upfront costs of getting a bilge pump, do not fret. These units are affordable, especially when taking into account the value they provide. You can find a good unit for a relatively low price but don’t be afraid to spend a little bit of extra on a bilge pump if you have a larger boat.

Best Bilge Pumps Comparison Chart

Best Bilge Pumps Reviews

1. seaflo automatic submersible boat bilge water pump 12v.

Speaking of its build quality, the Seaflo bilge pump is made of high-quality materials – durable plastic (housing) and stainless steel (shaft), which ensures its durability. Corrosion-resistant and rust-proof, this unit can be used in both fresh and saltwater.

Seaflo integrated numerous amazing features into their bilge pump – float-switch test button, ignition protection, and reed sensor system (controlled by electronic). This unit uses no power all until the internal float switch comes in contact with water.

The Seaflo bilge pump is versatile and you can use it for manual override as well. Watertight-sealed, it is almost indestructible, which, again, proves a 4-year warranty Seaflo provides.

• Silent operations,
• Doesn’t produce vibrations,
• Easy maintenance and servicing.
• Switches off automatically when it detects the level of water dropped significantly, but not fully.

2. SeaSense Hand Bilge Pump Hose

Yet, you might find this unit useful for bigger boats as well, especially if you can’t access all the areas easily. The SeaSense bilge pump weighs 1 pound and comes with a removable hose so it doesn’t add weight to your boat and it is convenient to store.

Also, the hose is 36 inches long, which ensures there are no blockages and makes the suction more efficient. You can adjust the hose length to the situation you find yourself in.

Corrosion-resistant, the SeaSense bilge pump is durable and suitable for use in freshwater and saltwater. Overall, this unit provides great value for small recreational vehicles despite the fact it is not automatic.

• Ergonomic handle,
• Easy to assemble,
• Long-stroke provides quick water suction.
• A couple of customers claim the hose tends to leak sometime.

3. Seattle Sports Paddler’s Bilge Hand Pump for Kayaks and Boats

Yet, the Seattle bilge pump features a quick operation although it is a hand-operated unit. Although its draining power also depends on how quickly you can operate it, this pump comes with a hose that ensures a relatively smooth draining but you should be careful about larger particles as it might be prone to clogging.

Equipped with a rubber handle, it prevents slipping and is comfortable to hold. You can disassemble this pump easily when it needs cleaning. Keep in mind the Seattle Sports Paddler bilge pump is designed for intermittent use and with moderate currents only.

• Neon yellow color can make you more visible when in trouble,
• The long hose provides a higher draining power,
• Ideal for small RV.
• Although this pump works great with topwater, mud and similar particles can cause a stoppage in the hose.

4. Rule Marine Bilge Pump

The strength this unit boasts is quite impressive for a non-automatic pump. It allows you to pump water both vertically and horizontally – up to 20 feet. Designed to last, this product comes with a stainless steel shaft and it is corrosion and rust-resistant.

The 1-1/8-inch discharge hose gives provides rapid operation considering the overall size of this pump. A float/panel switch activates the pump, which can seem a bit old-fashioned, but this traditional way of operation ensures a higher level of security and protection when you are on the water.

Efficient, silent, and compact – the Rule marine bilge pump might be a good buy for a fisherman or yachtsman.

• Completely submersible,
• Easy-clean,
• 3-year warranty.
• There is no drain back valve.

5. Attwood Tsunami Manual Bilge Pump

Tsunami performs quite efficiently for its size and it is rated at 500 gallons per hour. You would have to operate it manually but Attwood designed a unit that is straightforward and easy to use, which helps a lot, especially when you are in an emergency situation.

If needed, you can replace the Tsunami’s motor core effortlessly. Eventually, a certain amount of debris will get into the discharge hose but don’t worry – you will take out everything your bilge pump sucked up within just a couple of minutes.

A pump that features the high volume output, innovative, and reliable – the Tsunami bilge pump is completely submergible and leak-free, which is a win-win situation for any boat owner.

• Patented shaft seal,
• Corrosion-resistant,
• Made of topgallant magnets, alloys, brushes, and bearings.
• Although it features solid capacity, it’s not recommended to use it with major leaks on the open sea.

6. Shoreline Marine Bilge Pump

A must-have safety accessory on your boat, this bilge pump is super-easy to install and requires very little maintenance. Built of stainless steel hardware, it is suitable for use in saltwater. It comes with a long marine-grade wire that helps you move the pump around your vessel.

Quiet, the Shoreline bilge pump won’t annoy you while operating. Although it requires manual operation, this unit still provides good value for the money while you can install a float switch and turn it to an automatic boat bilge pump.

• Universal mounting,
• Lightweight,
• Easy to install.
• Not as durable as some other bilge pumps on the list.

7. Amarine Made 1100gph 12v Marine Plumbing Electric Bilge Pump

Not only this pump can make you feel safer but it has a long lifespan. The thermoplastic body, stainless steel shafts, resistant ABS housing, and heavy-duty motor ensure durability and resistance to outer impacts. Moisture-tight and anti-airlock seal reassure of the quality this pump provides.

There are no vibrations with the Amarine bilge pump and it operates quietly. It draws 3Amps when in operative mode and you can use it either manually or automatically. The almost 5-feet long wiring makes it easy to install the pump while the snap-lock strainer ensures very little maintenance.

Amarine designed a bilge pump that meets all safety standards and it won’t burn out if dry.

• The cooling water system,
• Ignition-protected,
• Automatic discharge function.
• Switch not included,
• It would be a bit hard to find a suitable hose diameter.

8. Rule 25S-Marine 500 Automatic Marine Bilge Pump

Yet, although you can find units that pump more than 500 gallons per hour, the Rule bilge pump comes with a wide discharge port hose that makes it super-fast to drain water from your boat. In other words – this pump can stand shoulder to shoulder with pumps that drain let’s say – 750 GPH.

The Rule pump turns on automatically once it senses the water and you don’t need an external switch. Speaking of the size, the Rule marine bilge pump is convenient to store and features a low profile. Needless to say, this is what we would expect from a bilge pump for small vessels).

• Detachable hose,
• Long motor-life,
• This unit doesn’t support standard hose size so you would have to invest some time in finding a suitable hose.

9. Seaflo 2000 GPH 12v Boat Marine Plumbing Electric Bilge Pumps

Tough thermoplastic body and stainless steel shafts are a standard in this category but still give you slightly more confident about this unit.

It comes with a heavy-duty motor that supports the above-listed capacity and provides longevity to the Seaflo bilge pump. Yet, even though heavy-duty, this bilge pump won’t take much space in your vessel. It is compact and easy to store.

Just in case this draining capacity is causing you doubt, it’s good to know the Seaflo pump meets all the existing safety standards and it is approved by ROHS, CE, and ISO.

• Anti-lock protection,
• Easy-clean snap lock,
• 2-year warranty.
• Small outlet,
• The manufacturer uses the plural in their description but you get one pump only.

10. Amarine Made 1100gph 12v Boat Plumbing Electric Bilge Pumps

If you manage to prevent large objects from being sucked into this pump, you can be 100% sure and confident it will get your out of a risky situation when you are on the water.

It is not automatic but you can make it if you get and install a float switch to it. Once you install it properly, and the installation if straightforward and simple, the Amarine Made bilge pump will drain 1100 gallons per hour and it will operate continuously – all until there is no water left in your boat.

This model might be a good pick for larger vessels as it can work for longer intervals. Yet, it is still pretty small in comparison to the quality and draining power it provides. A bang for the buck, the Amarine Mode bilge pump is one of the most wanted models on the market for a while now.

• Can stand heavy use,
• Comes with high-quality ABS housing,
• Meets all safety standards.
• Just as most powerful models, this pump draws slightly more power.

11. Attwood 4511-7 Sahara S1100 Automatic Bilge Pump

It comes with 29-inch wiring that enables you to move the pump around your boat. Equipped with an air-filled float, this pump is turned on automatically as soon as the mechanism detects water in your boat. The mechanism continues with operating all until there is no more water in your boat.

Sahara is quite lightweight and weighs 1.33 pounds only so you can use it with smaller vessels as well. You will need a 3/4-inch wide hose for operating this pump, which is good to know, as the standard hose is easier to find that 11/8-inch one. You can choose between 2 mounting holes and install this pump almost effortlessly.

• Comes with a testing knob,
• Most suitable for boats 20 feet and longer,
• Mercury-free switch included in the package.
• You can’t adjust the float level,
• You can mount it horizontally only.

12. Johnson Pumps Of America PROLINE Bilge Pump 750 GPH 3A

Resistant to corrosion, you can use this model when sailing both fresh and salt waters. Designed to provide second to none performance, the Proline bilge pump features the anti-airlock protection as well.

You can operate it manually but, if you want to ensure an even higher level of safety on your boat, you can also install a flow switch and turn it to automatic operation. The Proline pump comes with a standard-size hose so finding one that suits won’t be a problem.

Tested in a factory, the Johnson Pumps of America bilge pump is 100% safe to use and easy to maintain, which comes as a bonus to its overall great performance.

• Super-easy to install,
• Low-profile.
• Although somehow durable, this pump comes with an average motor that can’t handle frequent use.

What Are Bilge Pumps and How Do They Work?

Bilge pumps are activated by either electricity or hand movements to collect water. It sucks water in an then releases it from your vessel through a discharge point.

If you want to stay afloat, no matter the water you are on (salt or freshwater, sea or a lake), a bilge pump is an essential unit. However, we highly recommend having a spare pump near at hand in case anything goes wrong.

