8 Best Bilge Pumps

Choosing the best bilge pump for your boat is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency on the water. A bilge pump is a vital component of a vessel’s safety system, responsible for removing unwanted water that accumulates in the lowest part of the boat’s hull.

Whether dealing with rainwater, waves splashing over the sides, or minor leaks, a reliable bilge pump can help prevent serious flooding and potential sinking.

When selecting a bilge pump, it is essential to consider factors such as pump capacity, power source, durability, and ease of installation.

This guide will explore top-performing bilge pumps in the market, highlighting their features, benefits, and what makes them stand out, ensuring you can make an informed choice tailored to your specific boating needs.

A great bilge pump is essential for maintaining the safety and functionality of a boat while on the water. Here are the key factors that contribute to a high-quality bilge pump:

The pump’s ability to move water, typically measured in gallons per hour should be high especially if you have a large boat or frequently encounter heavy water ingress.

Furthermore, the bilge pumps should be made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, high-quality plastics, or marine-grade alloys. It should also have robust sealing and strong housing to protect the pump from the harsh marine environment and extend its lifespan.

Energy Efficient

The best bilge pump needs to be energy-efficient to preserve your boat’s battery life. Common bilge pumps operate on 12V or 24V DC, compatible with most boat electrical systems.

Easy to Install and Maintain

Furthermore, the bilge pump should have a flexible mounting option that makes installation easier and more adaptable to various bilge configurations. It should also have a design that enables easy access to parts like the impeller or motor for simple maintenance and repairs.

Quiet Operation

Last but not least, the bilge pump should have a quiet operation to enhance comfort, especially on smaller boats where noise levels are more noticeable.

Best Bilge Pumps

The MAXZONE Automatic Submersible Boat Bilge Water Pump is the best, it features an 1100GPH flow rate,12V, a Built-in float switch, and is equipped with a built-in electronic controlled reed sensor system for easy fully automatic operation.

It is an impressive and reliable piece of equipment essential for keeping your boat dry and safe.

The pump is designed with an automatic sensor that activates when water is detected, ensuring your bilge is always dry without manual intervention.

Its 12V power rating makes it compatible with most marine electrical systems, and it delivers a robust flow rate, quickly expelling water from the bilge area. Furthermore, it is compact and easy to install, fitting snugly into confined spaces, which is a significant advantage for boats with limited bilge space.

Another standout feature of this bilge pump is its quiet operation, which is crucial for maintaining a peaceful environment on board. Moreover, its maintenance is minimal, with a simple filter design that can be easily accessed and cleaned, prolonging the pump’s life and efficiency.

Pros

• Compact, efficient long-life motor
• Ease of installation and maintenance
• Easy-clean snap-lock strainer bases
• All-in-one pump and switch
• Versatile nylon horse barb that allows for multiple connection options

 

 

Specifications

• Material: Plastic
• Style: Large
• Power Source: Manual
• Maximum Flow Rate: 20 Gallons Per Minute
• Maximum Lifting Weight: 5 Feet
• Product Dimensions: 21″L x 4″W x 3″H
• Item Weight: 1.7 Pounds

 

This hand-operated pump is designed with ease of use and durability in mind. Its lightweight, portable design allows for convenient storage and quick deployment in emergencies.

With its sturdy construction, it ensures long-lasting performance even in harsh marine environments. The handle provides a comfortable grip, making it easy to operate, while the robust suction power efficiently expels water, keeping your boat dry and safe. Additionally, the pump comes with a long hose, providing flexibility in reaching different areas of the boat.

In terms of performance, the Better Boat Manual Bilge Pump stands out for its impressive capacity to move a significant volume of water with minimal effort. Moreover, the unique design minimizes the risk of clogging, allowing for continuous operation when needed most. It is also affordable so it offers high functionality at a reasonable price.

The Attwood 4505-7 Sahara S500 Automatic Bilge Pump is the best bilge pump for small and medium-sized boats. It is a highly reliable and efficient bilge pump that offers solid performance in virtually all waters.

One of the standout features of this pump is its built-in float switch, which automatically activates the pump when water levels reach a certain height, ensuring hands-free operation and providing peace of mind. The installation process is straightforward, aided by clear instructions and a compact design that fits easily into tight spaces.

Moreover, with a 500 gallons per hour (GPH) capacity, it effectively keeps the bilge area dry, even in moderately rough conditions.

Besides, the durable construction, using high-impact, corrosion-resistant materials, ensures longevity and resilience against harsh marine environments.

• Reliably provides bilge water pumping for small and medium-sized boats 
• Compact and durable construction
• Installs quickly and easily in tight spaces, mounts horizontally only

Cons

• Clogs up quickly

 

4) Attwood Tsunami Bilge Pump, 12-Volt

 

 

Specifications

• Style: T500
• Power Source: Ac/dc
• Maximum Flow Rate: 1892 Liters Per Hour
• Maximum Lifting Weight: 3 Feet
• Product Dimensions: 6.12″L x 8.12″W x 7.75″H
• Voltage: 5 Volts
• Item Weight: 0.6 Pounds

 

The Attwood Tsunami Bilge Pump stands out in the marine equipment market for its robust performance and reliability. It is highly efficient and capable of pumping up to 1200 gallons per hour (GPH). This makes it suitable for a wide range of vessels.

