The Best Boat Bilge Pumps You Should Consider
Introduction
Boat bilge pumps are an essential part of any boat owner's safety equipment. These pumps are responsible for removing excess water from the bilge, which is the lowest compartment in the boat where water collects. This water can come from a variety of sources, including rainwater, waves, and leaks. By removing this water, bilge pumps help to keep your boat afloat and prevent damage to its hull and other important systems.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bilge Pump
When choosing a bilge pump, there are several factors that you should consider. These include the size and type of your boat, the type of water you will be pumping, and the overall capacity of the pump. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Size and Type of Your Boat
The size and type of your boat will have a big impact on the size and type of bilge pump that you need. In general, larger boats will require larger and more powerful pumps, while smaller boats can get by with smaller and less powerful pumps. Additionally, the type of water that you will be pumping will also play a role in determining the size and type of pump that you need. For example, if you will be pumping saltwater, you will need a pump with corrosion-resistant materials, such as a plastic or stainless steel pump.
Type of Water
As mentioned above, the type of water that you will be pumping will also play a role in determining the size and type of bilge pump that you need. If you will be pumping saltwater, you will need a pump with corrosion-resistant materials, such as a plastic or stainless steel pump. On the other hand, if you will be pumping freshwater, a metal pump may be sufficient. It's important to choose a pump that is specifically designed for the type of water that you will be pumping.
Capacity
The overall capacity of the bilge pump is another important factor to consider. In general, you will want to choose a pump with a high capacity, as this will ensure that it can quickly and efficiently remove large amounts of water from the bilge. However, it's important to choose a pump that is not too large, as this can lead to reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right bilge pump for your boat is an important decision that can help to keep your boat afloat and prevent damage to its hull and other systems. By considering the size and type of your boat, the type of water you will be pumping, and the overall capacity of the pump, you can make an informed decision that will provide you with the best possible bilge pump for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I leave my bilge pump on all the time?
No, your bilge pump should only run when the water level in the engine bilge is high enough to trigger it. It is not necessary for the pump to run all the time unless there is a significant amount of rain or the boat is uncovered. It is advisable to keep a backup power source, such as a noco GB40, in case of a dead battery.
For a 20-foot boat, it is recommended to have a bilge pump with a capacity of 1,000 gallons per hour (gph). This is a general rule of thumb. The bilge pump capacity increases with the size of the boat, such as 2,500 gph for 20 to 25 feet, 4,000 gph for 25 to 32 feet, and so on.
3. How long will a boat battery run a bilge pump?
The duration a boat battery can run a bilge pump depends on factors like the size of the pump, battery bank size, and battery health. On average, a boat battery may last a few days or up to a week, considering a bilge pump drawing 5 to 15 amps at 12 VDC over multiple 24-hour periods.
4. Should bilge pump be on a switch?
Yes, it is recommended to have a switch for the bilge pump. An ON-OFF switch is commonly used. It is also recommended to have an automatic (float switch) feed for the bilge pump, which should be directly connected to the boat's battery with proper fusing.
5. Do automatic bilge pumps drain battery?
If the switch controlling the automatic bilge pump fails to turn it off, the pump motor can continue running and drain the boat's battery. This can result in the depletion of the battery, defeating the purpose of the automatic bilge pump system.
6. Is it bad to run a bilge pump dry?
Running a bilge pump dry can damage the impeller. It is important to ensure that the pump is not running without any water to prevent impeller damage. Additionally, the intake connection should be located in front of the sea strainer to avoid sucking in bilge debris into the engine.
7. What size pump do I need to lift water 20 feet?
To lift water 20 feet, a 3/4 HP pump is recommended. This pump has a pumping capacity that is 20 to 25 percent more than a 1/2 HP sump pump. It is capable of handling high vertical lifts of 20 to 30 feet and/or horizontal pipe runs of 150 to 250 feet.
8. Is it bad to leave boat battery on?
It is not advisable to leave the boat battery connected unless it is hooked up to a trickle charger for the winter months. Leaving the battery connected to the boat can lead to increased corrosion and a higher rate of discharge, which can negatively impact the battery's performance and lifespan.
9. Should an automatic bilge pump go directly to battery?
Yes, it is recommended to connect an automatic bilge pump directly to the battery and not through the distribution panel. This ensures a direct and reliable power source for the bilge pump, enhancing its functionality and effectiveness.
Editor's Notes
During our boat bilge pump research, we found 24 boat bilge pump products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 60,692 customer reviews through our big data system to write the boat bilge pumps list. We found that most customers choose boat bilge pumps with an average price of $28.85.
The boat bilge pumps are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of boat bilge pumps, including Rule, MAXZONE, Attwood, Shoreline Marine, Sanuke. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 134 consumers with an average rating of 3.9.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.