Types Of Bilge Pumps

1. Diaphragm Electrical Pump

This is a typical, standard type of a bilge pump and it sucks water out. It acts like a vacuum and it pushes the water up towards the discharge point. Self-priming, this type is not so portable and requires more maintenance but causes low to no damage.

2. Centrifugal Electrical Pump

This type of bilge pump operates as a turbine. It uses kinetic energy and features a high draining capacity. More affordable, easier to maintain, and store – the centrifugal electrical pump is a slightly more popular model that the diaphragm electrical pump, although both types have its cons as well.

Bilge Pump Buying Guide

Here, you will find the most important features of any bilge pump. To ensure the best return of value on this purchase, make sure to find a unit that ticks all of the following characteristics.

1. Capacity

Probably the most significant feature of a bilge pump – its draining capacity is expressed in gallons per hour (GPH). It is essential to check on this output beforehand making a final decision. You can find pumps with 500, 750, 1100, or 2000 GPH.

A bilge pump with lower output capacity won’t be able to deal with tough currents and fast water inflow. Choosing the best pump will depend on the size and type of your vehicle. You need to find a unit that will pump water out fast enough so your boat doesn’t sink.

The size of a bilge pump is a quite important feature into account as well. If you have a small vessel, a bulky unit will take a lot of space and you won’t have any room left for other important pieces of marine equipment.

On the other hand, the size of a pump sometimes defines its output. If you have a yacht or a bigger boat, it would be best to find a pump of appropriate size and the one that has a solid draining capacity. This will ensure your safety in case water gets into your boat’s underwater part.

We have already discussed 2 types of bilge pumps. If you have a larger boat, we would highly recommend a centrifugal pump and diaphragm pump for boats where you need to push the water upwards to the discharge point.

4. Ease Of Installation

If you want to ensure the long life of a bilge pump, you should clean it at least a couple of times during one season. Dirt and large particles can clog your pump and hinder its operation. No matter how large your pump or the pump’s hose is, you should maintain it frequently. For the reason you will have to assemble and disassemble the pump numerous times, it is important to have one that’s easy to mount as well.

5. Material

The build of a bilge pump affects its lifespan too. If it is strong and well-made, the unit will be resistant to weather, fast-moving water, sizeable leaks, and other impacts.

The best material used for making bilge pumps is ABS plastic . It can stand heavy use and won’t break under the influence of strong currents. However, other parts such as gears and shafts should be well-made as well. Stainless steel is a top-quality material that ensures the longevity of a bilge pump but it is resistant to corrosion too, which might be important if you spend most of your days on the sea.

6. Noise Level

Not all bilge pump descriptions involve noise level rating in decibels, but it would be great if you could find the unit that does. A bilge pump should operate in a silent manner and, if possible, without vibrations. The quieter the pump – the better, as it won’t annoy you or drive fish away.

Some models come with built-in equipped water sensors that activate the pump only when there is some water in your boat. This way, you can save u some energy and ensure the long life of your pump.

7. Boat Type and Size

In order to find a pump that is most suitable for the type of your boat and its size, make sure to pay attention to this section. We are going to categorize different boat types and sizes and suggest the most important features of the most suitable unit.

If you have a smaller boat, such as an outboard-powered skiff or a daysailer, then you have a narrow and more compact bilge. This means you should find an appropriate – smaller bilge pump. It would be best to find a versatile unit that can be installed vertically and horizontally.

Next, if you are a ski boat or runabout owner, that means your vessel is capable of handling more water itself. A boat pump will come suitable in emergency situations but still – make sure to find a heavy-duty one that boasts a higher capacity.

With racing sailboats, you also need a pump with a higher draining capacity but a lightweight unit. A heavy-duty pump would hinder your speed and make you fall behind other boats.

Yet, as not all racing sailboats are the same, if you have an offshore racing sailboat, a powerful and sturdy pump is a must. You need a unit that can be installed at almost any angle and pump enough water to the discharge point to keep you afloat.

If you spend most of your time on your offshore or coastal boat, you need a reliable pump that is not too bulky but the one that features a high draining rating. This will ensure you some extra time to call for help through your VHF marine radio .

You can choose between electric and manual bilge pumps. We can’t claim one type is better than another as both can provide more safety on the water. Yet, electric bilge pumps are slightly more efficient and can pump more water in a shorter time.

On the other hand, you might not need an electric pump for smaller vessels such as kayaks. In this case, a manual bilge pump will do the job without much effort. It will help you get water, mud, and other particles from your vessel.

Still, beware of the fact electric pump will drain power from your motor while manual-operated pumps require more effort than electric units.

9. Pump Switches

Some pump switches are designed to turn bilge pumps into operation automatically. One of these switches is the integral automatic switch built-in more high-end bilge pumps. Once the switch detects water in your boat, it will power the pump to start draining water out.

However, most units on the market come without a built-in float switch so you would have to buy and install one separately. This way, you can transform your bilge pump into an electric unit.

Again, this might be a better option for large boats and yachts where you can’t keep an eye on the water level. With kayaks and canoes, you can have a clear insight into the upcoming water level and turn the pump manually.

10. Storage

Although it would be best for you to throw out some other unnecessary objects from your boat for the sake of a bilge pump, we guess some of you still care about the free space on your vessels. In our reviews, you can find a couple of easy-to-store units that can give you that extra room for other things you might want to have near at hand when sailing.

How To Install Bilge Pumps?

If you have never installed a bilge pump on your boat, the owner’s manual might be the best thing to have near at hand when mounting the unit. Here, we will provide a couple more installation tips that will make this process easier for you.

Check on the electrical connection. Improperly attached bilge pump will be useless if water enters your boat. Using a crumpled hose will, highly likely, cause you headaches and endanger your safety. Use a smooth hose through which water can flow easily.

In case you are unsure about the process, call a technician and the guy will install everything the right way.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a bilge pump.

• Make sure your discharge hole is above the waterline.
• Find a skin fitting that’s appropriate for the size of your discharge hose.
• Your bilge pump should be running straight and short so place it in a suitable position.
• Drill a hole through which the skin fitting will go. Make the hole fit and snug.
• Connect the skin fitting and the hose to your bilge pump and tighten connections with hose clamps.
• You will need wire – two runs for manual pumps to connect the pump to the bilge.
• If your pump comes with a float switch, find an appropriate size cable and use connectors and heat shrink connect positive and negative wiring.
• Use a ring connector for the negative and a blade cable for the positive cable to complete the circuit.
• Double-check whether the wiring, connections, attachment and the circuit are secure.

Maintenance & Safety Tips For Bilge Pumps

Maintaining your bilge pump is essential for your safety in critical situations. If you want to prepare yourself as much as it is possible, make sure to follow the listed steps before setting sail.

• Take into account the essential features of a bilge pump – mostly the ones that have to do with the size and type of your boat.
• In case your pump breaks down in the middle of the sea, always have a spare one to help you out.
• Place the pump in a place from which it can pump water out of your boat most efficiently.
• If you are not sure about your pump’s operation, call a technician.
• Clean your bilge pump after each sail. Large particles stuck in the discharge hose can cause a clog and prevent the pump from operating efficiently.

FAQ About Bilge Pumps

1. how high can a bilge pump lift water.

A bilge with rated at 500, 750, and 1100 GPH can pump water up to 10 feet, and those rated at 2000 GPH can push water to 18 feet.

2. Do I Need More Than One Bilge Pumps?

As listed, different bilge pumps are rated at different power outputs. A bilge pump can save you from an emergency but – what if it fails you when on the water? Even if it doesn’t, rough seas and torrential rains might put too much pressure on your pump.

In case your pump doesn’t boast a high draining capacity, it will be quite troublesome to get out of a dangerous situation. To ensure your peace of mind on the water, we highly recommend having at least one spare pump. Even a smaller-capacity pump can be of great help in case of an emergency.

Also, if you have an electric pump, it would be smart to have a manual one as well.

3. Why Can a Bilge Pump Fail and What Happens Next?

Any pump can fail, including a bilge pump. Anything putting restrictions on your pump can make it stop working – mostly large particles, dirt, and debris stuck in the discharge hose. Any particles found in the water can hinder the operation of a pump.

Sometimes, the water can get back into the unit if siphoning is bad. If wiring is not installed properly, this can be another reason for pump failure. Salt is one of the major irritants to wiring, while the same applies to fuel.

If a bilge pump fails, it can cause collecting more water in the underwater part of your boat. If the water is not coming out of the vessel, you wouldn’t be able to stay afloat. That’s exactly why you should have two bilge pumps on your boat – to prevent your boat from sinking.

Now you know the best bilge pump can protect you if you ever get involved in a dangerous situation on the water – whether it be heavy rain or strong currents. If you want to prevent sinking of your boat, a bilge pump can help you stay afloat or give you some extra time to call for help.

Our bilge pump reviews should give you a clear insight into the best units on the market. Options are endless, but when it comes to safety – you want to play safe as well. We have covered many more pieces of marine equipment in other guides you should check if you want to ensure the utmost safety and pleasure while sailing.

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About Peter Richardson

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11 Best Bilge Pumps in 2024

We gave our boat experts one job: Find the most reliable bilge pumps–both automatic and manual–and review them.

Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.

Anyone with some boating experience knows a bilge pump is necessary because it’s impossible to keep water out.

That’s why a good bilge pump is a boat owner’s best friend.