To complement the impressive capacity, the pump is designed with a reliable and durable motor, featuring ignition protection to ensure safe operation in potentially explosive environments. Moreover, its compact design allows for easy installation in tight spaces, which is often a critical factor on boats with limited room.

The pump’s housing is made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring longevity even in harsh marine environments. Another significant advantage of the Attwood Tsunami Bilge Pump is its user-friendly maintenance and operational features. The quick-connect discharge port simplifies the hose attachment process, reducing setup time and effort.

To top off everything else, this pump includes a replaceable cartridge, which allows for straightforward maintenance without the need to replace the entire unit, thus offering cost-effective upkeep.

Pros

• Innovative engineering and compact design to provide the most reliable bilge pumping performance
• Powerful and reliable pump is rated for 500 gallons per hour (gph)
• Premium-quality bearings and state-of-the-art brushes, alloys, and magnets
• Low noise

Cons

• Design flow in mount

 

5) AIRTAK Bilge Pump for Boat DC12V 1500GPH 

 

 

Specifications

• Style: 1500GPH-12V with the switch set
• Material: Plastic
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Maximum Flow Rate: 25 Gallons Per Minute
• Product Dimensions: 9.45″L x 3.74″W x 7.68″H
• Voltage: 12 Volts
• Item Weight: 1.77 Pounds

 

The AIRTAK Bilge Pump for Boat DC12V 1500GPH is a robust and efficient solution for keeping your boat’s bilge dry and operational. Its standout feature is its impressive 1500 gallons per hour (GPH) capacity, which ensures quick and effective water removal, even in more demanding conditions.

The pump’s construction is solid, with durable ABS plastic housing that resists corrosion and damage from both saltwater and freshwater environments. This durability is complemented by a powerful motor that operates smoothly and with minimal noise, making it a reliable companion on the water.

Moreover, installation is straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions and the inclusion of all necessary mounting hardware.  The pump also features a compact design that allows it to fit easily into tight spaces, ensuring it won’t interfere with other equipment.

 

 

Specifications

• Style: Bilge
• Material: Plastic
• Power Source: Battery-Power
• Voltage: 12 Volts
• Item Weight: 4.6Pounds

Here is another high-performance pump designed specifically for marine applications. It excels in efficiently handling gray water from showers, sinks, and other onboard fixtures.

The pump’s robust 10-amp motor ensures reliable and consistent operation, making it suitable for both small and large vessels. One of its standout features is the automatic switch, which activates the pump when water is detected, ensuring that the bilge remains dry without manual intervention. This automation not only enhances convenience but also provides peace of mind, knowing that the system will function effectively even when unattended.

In terms of build quality, the Jabsco 37202-2012 showcases the brand’s commitment to durability and longevity. It is constructed with corrosion-resistant materials, which is critical for marine environments where exposure to saltwater and moisture is a constant. Besides, it provides a smooth and quiet operation, which is a significant advantage in maintaining a peaceful onboard environment.

Pros 

• Quiet running with shielded drive
• Ease of installation
• Robust construction with corrosion-resistant components
• Good value for the price

 

Next on our list of the best bilge pumps is the Johnson Pump 05903-00 Cartridge Combo Automatic Submersible Bilge Pump. It is a robust and reliable solution for keeping your boat dry and safe.

The pump combines both manual and automatic operation and boasts a 1000 GPH (gallons per hour) capacity. This makes it suitable for a range of small to medium-sized boats. Its automatic functionality, enabled by an integrated float switch activates the pump when water levels rise, ensuring hassle-free operation.

Regarding construction, the pump is durable, featuring corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand harsh marine environments. Its installation process is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly cartridge design which allows for easy maintenance and cleaning. Besides, you will appreciate the quick-change motor cartridge that can be replaced without the need to remove the entire pump, thus minimizing downtime.

Above all, the pump operates quietly and efficiently, which is a significant advantage for those who value a serene boating experience.

Pros

• Automatic operation from the electro-magnetic float switch
• Easy to install Dura-Port discharge ports
• Durable and well-built to withstand harsh marine environments
• Quiet and smooth operation
• Easy to disassemble and unclog when the need arises

Cons

• Float switch sticks and pump lose prime

 

Our last bilge pump recommendation is the Rule GPH Gold Series Bilge Pump. It is a high-quality and efficient marine pump that excels in its performance whether used as a primary bilge pump or as a backup system, this pump delivers consistent and dependable operation

With a pumping capacity of up to 2000 gallons per hour (GPH), it effortlessly handles water removal tasks in boats, yachts, and other marine vessels. Regarding build quality, it has a durable construction, which includes a corrosion-resistant stainless steel shaft and a rugged thermoplastic body. This ensures longevity and reliability, even in harsh marine environments.

Additionally, the pump is designed for easy installation and maintenance, making it a practical choice for both experienced boat owners and novices alike. Its compact size also allows for versatile placement within the bilge area, maximizing space efficiency onboard.

What’s more, the Rule GPH Gold Series Bilge Pump operates quietly and efficiently, minimizing noise pollution while effectively clearing water from the bilge. Its efficient motor and reliable automatic float switch ensure consistent performance, giving boat owners peace of mind knowing that their vessels are protected from flooding and water damage.