Bilge Pumps

Water in the bilge is an almost inevitable thing, so having one or more pumps installed on your boat is a must. The function of this piece of equipment is straightforward: it removes excess water that normally collects in the bilge for a number of reasons, including minor seepage of rainwater and spray or small leaks through the seams. Keep in mind that almost no pump is designed to deal with large amounts of water resulting from serious hull damage. In this case, it may only buy you some time to attempt a leak repair. Likewise, never leave your boat unattended for a long time with a known leak, even if it is outfitted with the best automatic pump out there. A good idea is to install several electric models and one or more manual diaphragm pumps as an emergency backup.

The type of pumps to use, their quantity, and capacity (measured in GPM - gallons per hour) should be selected depending on the type and size of vessel. For example, it may be enough to use one submersible electric pump in a runabout, while offshore boats are required to have one automatic electric pump per bilge segment plus a high-capacity manual pump. In the case of small boats, the rule of thumb is to use the highest-GMP model that is possible to use based on practical considerations and limitations, which will be able to evacuate large amounts of water from a small bilge keeping the boat from sinking. In our broad selection of bilge pumps, you are sure to find the right products that will suit your application and budget. They are sourced from some of the most reputable brand names, including but not limited to Attwood, SeaFlo, and Rule.