Some electric bilge pumps with a float mechanism to turn on will also empty rainwater on their own so you don’t have to worry about it while your boat stays in the marina. A leak from the propeller shaft will also end in the bilge where it meets the pump.

In short, most sailors and boaters have a bilge pump. Sometimes, they have two, in fact.

Find out how to wire a bilge pump and where it should be located, plus additional advice on installation in the guide at the bottom.

The Top 5 Best Bilge Pumps

All the bilge pumps we've tested.

Sort by your needs:

Attwood 1700

Where to buy:

Where to buy attwood 1700:.

Attwood has been creating products for marine applications for over 100 years and their products continue to improve while their costs have remained reasonable. The Attwood 1700 is part of Attwood’s Heavy-Duty bilge/baitwell line, and its quality and performance make it a reliable bilge pump option for the price .

It pumps 1,700 gallons per hour , but it still needs a float switch for automatic operation.

Things we like:

Things we don't like:, rule gold series.

Where to buy Rule Gold Series:

Another line of top performers coming from the Xylem family is the Rule Heavy-Duty Gold Series bilge pumps. This non-automatic pump moves large volumes of water for minimal power draw . Their Gold Series comes with options for 1500 GPH, 2000 GPH, and 3700 GPH and is backed by a 5-year warranty.

Where to buy Rule-Mate:

Rule is perhaps the most common bilge pump brand found on recreational boats. A brand owned by the Xylem Group, Rule is a leader in centrifugal electric boat pumps ranging from shower sumps to live baitwell pumps. Their midrange heavy-duty Rule-Mate automatic bilge pump checks the boxes for performance as well as technology designed to protect your boat and the waterways it’s sailing on.

SHURflo 2000

Where to buy SHURflo 2000:

SHURflo is a popular name within the boating community. A part of the Flow Technologies Group of Pentair, Inc. SHURflo makes a variety of pumps for industrial applications as well as for the RV and marine sectors. They are known for the quality of construction and reliability, often exceeding industry standards for performance .

The SHURflo 2000 is a beefy pump that delivers on its manufacturer’s claims for discharge at realistic head pressure. It pushes a whopping 2000 gallons per hour from the bilge making this suitable for bigger boats and nice when in need.

Whale Gusher Titan Manual

Where to buy Whale Gusher Titan Manual:

Whale Pumps have again proven their consistent standards for pump construction in their manual bilge pump, The Whale Gusher Titan. Able to pump up to 28 gallons per minute , this diaphragm pump can move significant volumes of water.

It’s reliable, will last a long time out in the elements and its price is decent relative to the previous facts. Our experience with it over a 10-year period on a viking ship confirms its reliability.

Rule 4000 Heavy-Duty

Where to buy Rule 4000 Heavy-Duty:

While this may not be the first choice recreational boaters will make for a permanently mounted pump for your bilge. It’s more expensive, but when it comes to having a spare in an emergency, this monster is worth considering having onboard. It draws a lot of power but moves a lot of water fast .

Grab enough 2 inch hose to make the distance from your bilge compartment up to your cockpit drains, splice some more wire connections with battery clips to the pump, and you have the makings of a great damage control kit.

Where to buy Rule LoPro:

As mentioned before, Rule bilge pumps keep all the pain points of their consumers in mind with the manufacturing of their bilge pumps. Their Rule LoPro Series bilge pump is a trustworthy pump option for those looking to save space without sacrificing pump capacity. This little powerhouse still puts out 900 GPH and comes in both automatic and non-automatic options .

Whale Supersub Low-Profile

Where to buy Whale Supersub Low-Profile:

Whale Marine has been providing solutions for water supply and water removal for vessels and recreational vehicles for decades. The Whale Supersub Low-Profile bilge pump is high on our list for excellent pump performance in a compact package . Its design allows it to be installed along deep, narrow, and awkward bilge floors.

Johnson Low Boy

Where to buy Johnson Low Boy:

Johnson Pump Marine is a part of the SPX FLOW Group. Johnson manufactures a variety of pump parts using superior construction materials for a sturdy and dependable pump. The Johnson Low Boy Bilge Pump, despite being one of their smaller pump options, is a formidable option for dewatering a small-medium recreational boat .

Whale 30 Manual Double Action

Where to buy Whale 30 Manual Double Action:

Aiming for efficiency, the Whale Double Action Bilge Pump is a respectable manual bilge pump option. The double-action design pumps water on both back and forth strokes, making it faster to prime and productive at removing water.

Beckson Marine Kayak Bilge Pump

Where to buy Beckson Marine Kayak Bilge Pump:

This kayak bilge pump is a reliable and easy to use pump for clearing water from your kayak. Lightweight and easy to spot thanks to the red color, the Beckson Marine bilge pump can evacuate up to 8 gallons of water per minute.

It’s one of the more reliable models and can pump sand and dirt without any complaints.

The Beckson Marine bilge pump is an easy to use pump for efficiently removing water from your kayak. At just 0.69 lbs this pump is extremely lightweight and can be conveniently stored in the hull of your kayak.

With an output of around 8 gallons per minute this kayak bilge pump excels in getting large volumes of water out of your kayak. The handle and collar provide increased grip and can be held while pumping.

Although this kayak bilge pump is slightly more expensive than some of the other products on this list, it is well worth the money thanks to the pump’s reliability and output.

• Material: ABS plastic/foam
• Dimensions: 20” x 4” x 3”
• Weight: 0.69 lbs
• Water removal rate: 8 Gallon per minute

What is a bilge pump?

A bilge pump for boats is an electric motor-driven or manually operated pump that is designed to lift water from the low points in the bilge and discharge the water overboard— where it belongs. Electric bilge pumps for use on recreational and smaller commercial vessels are generally designed to work with 12, 24, and 32V battery sources.

The electric pumps in this guide are designed to be connected to 12 volt marine batteries. But we added a few manual bilge pumps for the purpose of having a backup.

WARNING: Bilge pumps, both electric and manual, are NOT designed to keep a leaking boat from sinking. Their ultimate value in emergency situations is in the precious time they buy boaters in identifying, slowing the leak, and returning to a safe harbor where a permanent fix can be made. Please do not rely on a bilge pump to keep your boat afloat long-term if it has a known leak.

• Who needs a bilge pump?

A better question may be, who doesn’t? Any boat that is stored in the water should be equipped with a bilge pump and a means to power it consistently while the boat is unattended. There is no feeling quite so sinking as returning to your boat on a mooring to find its waterline has disappeared and there’s knee-deep water in the cabin.

• Where should the bilge pump be located?

The bilge pump should be installed in a fixed location at the lowest point in the bilge, where all the water will accumulate. For larger boats, several bilge pumps may be required for all compartments capable of collecting water. If you’re unsure about whether other compartments in your boat require pumps, take a look:

• Do the walls between them have limber holes at the bottom for drainage or are they watertight?
• Does your boat have a shallow bilge from bow to stern?
• Is your boat a powerboat that will drain toward the stern when it’s operating at speed?

Knowing about your boat’s drainage system and bilge layout before starting your bilge pump shopping will save you time, headaches, and surprises. (Like when your shower sump pump quits working and you find two inches of water in the bow section of your boat…)

There are two common types of bilge pumps for recreational and small-medium-sized commercial vessels:  diaphragm and centrifugal .

A  diaphragm pump  has two internal rubber membranes in the pump housing connected by a shaft that moves back and forth when power is applied to the pump. The one side of the membrane when pulled to the center of the body creates suction which allows water into the pump body via the intake side. When the shaft moves the membrane back into place, the water then shifts to the discharge side of the pump and forces it out the other side with the second membrane as more water is sucked in the intake side.

Some of the benefits of using a diaphragm pump for the removal of nuisance water:

• They are self-priming, meaning they do not need to be submerged in a liquid in order to operate— they can be run “dry.”
• They can be remotely mounted— making them ideal for tighter bilge spaces where the body of the pump can not fit and for ease of installation and maintenance.

Some drawbacks of an electric diaphragm pump for a bilge pump are that their intake is typically a small-diameter hose which is run to the lowest point in the bilge. Its capacity is much lower than an electric centrifugal pump and its manual diaphragm pump counterparts, averaging closer to 3-5 gallons per minute (GPM) compared with a manual diaphragm pump’s 28 GPM. These types of pumps are better used for the complete removal of water in the bilge after the primary bilge pump has done its work and a small bit of water still remains.

Manual diaphragm pumps are the recommended option for backup emergency dewatering on vessels that make coastal and offshore passages.

For the purposes of this article and product review, we focused on specifically electric  centrifugal bilge pumps  designed for 12 volt battery systems.

Centrifugal pumps operate with a motor powered by a 12 Volt battery, which spins a rigid impeller (typically made of hard plastic) creating suction and lift. The liquid is essentially pulled up into the body of the pump and sent out the discharge end of the pump through a hose that is led overboard and above the boat’s waterline.

These pumps are submersible and while most are not self-priming, some can be run dry for short periods.

• What size bilge pump do you need for your boat?

Bilge pump sizes are rated by the pump’s maximum discharge capacity— how much water they can pump, usually given in gallons per hour (GPH) or liters per hour (LPH). Manufacturers measure this number with the pump being supplied by a full battery (13.6V) and at the pump’s immediate discharge location. This assumes there is no distance and no vertical lift that the pump is required to move the bilge water. This distance is also called head height.

Since the pump will rarely be operating in such ideal conditions, it’s best to look at the pump’s capacity and know that in reality it will be somewhat less than advertised.

