7 Best Bilge Pumps Reviewed Alongside A Comprehensive Buyers’ Guide
Bilge pumps are an essential piece of boat equipment. They work by removing water that collects in any vessel to enhance the sailing experience. Whether you use a kayak, inflatable boat, yacht or canoe, using the right bilge pump can be the difference between safe sailing and a disaster.
However, these units come in different sizes, power ratings, and types. Therefore, choosing the best bilge pumps for your vessel can be daunting. To make this easier for you, we have done extensive research on these pumps to bring you top 7 best options that you should try.
Best Bilge Pumps for The Money in 2018 – Compare Chart and Reviews
Finding a quality bilge pump that will efficiently serve your specific needs is important. But what best bilge pump to go for entirely depends on your specific needs.
|
Rankings |
Product Name |
Dimensions |
Weight |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#01 |
Seaflo Automatic Submersible Boat Bilge Water Pump 12v 750gph Auto with Float Switch |
– |
1.2 pounds |
|
|
#02 |
Shoreline Marine Bilge Pump 600 GPH |
3.6 x 5.5 x 8.2 inches |
9.1 ounces |
|
|
#03 |
Rule 10 Marine Bilge Pump, 2000 Gallon Per Hour, Non-Automatic, 12 Volt DC |
5.2 x 6 x 4.5 inches |
3.1 pounds |
|
|
#04 |
Seattle Sports Paddlers Bilge Pump |
0.1 x 0.1 inches |
12 ounces |
|
|
#05 |
Seaflo 2000 GPH 12v Marine Electic Bilge Pump |
3.5 x 6 x 7.5 inches |
10.4 ounces |
|
|
#06 |
SeaSense Hand Bilge Pump Hose |
3.5 x 4.5 x 20.8 inches |
1.45 pounds |
|
|
#07 |
Attwood Corporation Bilge Pump 500Gph Tsunami |
8 x 6 x 3 inches |
9.6 ounces |
1. Seaflo Automatic Submersible Boat Bilge Pump
With a 750gph rating, this bilge pump from Seaflo provides a high capacity output at an unbeatable price tag. The pump features an integral float switch for efficient automatic operation so no need to use a separate float switch. Further, it comes with a test button at the rear of the pump to help you ensure its functioning properly. In addition, the pump features an ignition protection system to protect it against a high current. Therefore, this pump will not burn out in case you run it dry. Other notable features include:
Automatic Submersible Electric Design
The pump boasts built-in electronic reed sensor to allow fully automatic operation. This means, the pump starts running automatically as water level increases and turns itself off when water reduces to its minimum.
Efficient Motor
It is equipped with a compact water-cooled motor that uses 12V power for efficient operation without adding extra weight to your boat. The motor is reported to have a long life and operates silently so you will not even notice it’s working.
Great Durability
The pump is housed in a high impact plastic casing while the shaft is made from stainless steel for maximum durability. Further, it is designed to be resistant to corrosion and rust.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
- check
2. Shoreline Marine Bilge Pump
Next on our list of best bilge pumps is this model by Shoreline Marine that offers great performance in a small package. The pump is designed to be fully submersible and uses marine-grade wiring to ensure it stays in top condition while providing exceptional performance even after years of use. Being a manual-electric pump, you will need to turn it on before going out to the sea. Some features that make it stand out include:
Easy Installation Process
Installing this bilge pump is easy because you don’t need to modify it further in order to get it working. It comes with stainless steel hardware, a mounting base, and bracket for quick installation.
Decent Output Power
This unit pumps out 600 gallons per hour via its 3/4-inch output hose which is decent output for a small bilge pump. It pumps out the water like a garden hose at full blast.
Durable Construction
Featuring marine grade wiring, this unit can take a lot of abuse and last you for a long time. Its motor, on the other hand, is housed in a rugged thermoplastic casing for optimal durability.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
- check
3. Rule Marine Bilge Pump
If you have a big-sized boat, this bilge pump can be a good investment. Featuring 2000 GPH, the pump is known for its great pumping capacity. On top of that, it uses 1 1/8 inch discharge hose to easily funnel the water out. Therefore, it will definitely keep your bilge dry with minimal effort. It is very compact which makes it more portable especially for smaller vessels and easy to install. Besides that, it features the following:
Tough Construction
Housed in a solid plastic casing, this pump will serve you for a couple of years before you can replace it. It uses a stainless steel shaft that is rustproof for added durability.
Non-Automatic Operation
This is not an automatic pump so you will need to turn it on yourself before heading to the sea. But the good thing is that it can run dry for a short time without burning your motor.
Reliable Warranty
The pump is accompanied by three years limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects and poor workmanship for your peace of mind.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
4. Seattle Sports Paddlers Bilge Pump
Designed for kayakers, Seattle Sports Paddlers Pump is manually operated. You will need to pull its handle so it can suck the water out and then push its handle down in order to shoot the water into the ocean. At 12 ounces, the pump is very light in weight making it easy to use for long periods without getting fatigued. Also, it floats on the water just in case you accidentally drop it in the water. Other features include:
Comfortable Grip
The pump boasts a rubber over-molded handle for a comfortable and easy grip. This prevents hand fatigue if used for long.