While there are no regulations governing the size of bilge pumps required for recreational boats of varying sizes, there are some recommendations. Given that the purpose of the bilge pump is to buy time and keep the boat’s stability intact, bigger is better.

Generally speaking, opt for a pump with a capacity of AT LEAST 1,000 GPH or greater. Keep in mind that these systems aren’t JUST being used for draining the rainwater out of your skiff boat while it’s in the trailer in your back yard and when deciding on what bilge equipment you’re installing, the cost is less of a concern.

• How many bilge pumps do you need?

As the saying goes, “two is one and one is none.” There are huge benefits to having redundancy in any system you have on a boat you plan to do any serious traveling in, but the bilge system is one that should NOT be overlooked.

A good setup to consider is this:

• Have a smaller capacity pump at the lowest point in the bilge. This one’s task will be to take care of the normal nuisance water. It has a low power draw and moves a decent amount of water.
• Have a second large capacity pump for emergencies, mounted higher in the bilge, but low enough to kick in before the rising water can damage any critical equipment (such as engine starters, and battery banks) While this pump will draw much more power, the idea is that in an emergency you will start the engine which will charge your batteries to keep that pump going.
• Bilge Pump Safety and Environmental Compliance Accessories

Many bilge pumps often come as “non-automatic,” meaning they would need to be manually activated whenever there is water in the bilge. To ensure your bilge pump is removing water when you are not present to manually activate the pump, the following bilge system add-ons are needed:

• An external float switch
• A three-way rocker or toggle switch
• An external audible/visual high water bilge alarm (this is required for any boats with an enclosed cabin if your boat is kept to American Boat and Yacht Council or ABYC standards)
• Inline filtration system to the discharge line from your bilge pump to filter out any oil or petrol products that have accidentally found their way into the bilge. (It is against the law to discharge oil into the water) These filtration systems will reduce your bilge pumps output capacity.

• Installing an electric bilge pump

Installing an electric bilge pump can seem like an intimidating task, but in reality, it’s quite simple. In fact, often the most difficult part (depending on the style of the boat) is gaining access to the space in which you will be mounting the pump. But, with a little determination and planning, installing a bilge pump yourself is well within the scope of even newbie boat project DIY-ers.

Materials you will need:

• Your new bilge pump, external float switch, and rocker switch (if your pump model does not already have an internal float switch)
• 14-AWG marine-grade tinned copper wire. Red and black wire insulation is the standard color code for your negative and positive wire leads, so it’s best to go with these colors. Making sure the wire you select is tinned copper is important because it has a greater resistance to the corrosion experienced in harsh environments–like your bilge.
• A wire terminal bar. This is for connecting the float switch to the pump itself, and then to the power source. When the float is lifted by collecting water, it closes the circuit between the power source and the pump, letting it know that it’s time to work.You could also splice the connections using your butt connectors, but the terminal bar makes it easy to remove and clean the pump when necessary, without cutting and reconnecting wires.
• Heat shrink butt connectors. These go hand-in-hand with the above in sealing out the elements from your electrical wire connections and preserving the internal wires so they keep the electrical current flowing. It’s not a perfect system but will help in prolonging the life of your wires. Extra credit to those who use a covered terminal box in addition to heat shrink connections. When it comes to getting to the electrical connections, accurately measure the path from your pump to the batteries to ensure you have enough cable to reduce the number of connections required. When in doubt, a cable that is too long is better than too short.
• Smooth hose of the same diameter as your pump’s discharge port. This hose should be reinforced (non-collapsible) and non-ribbed. Ribbed hose increases the resistance the pump experiences when moving the liquid from the bilge out to the overboard discharge location–all factors to consider when installing a pump to ensure you maximize its efficiency and lifespan.

• Stainless steel hose clamps. These clamps should be in the size range of your hose diameter, and while stainless steel is more expensive, it is recommended for saltwater applications as it will again be more resistant to corrosion.

• How to Install a Bilge Pump

The following step-by-step instructions for setting up and installing a bilge pump is for an electric model with a float and rocker switch. While it can be easily done when following these instructions, it might also seem overwhelming.

But for best, long terms results follow these steps.

STEP 1.  Determine your bilge pump’s mounting position . Again, this should be at a low point in the bilge where water will collect, and for larger vessels, any compartment where water is likely to collect.

When mounting, the suction end of the pump should be mounted so that the majority of its face is accessible to nuisance water at different angles of the vessel heel (i.e. the pump should be mounted upright, near the boat’s centerline so it is effective even as the boat is in motion).

The float switch should be mounted in a nearby location and at a height equal to the pump suction where it will be activated by accumulating water, but not allow the pump to run dry.

STEP 2.  Determine and measure the path from the pump location to the point of discharge  and run the length of the hose from the discharge point to the pump before cutting the hose to that length. This path should be as direct as possible, avoiding excessive and sharp angle turns where possible, as this reduces the pump’s efficiency. Attach the hose to pump discharge using the hose clamps. Attach the hose to the discharge through-hull fitting using the hose clamps. ( NOTE: This bilge pump installation guide assumes the replacement of a previous pump system and the presence of an existing discharge through-hull.

Ensure you have the correct hose diameter. It is recommended that any creation of a new through-hull be conducted or inspected by a professional. A new through-hull for the purpose of bilge water discharge should be at a sufficient height above the waterline so as to prevent seawater from back flowing into the hose)

STEP 3.  Wiring the pump to batteries . While your boat may be equipped with a breaker panel that can be isolated from the battery bank, it is recommended to wire your bilge pump directly to the battery via a separate switch. This allows your bilge pump to maintain a power supply when the boat is left unattended for longer periods of time with the breaker panel and all its consumers in the “OFF” position. The peace of mind this affords is priceless.

Most bilge pumps are equipped with about 2 feet of wire already attached. For many vessels that would require an electric bilge pump, this length of wire is not enough to reach your batteries or circuit breaker from the bilge.

Determine where you will be mounting your rocker switch. Measure the distance for the run of your electrical wire from the pump to the rocker switch, and the rocker switch to the battery.

Ensure you have the appropriate gauge of wire for the job. Too small a wire size creates resistance and reduces the efficiency of your pump. 14-AWG wire should be sufficient for this purpose if the distance between the battery and the pump is no more than 20 feet.

Connect the wires from the bilge pump to the wire terminal bar. The positive wires from both the float switch and the pump itself should be connected to the terminal with the outgoing positive (+) wire leading back to the positive (+) on the rocker switch, which is also led to the fuse on the circuit breaker and then to the positive (+) on the battery terminal itself.

An audible/visual alarm can be spliced into the positive (+) wires before the toggle switch to give boaters a “heads up” any time the bilge pump is running.

Most modern toggle switches will come with a fuse included. If not, a fuse should be placed between the battery’s positive (+) terminal and the positive (+) wire leading to the pump. This way, if the pump is malfunctioning and drawing more amperes (amps) than the fuse is rated for, the fuse will blow, opening the circuit and preventing further damage or a fire hazard.

For appropriate fuze sizes, follow the pump manufacturer’s guidelines and you’re golden.

• General Maintenance Practices and Pre-Departure Checks

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” -Benjamin Franklin

Frequently checking the bilge daily (if cruising) is a good habit for any boater to practice. Knowing what’s going on below the deck plates can alert you to situations that have the potential to become a serious problem later on.

After installation and every time before leaving port, test your bilge pump and float switch.

• Check the pump in “manual” using the rocker switch.
• Set the bilge pump switch to “AUTO.”
• Check your float switch lifting the float switch with your finger, or a dowel or screwdriver if your float switch is out of arm’s length. Ensure that the pump comes on when the switch is in the lifted position. Ensure that it turns off with the float switch in the down position. Have someone look overboard to make sure there is actually water being discharged.

Most bilges are dingy, dirty places, and things like paint chips, hair, food crumbs, sunscreen and other debris can all make their way down there and have the potential to clog or significantly reduce your pump’s capacity. Make sure clean cleaning your pump’s inlet and strainer is a part of your routine maintenance schedule, as well as cleaning your bilge. Adding a strainer basket around your pump to supplement the built-in strainer is a good way to help prevent debris from getting caught in the pump’s impeller.

Routinely haul your boat out of the water and look at the hull. Check all your through-hull fittings and replace them when necessary.

Check and replace as necessary all hoses leading to and from the hull. This includes the engine exhaust—if that guy springs a leak, you’ll be literally pumping hot seawater into your boat.

Remember, you don’t get what you expect, you get what you INSPECT!

Related Reviews

Read full review

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Bilge Pumps

Whether you’re just a casual boater, or a hardened sea dog, a bilge pump is a vital component to have on board. With that said, not all bilge pumps are created equal.

Here are our top picks of the best bilge pumps available today:

• Most Effective : Attwood 1700
• Best Non-Automatic : Rule Gold Series
• Mid-Range or Secondary : Rule-Mate
• For Bigger Boats : SHURflo 2000
• Most Reliable Manual : Whale Gusher Titan Manual
• : Rule 4000 Heavy-Duty

As bilge pumps are crucial for your safety, it’s important to know the ins and outs of what bilge pumps are and how they operate.

As such, before buying one for your boat, make sure to take these things into consideration:

Follow these steps:

• Purchase the pump and optional add-ons if the pump doesn’t include it.
• Find the location for your pump. Bigger boats might need two, but they should be located in the bottom most part of the boat, the bilge. Figure out how to secure the pump so it doesn’t move when sailing/cruising.
• Measure out the distance between the bilge pump and the purge outlet, the pump and the battery.
• Connect the bilge pump to the outlet hose and secure the latter in the purge hole.

Read our detailed guide on How to Install a Bilge Pump?

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• / Bilge Pump

I have 2, 14ft boats, and the Shoreline bilge pump kicks butt getting the water out. I just put battery clips on the neg. and pos. ran some 1/2″ PVC and made a rubber adaptor and clamped in on and was off and pumping.

Hi Dalton. Haven’t tried the 800gph model, but the 600 works on my neighbor’s bowrider type of boat just fine.

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Best manual bilge pump – 9 top choices

• January 4, 2024

We like to keep the water on the outside of our boats, but inevitably water gets into the bilge. Either from rain leaks, wave inundation or a host of other reasons. Every boat should be equipped with a manual bilge pump. Here's my pick of the best currently available.

Every boat I’ve ever sailed on or cruised in has one or more of these pumps onboard. I’ve had hands on experience of all but one of these pumps. Choose a pump with the capacity to suit your boat but also choose one that can be used easily. You might have an internal pump where it fits in a cupboard for transferring fluids from one tank to another or you might need empty your bilges rapidly after being inundated with a wave. If you find yourself holed and taking on water, and if your electrical system has gone down, assuming you have one in the first place, you’ll be glad of a wise choice of manual bilge pump. Those with removable handles usually come with a lanyard to ensure it doesn’t go walkabout when you need it most.

The pumps are measured in Gallons per minute. The higher the capacity pumps require a fair bit of physical effort, so it’s a good idea to have two pumps onboard, one for every day use that’s light and easy, plus something for when the chips are down and you have a lot of water to shift. It’s amazing how much adrenaline can help when pumping water out to save your boat.

At a glance Editors choices: Best manual Bilge Pump

Patay Ocean Master Manual Bilge Pump (Lifeboat Approved) Best manual bilge pump for high volume capacity 

Whale Henderson Pump Mk 5 Best manual bilge pump ease of serviceability

SeaSense Hand Bilge Pump  Best manual bilge pump for portability

Whale Gusher 10 Bilge Pump

Specifications:   up to 17 gallons per minute (GPM) Corrosion-resistant construction, ergonomic handle, efficient diaphragm design, Hose Size 38mm / 1-1/2″ Reasons to Buy: High capacity, durable, and offers different mounting options. Reasons to Avoid: Larger in size compared to other pumps.

This Gusher pump is one of the higher capacity commonly available manual pumps currently on the market. It has a really solid metal body and the handle with the ball end is one of the longer ones available. This gives good leverage, but it does mean it can be difficult to operate in a tight space. Spares are easy to find and it is relatively easy to service, though you will need tools to access the diaphragm for servicing.

With each product is a ‘Buy it now’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Whale Henderson Pump Mk 5

Best manual bilge pump ease of serviceability

Specifications: 42 LPM (11 US GPM) at 45 strokes per minute, 66 LPM (17.5 US GPM) at 70 strokes per minute, bulkhead-mounted or deck-mounted, use with freshwater, saltwater, or waste: Hose Size 38mm / 1-1/2″ Reasons to Buy: robust and durable construction, straightforward to install and maintain, self-priming Reasons to Avoid: might not be ideal for larger vessels or heavy-duty applications, requires periodic maintenance

The Whale Henderson Pump Mk 5 is a popular manual diaphragm pump designed for various marine applications, including transferring water, pumping out bilges, and handling waste. I have this exact model on my Rustler 31. It’s mounted in an impossible to access locker but it is really easy to maintain with service kits readily available at most chandleries. It has a decent flow rate, which is obviously affected by how fit you are. I recommend fitting it where you can move easily to get good access to the handle and for servicing access. Any leaves or other debris being sucked into it will need to be cleared out using the top cap which can be unscrewed. If only you can access it. Can you tell I’m a bit bitter about how mine was installed by the previous owner? It’s great value for money too.

Whale Gusher Urchin ND9010 Manual Fluid & Diesel Transfer Pump

Specifications: 36 litres per minute/ 9.5 GPM, hose size 25mm / 1″ Reasons to Buy: Simple design, reliable, and suitable for small to medium-sized boats. Reasons to Avoid: fixed handle cannot be removed

A smaller capacity but reliable manual pump. This one has a fixed handle so it needs to be mounted in such a way to allow the handle to have access at all times. This one is handy for header tanks or gravity feed tanks, day tanks etc and for  moving fluids around on a regular basis. It can be used as a bilge pump, and the diaphragm can be rotated to orientate the handle to the best position.

Seaflo Bilge Pump

Specifications: capable of pumping approx. 12 GPM, Available in various sizes (up to 36 inches) Self-priming, easy-to-use, durable plastic construction, and comes with a removable foot for easy cleaning. Hose Connections:34.5 mm (1.36″) Reasons to Buy: Simple design, reliable, and suitable for small to medium-sized boats. Reasons to Avoid: mounting options are more limited than other models of pump

Similar to the Whale Urchin this Seaflo pump has a little higher capacity at 12 Gallons per minute but is also a small unit and takes up little space. The handle can be slotted on and off for use or left in place if using as a fluid transfer pump  indoors. two handle positions so you can find a position or access that works best.

Patay Ocean Master Manual Bilge Pump (Lifeboat Approved)

Best manual bilge pump for high volume capacity

Specifications: Robust construction, 135 LPM (29.6 GPM / 35.6 US GPM), suitable for heavy-duty use. Hose Size 38mm / 1-1/2″ Reasons to Buy: Durable, efficient, and offers very high pumping capacity Reasons to Avoid: more expensive compared to other options.

This beast is the most powerful pump I can find for the UK market and understandably this one comes Lifeboat approved. You’ll need deep pockets for this but what price to pay for getting your boat out of deep doo-doo. It can pump 135 litres per minute, or 35.6 of your US Gallons PER MINUTE. I could empty my water tank in less than 60 seconds which is pretty dammed impressive.

The Patay Ocean Master pump is made from a polyester coated aluminium body with a stainless steel pump handle. It is robust and suitable for heavy duty use in the marine environment, making it suitable for workboats and larger leisure craft.

The double diaphragm pump is easily serviceable as access to the pumping chamber.  I personally love a bit of kit that is designed for use without tools. To quickly unclog this, just unscrew the unit by hand using the hand wheels.

Edson Aluminum Compact Manual Lever-Action 18 GPM Pump

Specifications: Robust construction, 18 gallons per minute, suitable for heavy-duty use. Hose size 1.5″ Inlet & Discharge Reasons to Buy: Durable, efficient, and offers high pumping rates. Reasons to Avoid: more expensive compared to other options.

The second highest capacity pump in our lineup, but also the second most expensive. You get what you pay for! For our US readers, this Edson Pump is made from Aluminum or also available in bronze, these Edson pumps are the most powerful manual pumps available. Edson also make 30 GPM models of the pump, which puts it on a par with the above Patay pump and they all come with super long handles of at least 18″, with the larger capacity pump handles measuring in at 32″! They are easy to maintain with spare/replacement diaphragms available on the Edson site. Those with traditional wooden craft can rejoice with this type of manual pump. With handles this long you can mount the pump low down and simply stand to pump.

Attwood Manual Bilge Pump

Specifications: Up to 8 GPM, Compact, ergonomic T-handle for easy pumping, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for small to medium boats. Reasons to Buy: Lightweight, affordable, and easy to store. Reasons to Avoid: Not as high capacity as some other models. doesn’t come with hose

The Attwood manual pump has a really easy to use handle, the easiest of the three  of this type I have listed. The only downside is that it doesn’t come as standard with the extra hose if you want to pump to a bucket. It’s got a good barrel grip though and feels sturdy to use. As per all of the pumps in this group, they come in different lengths. They are an absolute necessity for emptying your dinghy or rib bilge area after a massive downpour of rain.

SeaSense Hand Bilge Pump

Best manual bilge pump for portability

Specifications: Handles up to 8 GPM, Corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and compact design. Comes with a 72-inch hose. Reasons to Buy: Affordable, easy to use, and suitable for small to medium-sized boats. Reasons to Avoid: May require frequent maintenance.

The great thing about the SeaSense manual bilge pump is the long flexible hose that comes as standard and the hose clip on the barrel to help keep the hose form flailing about like an octopus arm when it’s not in use. The shaped T-handle gives a decent grip, though not quite as good as the D shaped grip of the Attwood. For kayaking, canoeing, inflatable tenders, ribs and tight locker spaces in cabin boats, these pumps are brilliant.

Beckson Thirsty-Mate 318

Specifications: Available in various sizes (up to 36 inches) Self-priming, easy-to-use, durable plastic construction, and comes with a removable foot for easy cleaning. Reasons to Buy: Simple design, reliable, and suitable for small to medium-sized boats. Reasons to Avoid: May require some effort for continuous pumping.

This handy manual pump is really easy to use, just poke into the area and point the hose into a bucket or over the side if your boat is small enough. I use a  pump just like this one to empty an awkward bilge space on my 31 foot sail boat. Rain water collects in a really small area under a bunk and this is ideal for such a task sucking it dry in seconds. I do find the hose to be a bit of a wild thing sometimes and can be difficult to make sure it stays in my bucket, but it’s really simple and does the job really well. Just beware of that flexible hose. It’s like a baby elephant trunk spraying water all over the place if you aren’t careful.