Portable Design
Measuring 21 inches in length and 1.75 inches in diameter, the pump is compact enough to stow on your kayak. Not to mention, it is light in weight for quick storage.
Great Power Output
The pump works well enough to prevent your kayak from sinking. It sucks the water out of your kayak quickly to keep you safe.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
- check
5. Seaflo 2000 GPH 12v Marine Electric Bilge Pump
This is yet another great bilge pump from Rule brand. It boasts stainless steel shaft that is both durable and corrosion resistant. The rest of the components are also rust and corrosion resistant since the pump is fully submersible. In addition, it features a long-life motor that is capable of running dry for a short time without burning. To top it all, the motor is compact and operates quietly so you will probably not notice the presence of the pump in your small or big vessel. Other features worth noting are:
Easy and Quick Cleanup Process
The pump comes with a snap-lock strainer base to keep any debris that is capable of damaging your pump away. Further, removing the motor is easy thereby allowing you to clean the impeller cavity as well as the strainer.
Reliable Motor
It uses a 12 Volt DC motor that pumps 500 gallons per hour efficiently. The motor runs silently allowing you to focus on sailing.
Solid Construction
The pump appears to be well made and features marine grade blocked wiring to ensure it serves you for a couple of years. It is further backed by a three-year limited warranty for your peace of mind.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
- check
6. SeaSense Hand Bilge Pump
If you prefer a hand bilge pump, you cannot go wrong with this model. It is available in various sizes to choose from based on what you need it for. Besides, it has a large handle that offers easy and comfortable grip. In addition, the handle is designed to withstand high impact hence you can pump as hard as you without worrying it could break. Though quite efficient, it is most suitable for small boats, canoes, kayaks, and runabouts. Other features to look out for in this pump are:
Self-priming Operation
The pump is built to be self-priming so you don’t need to manually clear the pump off the air so it can work efficiently. This feature also allows you to pump it dry without causing any damage to the pump.
Compact Design
Regardless of the size you choose, this hand pump is very compact and lightweight in design. As such, you can easily store it in your store boat when not in use.
Well-made Plunger Spacer
It features a plunger spacer that works to prevent the shaft from coming up too much thereby damaging the plunger washer. This makes it easy for the plunger washer to force the water up through the outlet.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
7. Attwood Tsunami Bilge Pump
This is a manual bilge pump that is rated at 12 Volts and comes at an affordable price. It is available in different power ratings including 500 GPH, 800 GPH, and 1200 GPH. Depending on the model you choose, you can expect great efficiency output. Additionally, the pump comes with a double filter base to keep debris away and prevent clogging. Apart from that, here are some other great features that make it stand out:
Easy to Maintain
The pump utilizes interchangeable motor cores as well as replacement cartridges which makes it easy and quick to service the pump.
Decent Output
If you prefer a lot of power, you can choose the 1200 GPH model that delivers high capacity output. There are also less powerful models that also provide decent output for the price.
High-Quality Built
This pump is encased in a sturdy and high impact plastic housing. Therefore, it will stand the test of time despite years of usage.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
- check
Buying Guide- Which Is The Best Bilge Pump?
The best bilge pump is one that is capable of pumping water out of your boat quickly and efficiently. However, there is more to a great bilge pump so below are a few features to look out for while looking for the best pump for your vessel.
Type Of Bilge Pump
Bilge pumps are available in different types. There are the hand pumps that require you to use your hands to pump the water out of your boat. These types are very portable and ideal for small boats, kayaks, and canoes. Also, there are non-automatic pumps that are manually activated via an on/off switch. And finally, we have the automatic electric types that automatically switch themselves on once they detect water. Choosing between the three depends on personal preference although the automatic electric types offer greater convenience than the rest.
Pumping Capacity
This refers to the number of gallons a pump can suck out from the bilge in an hour. Therefore, the larger the pumping capacity a pump has the better. If you have a small boat, a bilge pump with a rating of 500 GPH to 800 GPH is good. But if you own a large boat, then you should probably invest in two bilge pumps for greater efficiency.
Rust and Corrosion Resistant
Since the bilge pump will regularly come in contact with both fresh and salt water, investing in a pump that is rustproof and resistant to corrosion is important. This will ensure the pump stays in good condition for a very long time.
Bilge Strainers
Most bilges tend to collect more than just water. Apart from the water, you may find small debris and solid objects in the bilge. So when using the pump, the debris may damage or stop the pump from running. As such, buying a pump with a strainer is important. The strainers will keep any debris away from the pump thereby extending your pump’s life.
Motor
The best bilge pump should have a powerful and compact motor to keep the weight of the pump minimal. Most pumps use 12 Volt power motor because it provides decent output. In addition, the motor should be able to run silently without making any vibrations for added convenience. Also, consider investing in a bilge pump whose pump is housed in a durable casing to ensure it is not damaged by water.
Bottom Line
Having water sitting in your vessel for too long is definitely not a good thing. It can create an imbalance in your boat, damage your boat’s hull or even result in creating a big leak in the hull. That’s why every boat owner should invest in the best bilge pumps for peace of mind every time he goes to the ocean. And if you’re looking for a pump that will do the job without compromising, you cannot go wrong with any of the pumps in this review.