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Ranking The Best Boat Bilge Pumps On The Market

Rule 2000 Non-Automatic Pump

Johnson Pro-Line Marine Pump

Shoreline Marine 600 Pump

If you’re a regular boater you’ll know just how persistent water can be. Even the best sealed hulls can be penetrated. Water finds a way of ending up in your hull; it can be rain water, it can be the result of a rogue wave or two, and sometimes, it can be from a leak. While a bit of rain and a small puddle of water from a wave won’t sink you, they’re not ideal to have standing around.

Excess water can cause your boat to become unstable. It will be harder to handle and may not respond to your steering so well. And that’s why you need a bilge pump. A good bilge pump will keep your boat water-free and running true. That’s why we’ve put together a helpful list of the best bilge pumps currently for sale!

But before we get started, what is a bilge pump and what do you need it for?

What Is A Bilge Pump?

A bilge pump is a special device that safely removes water from the bilge section of a vessel. The bilge is the lowest interior part of a boat’s hull. It’s where excess water collects, usually rain water or from waves. A pump’s job is to remove that water using either pressure or a vacuum-like suction, and pumping it overboard. Too much bilge water can cause a boat to sink. And that’s not what you want!

Do you need one though? Yes. Having a bilge pump is a good idea, even if you only own a kayak or a little rowing boat. Small hand bilge pumps are great for that. If you have a large boat, then you’d certainly need one. If you have a very large boat with multiple hull compartments, then you’d probably need one for ever compartment too.

But which pump is the best one to buy?

Rule are an industry leader when it comes to marine pumps, so you can rely on the quality of their products. This pump, the Rule 2000, is a versatile pump that can be used for a wide range of applications and vessel sizes. Ideally suited for boats up to 28 ft, the 2000 model is able to pump water up to 10ft in height vertically, or up to as much as 20 ft both horizontally and vertically.

The Rule 2000 bilge pump isn’t automatic, so it needs to be paired with a sensor or a float switch. You will also need to fit it to a panel-mounted on, off, and auto, switch to make the most of this pump. It’s available with three voltage options, 12 volt, 24 volt, and 32 volt.

It’s a highly efficient pump that’s completely submersible, and as its name suggests, it’s capable of pumping up to 2000 GPH, which is an absolutely enormous figure compared with other pumps on the list. If you have a large boat, this might not be enough, but Rule have a number of larger sized pumps that will certainly meet your requirements.

Compared with some others on the list, this is quite an expensive product, but it’s worth the money. Many reviewers have tried cheaper products, and with some degrees of success too, but many of them find themselves coming back to Rule bilge pump products time and time again.

• Buy on Amazon   →
• Buy on Walmart   →

Very powerful pump with compact design

100% submersible pump

3 Year manufacturer’s warranty

Pump Capacity: 2000 GPH

This Johnson bilge pump is a great all ‘rounder. It boasts impressive statistics, comes at an affordable price point, and is built to the high standard that you’d expect from a brand like Johnson Pumps of America. It’s manually-activated pump with a decent flow rate, wrapped in a compact package with easy installation.

It’s a fully-submersible pump with an output of 750 GPH. Each pump comes equipped with ignition protection, anti-air lock protection, and a ¾ inch outlet diameter which can accept after-market hoses with ease, should you want to move the outpouring water to a specific location. It also features a base strainer to help keep the pump clean.

Since it’s a manual bilge pump, it needs to be turned on before it can operate. However, it can easily be turned into an automatic device by installing a float and a float switch.

Each pump passes through a rigorous quality assurance process before being shipped, with each product being 100% factory tested. The reliability is one of the reasons that many boat operators choose this unit. That, and the fact that it’s often a perfect replacement for OEM pumps.

It also ships with a 3 year warranty, which should make this inexpensive marine pump an appealing purchase.

• $41.34 Walmart   →

Low-maintenance, high-performance pump

Anti-airlock protection

3 year manufacturer’s warranty

Pump Capacity: 750 GPH

This small pump is the best automatic bilge pump if you’re looking for an inexpensive, small, and compact pump with a modest pumping capacity. It’s fully submersible too, which means you don’t have to worry if you need it to operate underwater.

It’s very simple to install, and doesn’t require too much technical know-how to get it running. It features marine grade bilge pump wiring, a low operating current, and ignition protection. It’s a manual pump—meaning that it needs to be switched on to operate—but it can be made automatic with the installation of a few extra parts. A float and switch is required if you’re hoping for automatic operation, so factor that into your costs.

Each pack comes with a mounting bracket, stainless steel hardware, tinned marine grade lead wires, a universal mounting base, and a wiring diagram to help point you in the right direction during installation.

Though it’s rated at 600 GPH, many reviews have stated that this figure might be a little optimistic. However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive pump that will do the job, but perhaps not as fast others, this is the one for you—providing that you’re only operating a small vessel though.

• $24.99 Walmart   →

Universal mounting system

Hose attachment for ¾” I.D. bilge hose

Quiet operation

Pump Capacity: 600 GPH (claimed)

Seattle Sports Paddler’s Bilge Hand Pump

We decided to kick-start the list with a manual bilge pump. It’s not automatic, electric, or powered by anything except from your own sweat and elbow grease. This budget-focused hand pump is perfect for clearing small volumes of water that may have infiltrated your hull.

The actual pump is fairly simple to operate. It sucks in water when you pull the handle, and disperses it when you push it down. It has been designed to accommodate a hose if you need to move your water to a specific location. The ergonomic handle is coated in an easy-grip rubber for comfort, making it breeze to use, even in challenging conditions.

Seattle’s sports pump is 12 inches long, with a diameter 1.75 inches. It features a special foam collar that keeps the pump afloat if it accidentally falls overboard, with a high-visibility neon yellow finish to make it easy to spot.

The Seattle Sports Paddler’s pump is capable of displacing up to 480 GPH, but achieving that kind of performance demands constant pumping, so it’s not actually for large water craft. However, these small devices are ideal for a kayak bilge pump, or for small inflatable boats. They can also be used as a backup pump for larger vessels, but we don’t recommend relying on one of these in an emergency.

Easy-to-operate hand pump

High-visibility finish

Floats on water

Pump Capacity: 480 GPH

SeaSense Bilge Hand Pump

Next, we’ve got another hand bilge pump. In truth, this model from SeaSense is very similar to the Seattle pump listed above, but there are some differences that might make it a more suitable option for some boaters. Since hand pumps are fairly rudimentary there aren’t many features that make one better than other.

The SeaSense pump has a tubular shape with a large pumping handle. The handle isn’t particularly special but it’s comfortable enough for repetitive pumping, and large enough to fit most hand sizes. Like most hand pumps, you pull the handle to draw in water, and push it back down to push the water out. This one comes with its own hose though, so you don’t have to attach your own. The ribbed hose is 36 inches long, and screws directly into the pump.

If you pump for around 3 minutes with moderate effort, it’s possible to displace up to 40 gallons of water—which is quite efficient. It’s actually possible to displace up to 800 GPH, if you’ve got the energy to keep pumping for a full hour.

One of the best features of this pump is that it comes in a variety of sizes. This means you can select a model with the right length and diameter for your needs. Naturally, if you choose a larger diameter that displaces more water per pump, then you’ll have to pay a little bit more for the pleasure.

Inexpensive pump for small vessels

36 inch hose as standard

Lightweight and easy to store

Pump Capacity: 800 GPH

Attwood Sahara Automatic Marine Pump

This Attwood bilge pump is an ideal choice for those looking for a pump with automatic activation. It switches on when it interacts with water, sucking out any excess water when necessary, leaving you to focus on other tasks, or relax. It’s an affordable low-maintenance, low-effort solution.

Attwood has been at the forefront of marine technology for over 100 years. The brand has developed a reputation for the manufacture of reliable and high-quality marine goods, from efficient fuel systems to swim ladders and lighting. You can really rely on their products.

The Sahara model is more than capable of shifting a lot of water in a hurry, so it’s a good product for those with larger boats. It’s rated at 1,100 GPH at full flow, and there aren’t many pumps at similar price points that can boast that kind of performance.

Each pump ships with wire seals, a strainer for filtering out large particles, and an all-in-one mercury-free switch gear. It also comes with 39 inches of 16-gauges tinned and caulked copper wire to aid installation. The actual installation is quick and easy, with the pump and switch fitting into the smallest spaces.

This excellent 12 volt pump is reasonably priced and offers big performance.

• Buy on Bass Pro   →

High-capacity pump for vessels over 20 ft

Automatic, hassle-free operation

Easy installation

Pump Capacity: 1,100 GPH

Eco-Worthy Submersible Boat Bilge Water Pump

For boaters in need of a large volume pump but with tight budgets, the Eco-Worthy water pump is an ideal solution. It boasts a flow rate of up to 1,100 GPH, and it costs less than $25. Even if the product doesn’t tick the right boxes, you really can’t complain about the price.

The flow rate is impressive, but the overall power of the pump is pretty good too, being able to pump water up to 13 ft without struggling too much. For a small 12-volt pump, it’s quite the over achiever.

One of the most talked about features of this pump is the fact that it runs very quietly. In fact, it’s almost silent (if properly installed) and vibration is at a minimum. Maintenance is also fairly quick and painless thanks to the addition of snap-lock strainers, which filter out any detritus and keep your machine running smoothly.

It’s a submersible pump, so it’s built with tough components to defend against harsh marine environments and salt water in particular. For example, it features moisture-tight seals and washers, ignition protection, rust and corrosion protection, stainless steel components, and anti-airlock technology. It can handle the conditions, and the tough components ensure that it will have a long life.

 Amazon  →

Manual pump, but can be made automatic with float switch

High-quality rust and corrosion-proof components.

Pump Capacity: 1,100 GPH (Claimed)

DasMarine 3000 GPH 12V Pump

Lastly, we’ve got this fairly heavy-duty pump from DasMarine. This is a fully-submersible 12 volt pump that’s tough, efficient, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive. Yes, there are cheaper products out there, but there are also more expensive ones too. If you’re looking for a reliable pump that can be used for a wide range of marine applications, then this is a good one to own.

The pump is made from a number of durable, waterproof, rustproof, and corrosion-proof materials, including plastic and stainless steel. It’s built to withstand high-impacts, resist the effects of salt-water, and keep out any unwanted debris or detritus. It has a very useful quick-release strainer for that reason!

DasMarine’s pump claims to displace up to 3,000 GPH, which quite a high-capacity output for such a small machine. It pumps water well, but won’t drain your battery in the process either, since it boasts an efficient, low current draw. Other cool features include ignition protection, water-cooling for the motors, anti-airlock protection, and assurance that it won’t burn out when run dry.

For those looking for a supremely efficient pump that runs silently and vibration-free, that won’t fall apart the minute it’s up to its neck in water, then this is a product worth considering.

$57.95 Amazon  →

Highly efficient low current draw

100% submersible

Versatile, and can be used for boats, spas, bait tanks and more

Pump Capacity: 3,000 GPH (Claimed)

Bilge Pump Buying Guide: All You Need To Know

Now that you’ve got a snapshot of some of the best products on the market, how do you know which one will suit you best?

We’ve put together a short buying guide that covers all of the most important features to look out for when choosing a new pump. Not all pumps are the same, and different types have different strengths and weaknesses. This is just a quick outline of the different types available and what important features that you need to look for, but armed with this knowledge, you should be able to find a pump that suits your needs, fits your budget, and keeps your bilge as water-free as possible!

The Different Bilge Pump Types

For small vessels, a hand pump is fine, but for bigger watercraft, an electric 12v bilge pump will be better. Electric pumps come in a couple of different styles. For the most part, how they operate isn’t that important but we’ll mention the two types before carrying on with the buying guide.

Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps operate by using kinetic energy via a rotating impeller. This draws water into the turbine on one side, and discharges it out of the other. These pumps are submersible but they’re not self-priming—that means that they need to be in water to operate. These pumps are easy to maintain, relatively cheap, and have a great output rate.

Since they agitate the water as they process it, any water with oil traces can quickly turn to goo, making the pump almost unusable.

Diaphragm Pumps

Diaphragm pumps are like little aqua vacs. They use vacuum technology to pull water into an intake, and push it out the other side. They don’t need to be submerged to operate (they are self-priming), and they can run dry without causing damage. They can push water to higher heights than centrifugal pumps, but they suffer from a slower flow rate, and can’t handle any dirt or debris.

So what type should you use? For small craft, a centrifugal pump is the king. It can shift water easily, and do it well. Larger craft may want to have a diaphragm pump, but with a centrifugal pump as a backup. But there are other pump details that you should think about before investing.

What Kind Of Pump Do You Need?

Hand pumps are best suited to kayaks, canoes, and small boats. They’re designed to deal with small volumes of water, like a puddle of rain water in a hull, or a few splashes from a rogue wave. They operate like a bicycle pump, and don’t rely on any external power other than your own muscle. These pumps are cheap, practical, and very useful.

Manual Pump

Manual pumps, or rather manual electric pumps, are small compact pumps that sit in your hull, and only begin pumping out water when you switch them on. These pumps are great, and since they don’t rely on any special floats or sensors, they’re very easy to install. Pumps like these are often inexpensive and quite durable too.

Automatic Pump

Automatic pumps require the use of sensors of a float switch, which detect the water level and switch on to deal with it instantly. These pumps are great for those who don’t want the hassle of manually turning things on. They’re not 100% reliable though, so it’s a wise idea to buy one with a manual switch installed so that you can turn it on when you need it.

Features To Look Out For

The flow rate of a pump is the speed and volume that it moves water from one place to another. Generally, this is measure in GPH, or G allons P er H our. This is one of the most important features to pay attention to.

The GPH is important but the number printed on the box isn’t going to be accurate. 500 GPH suggests that a pump could move 500 gallons from one place to another in 60 minutes. Unfortunately, real word conditions and other variables affect that figure greatly. The depth of the water, the length of the hose, the strength of the voltage…these things will reduce a pump’s real pumping power considerably. Always expect far less than quoted.

Still, these figures give a good indication of a pump’s capability. For boats up to 18 ft, a 500 GPH pump will do. Up to 22 ft, you may want to consider a 700 GPH model. All boats over 26 ft will need something over 1,000 GPH at the very least. The more gallons a pump can shift, the better, but for the best results, it’s always wise to have two pumps on the go, rather than just relying on one.

Really small craft, like kayaks and row boats are fine to operate with just a hand bilge pump.

Installation

With all that talk of voltage, wires, sensors, and floats, it’s always a good idea to look out for a pump that you are comfortable with installing. Electrics can be a dangerous game, so if you’re not confident with wiring, or understand the basics of circuitry, it might be best to shop for easy plug n play pumps that don’t require any complex installation or any wild modifications to fit your boat hull. Fortunately, there are plenty of pre-packaged, easy-installation models out there.

Water Compatibility

Next, you should think about the kind of water that you’re sailing on. If you’re a coastal cruiser, having a bilge pump that’s not designed to work with salt water could have disastrous consequences. Salt water can attack components, rusting and corroding them. A rusty and corroded bilge pump isn’t going to be much use.

Even if you don’t deal with salt water, look for pumps with high quality components that can handle salty and dirty water. Oil can often get sucked into pumps too, which causes poorly made machines to gum up and fail. Stainless steel fittings, tough plastic, and strong rubber seals are very important things to keep in mind.

Electric pumps that have automatic settings require switches and sensors to operate. If you’re looking at an automatic pump, you need to make sure that it comes complete with all the relevant switches and floats. If it doesn’t, then you’re basically buying a manual pump, and you’ll need to source and install the switches and sensors yourself.

Always make sure you know what you’re buying. If in doubt, read the reviews; if a product comes without the things you’d expect, you can bet that someone in the comments and reviews section has mentioned it. Probably quite explicitly too.

Sound & Vibration

Another feature to check the comments section about is the amount of sound and vibration a pump makes. While it’s hardly the most important feature of a pump, a noisy pump with too much vibration may drive you mad in the long run. If a sound annoys you, or a vibration bothers you, then it will make you hate using your boat. It’s best to look for a quiet bilge pump that won’t drive you insane. The reviews will give you real insight into the noise levels of a pump. No manufacturer is going to go out of their way to state that their product is a noisy machine.

Portability

Do you want a pump that you can use for a variety of vessels? Or do you need one that’s going to be bolted down and hard wired into your ship’s hull? If you own a number of boats or kayaks, then something that’s small, easy to remove and install, and compact enough to be moved around will be a better investment. Usually, the more portable a pump is, the less powerful it is.

What Is The Best Bilge Pump? In Summary

Even with all of this information and following our buying guide, choosing a pump that suits your needs is no easy task. To make life a little bit easier, here are our top favorites, the best of the best, as it were. Here’s the TL:DR summary for the best of the bilge pumps:

The best bilge pump for boaters on a budget is the Shoreline Marine 600. It’s a small and compact, fully-submersible, automatic pump that has a decent flow rate of up to 600 GPH. Technically, it’s actually a manual pump, but it’s designed to accommodate a float switch that can make it automatic. It’s very cheap, so the fact that you might have to buy a few extras shouldn’t put you off of buying this great little pump.

If you’ve got more cash to play with and you’re looking for a heavy-duty pump that will do the job and then some, then the Rule 2000 is the way to go. Designed for large vessels of over 28 ft, the Rule 2000 can competently shift water in high volumes to heights of up to 10ft and up gentler inclines to over 20ft. In all, it boasts 2000 GPH, and if that’s not enough, Rule sells bigger pumps for even bigger performance.

But if you’re looking for the best pump overall, then we would have to recommend the Johnson Pro-Line marine pump. It’s a submersible, manual pump that can be turned into an automatic one. It’s versatile, compact, and comes with impressive performance and some useful features. The flow rate is 750 GPH, it has air-lock protection, ignition protection, a generic hose-attachment, and a removable strainer.

And if that wasn’t enough, it ships with a 3 year warranty from the manufacturer, which means that it’s a product that you can have confidence in!

Joe Appleton is an outdoor enthusiast who loves everything from bushcraft and hiking to wild camping and boating. If he’s not out in the woods, you’ll find him out on the water.

Categories : Boats

Robert Hogward on June 27, 2021

I found your article very informative. Without the pump, the water will not move out of the tank. However, choosing a fresh water pump is overwhelming. There are many variables to take into account, from capacity to noise. Again thanks!

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20 Electric Bilge Pumps Tested

Top performers from attwood, lovett, rule, west marine and whale vary considerably by model, but when all is said and done, we like the whale supersub, rule-mate and lovett 1200..

Boats left on moorings, at docks or unattended at anchor usually have an electric bilge pump, with a built-in or separate automatic switch.

The combination will handle the water between weekends if there’s nothing more serious than a packing gland that drips a drop a minute, a portlight that needs rebedding, chain plates that never were leak-proof or the liquid remnants of the weekend’s supply of ice.

In an emergency, the pump, if adequate to the task, may keep the boat afloat…for as long as the battery lasts.

Specious, indeed, is the notion that a small boat can get by with a small bilge pump. A small boat holds far less water and therefore, with the same leak, will sink much sooner than a big boat. Ipso facto, it needs a big pump.

And so too does a big boat, maybe even two or three of them. It’s a great place for redundancy.

There are three basic questions about 12-volt bilge pumps:

1. Do they move as much water as the manufacturers claim? 2. Which moves the greatest volume of water in a given period of time? 3. Which moves the most water for the electrical power used? Not much of an issue, in our view, is the cost of these pumps compared with the amount of water moved.

Other questions concern how long they last, the sturdiness of construction, the adequacy of the screen or grill that substitutes, usually poorly, for a good strum box and how easy they are to clean. (See photo of a Gear Graveyard pump that appeared to have been destroyed by debris.)

To avoid too-frequent cycling, which can be annoying and wastes electricity, automatic pumps are designed to allow bilge water to accumulate before kicking in. Shut-off points are calculated to turn the pump off before it runs out of solid water and starts sounding like teenagers sucking the bottoms of their milkshakes through straws. How noisy these pumps are is an issue with some boat owners; others like a little noise to tell them something’s happening.

Most difficult to deal with are boats with bilges that have minimum horizontal dimensions; a narrow deep bilge compartment fills quickly and the pump removes little water in each cycle, which means it comes on far more frequently. (This most often occurs in boats with internal ballast and a deep sump, often in front of or under the engine.)

This evaluation concerns itself with all of the above questions except the one having to do with how long they last. The warranties, almost all one year, suggest that bilge pumps should be replaced fairly often.

How long submersible bilge pumps can survive in the truly scuzzy quarters assigned to them is not only beyond the scope of a bench test, it also would vary greatly with the conditions aboard individual boats. Some boats leak very little and have immaculate bilges. Others may leak considerably—and have bilge water that is a mildewed slurry of human hair, oatmeal, tobacco ashes, orange juice, fingernail clippings, desaponified soap, M&Ms, bellybutton lint, the occasional shoe lace, and oil—engine, suntan, olive, Red Devil, WD40, etc.

Because bilge pumps do get clogged up, how easy they are to clean is an issue. Cleaning, which should be on the routine maintenance schedule, should be kept in mind when installing a pump.

The Collection For this test, 20 pumps, most of them submersible, were collected. With a couple of exceptions, they are centrifugal pumps whose rotors, coupled directly to the electric motor, depend on high speed to move water, rather than contact with a housing sidewall as in your engine water pump. Because there is no contact, there is little wear on the rotors. The exceptions: Lovett, which drives a rotor with a pair of belts, and TAT, which uses a rotor to squeeze water through a hose

Most are from two manufacturers—Rule and Attwood—who have the most extensive range of submersible pumps. Others are from the respected Irish company called Munster Simms (Whale pumps); from several old-line firms, Lovett and TAT, both in Ohio, and two pumps from West Marine that are made by another old company, Johnson Pumps, in an industrial suburb called Schiller Park, across the expressway from Chicago’s O’Hare airport.

Some come with built-in float switches. (Practical Sailor, in the May 15, 1996, issue, reported on 11 separate switches, which are of four types—pivoting arm, conductivity, air pressure and magnetic reed float. All were cycled 20,000 times. The winner was the $125 Ultra Pumpswitch Sr. and $90 Jr.)

All but one of the pumps were tested routinely. The exception, the TAT, which works on an entirely different principle, is discussed separately in a photo caption.

The Test As was discussed in the report on manual bilge pumps in the April 15, 2000 issue, the question of “lift” is important. Manufacturers rate their pumps for zero lift. It’s called “open flow” or “open bucket.” It just means the water intake, discharge and pump are in a horizontal line. They often include the “open flow” rating in the pump’s name.

The ratings are meaningless and serve only for comparison.

When lift is introduced, few pumps will pump water at their “open flow” ratings.

For this test, a 5′ lift was selected. It was the best guess at an average, for Practical Sailor boat owners.

The hose was smooth-bore Shields Series 148 of the size specified for each pump.

A constant (but adjustable) source of DC power was supplied by a Daiwa PS 120MIIA transformer and the amperage drawn was measured with a Radio Shack Auto-Range Digital Multimeter. An attempt was made to measure noise (with a Quest Electronics Model 211A Sound Level Meter) proved impractical because the pumps made too little noise when placed underwater in a heavy plastic container.

Freshwater was used and, while changing pumps, it was siphoned from the calibrated tank back down to the supply tank with a simple arrangement of Whale Quick Connect piping, which included a handy valve to hold the water column in place while changing pumps.

The Results As was pointed out in the recent review of manual bilge pumps (in the April 15 issue), these pumps probably will not save your boat if it is holed. A 1″ hole 5′ below the waterline will admit 44 gallons of water a minute. The biggest pump (the Rule 3700) will just about stem that tide—until the battery runs out. Running the engine to charge the batteries may be critical.

However, any of these pumps may give you time to find and fix the problem.

Almost all of these pumps have lead wires that measure 27″ (Rule, Whale, West Marine and Lovett) or 32″ (Attwood). Our view is that it would be better if they were longer by several feet so that crimp connections can be made outside the moist environment of the bilge area. (The Attwood Guardian 500 has a 42″ lead; the West 2200 has a 65″ lead.

It further should be noted that Attwood pumps are not equipped with tinned wire. Tinned, fine-stranded copper wire is vastly superior to untinned copper wire because water, in time, may migrate through the wire and corrode plain copper wire.

Following are some generalized conclusions.

There was a significant range in measuring the actual volume of water moved compared with the manufacturers’ claims. The spread ran from 216% to 85%, while using 13.6V. The difference when operating at 12.2V was 148% to 68%. A reminder: The PS testing was done at a 5′ lift and compared with figures extrapolated from the manufacturers’ ratings, usually for 0’, 3.35′ and 6.7′ lifts. If the manufacturers’ figures for 0′ lift or even 3.35′ had been used for comparison, the percentages would be much lower.

So, tested while pumping at a 5′ lift against the manufacturer’s claimed volume (at zero lift), the best three pumps, when operated at 13.6V (as though the batteries were full and the engine was running), were the Lovett, the Whale Supersub 360 and the Whale Supersub 500.

When operating at 12.2V, which is far more likely to be the case (especially with an automatic switch on a boat sitting over a weekend), the best tested against the manufacturers’ claims were the same three, in different order.

Also of interest because it is a measurement of how much water a pump will move before exhausting the batteries is: Which pumps yield the most volume of water pumped for each amp used? Theoretically, given the same limited supply of amps, a small pump drawing a small amount of power might be expected to move the same volume of water as a big pump drawing a lot of power. The small pump would just take longer to move the water and exhaust the power supply.

The test range was consequential. At 13.6V, it extended from a high of 274 gallons to a low of 112 gallons. At 12.2V, the range was 303 and 123.

The top three pumps, working at 13.6V, were the Attwood V1250, the little Attwood 500 and the Rule Model RM 1100 (also known as the Rule-Mate).

Working at 12.2V, the above-named top-three pumps again excelled, in a different order.

The Bottom Line Because Attwood does not use tinned wire, the company’s pumps are, in our view, less desirable than the others. Attwood’s V1250 was the top-performing pump (see chart) and it otherwise would have a lock on Best Buy. Attwood’s V500 ranked second overall. However, none of Attwood’s pumps can be recommended until it follows the recommendations of marine electrical wiring experts.

Of the two West Marine pumps, the small one did well, but the large one was a disappointment. If you want an inexpensive pump, the West Marine 500 wins Best Buy honors.

Lovett’s Model 1200, a very solid, well-executed design, performed very well (see photo on page 22), but only when supplied with 13.6V. When operated with 12.2V, it slipped down in the gallons-per-amp rankings, but still pumped more than its rating.

The best of the rest? Rule’s Model RM1100 (a.k.a. Rule-Mate) ranked third overall, the Rule Model 27D, very modestly priced, tied for seventh, and the Rule Model 09 (a premium pump a.k.a. the Rule 5-Year) tied for ninth.

The three Whale pumps tested sixth, seventh and ninth, the latter two in ties with the above-named Rule pumps. Although mediocre performers in the volume-per-amp category, they are distinguished for pumping very close to what the Irish company claims. In addition, these new pumps are compact, easy to install and appear to be made in the Whale tradition. They’re a mite pricey.

Practical Sailor’s favorites? For a small pump: The Whale Supersub, preferably the manual version with a separate switch.

For a medium-sized pump: The third-ranked Rule-Mate, a proven design that moves a lot of water for the amps used.

For a reliable pump: The very quiet-running Lovett 1200, even though it’s so big it might not fit in every boat’s bilge.

Contacts- Attwood, 1016 N. Monroe, Lowell, MA 49331; 616/897-9241. Lovett, 682 Bagley, Berea, OH 44017; 440/234-9275, Lovettmarine.com . Rule, Cape Ann Industrial Park, Gloucester, MA 01930; 978/281-0573. TAT, Box 268, Logan, OH 43138; 800/243-2526. West Marine, 500 Westridge, Watsonville, CA 95077; 800/262-8464, www.westmarine.com . Whale, 30 Samuel Barnet Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745; 508/998-0001, www.whale-usa.com .

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