Trystan Casey
A bilge pump is a device designed to remove excess water from the lowest point of a boat. The most common type of pump is powered by the boat's electrical system and automatically or manually removes water from the bilge. Electric bilge pumps are designed to not cause sparks since fuel can be present in the bilge. They are often fitted with float switches that turn on the pump when the bilge fills to a certain level. They are also usually placed at the lowest point of the bilge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To remove excess water from the lowest point of a boat |
| Types | Electric, Manual, Automatic, Submersible, Diaphragm, Centrifugal, Electromagnetic |
| Power Source | Boat's electrical system, Battery |
| Installation | Lowest part of the bilge, Engine Compartment, Midship Bilge, Stern Area, Kayak Cockpit |
| Maintenance | Routine cleaning to prevent clogging |
| Factors for Selection | Output capacity, Discharge head, Power supply, Hose diameter |
| Brands | Jabsco, Rule, Gear Graveyard, SVB |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric bilge pumps are designed to not cause sparks as fuel can be present in the bilge
- The primary pump is usually at the lowest point of the bilge, while the secondary pump is located higher
- The two-pump approach: a small automatic pump handles rainwater and a high-capacity pump is for emergencies
- Electric bilge pumps are often fitted with float switches that turn on when the bilge fills to a set level
- A backup pump is advised as the primary pump can fail due to debris in the bilge
Electric bilge pumps are designed to not cause sparks as fuel can be present in the bilge
A bilge pump is a water pump used to remove bilge water. Bilge water can be a result of leaks in the boat or condensation on the inside walls of the boat, especially in colder weather. It can also be caused by droplets on heat exchangers of coolers or air conditioning systems. While bilge pumps can be manual, electric bilge pumps are more common and are designed to not cause sparks as fuel can be present in the bilge.
Electric bilge pumps are often fitted with float switches that turn on the pump when the bilge fills to a certain level. They can also have built-in sensors that automatically start pumping when the water level in the bilge rises. These are particularly useful when no one is on board to notice the rising water level. The switch operated pump has a switch that manually activates the pump, giving the user control over when the pump is operated. However, this type of pump requires more installation steps and has more parts that can malfunction.
Electric bilge pumps are usually placed in one of two locations in the cockpit: behind the seat or in front of the feet. Placing the pump behind the seat ensures that it is at the lowest point in the cockpit and can pump water to the lowest level. On the other hand, placing the pump in front of the cockpit behind the footrests uses space that is normally wasted in most kayaks. However, this location may not be at the lowest point in the cockpit, resulting in some water accumulation before the float switch engages.
The maintenance of electric bilge pumps is also an important consideration. These pumps are largely maintenance-free if the bilge is kept clean. Failures often occur due to dirt or long hairs clogging the valves or the pump diaphragm. To prevent clogging, pumps are typically mounted directly on a strainer to keep coarse dirt away from the pump. Routine cleaning and inspection of the pump for any breaks or brittle spots are recommended.
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The primary pump is usually at the lowest point of the bilge, while the secondary pump is located higher
A bilge pump is a crucial piece of equipment on any boat, as it helps to keep the vessel dry and safe by removing excess water from the lowest point of a boat: the bilge. Water in the bilge can come from various sources, such as rainwater, spray from waves, wash-down water, minor leaks, and drainage from built-in coolers, hatch lips, and cup holders on smaller boats.
Bilge pumps can be manual, electric, or automatic, with electric bilge pumps being the most common type. Electric bilge pumps are powered by the boat's electrical system and can be operated automatically or manually to remove water from the bilge. They are designed to not cause sparks since fuel can be present in the bilge.
To avoid frequent cycling, which wastes electricity and can be annoying, automatic pumps are designed to allow bilge water to accumulate before kicking in. The shut-off points are calculated to turn the pump off before it runs out of solid water. Most electric bilge pumps have float switches that activate when the water level reaches a certain point, and they can be turned on and off as needed without manual intervention.
The placement of the bilge pump depends on the boat's design and size. The primary pump is usually located at the lowest point of the bilge to remove water effectively. The secondary pump, on the other hand, is positioned higher. This setup ensures that the secondary pump activates only when the primary pump fails or is overwhelmed, keeping it free from the debris that tends to clog the primary pump.
In kayaks, for example, the electric bilge pump can be placed behind the seat or in front of the feet. Placing it behind the seat ensures it is at the lowest point and can pump water to the lowest level. However, placing it in front of the feet may leave some water in the cockpit before the float switch engages.
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The two-pump approach: a small automatic pump handles rainwater and a high-capacity pump is for emergencies
A bilge pump is an essential piece of equipment on any boat, helping to keep the vessel dry and safe by removing excess water from the lowest point of a boat, the bilge. Water in the bilge can come from rainwater, spray from waves, leaks, or condensation.
There are different types of bilge pumps available, including manual, electric, and automatic pumps. Electric bilge pumps are the most common type, powered by the boat's electrical system, and can be operated automatically or manually. They are designed to not cause sparks since fuel can be present in the bilge. They are often fitted with float switches that turn on the pump when the bilge fills to a certain level.
Given that bilge pumps can fail, the use of a backup pump is often advised. This is where the two-pump approach comes in: a small automatic pump handles rainwater and minor accumulations, while a high-capacity pump is for emergencies. The small automatic pump, typically 400-500 GPH, is placed low in the bilge to handle rainwater and minor leaks. In contrast, the high-capacity pump, around 3,500 GPH, is positioned higher to manage emergency situations, such as a large hull breach.
The two-pump approach ensures that the primary pump, located at the lowest point of the bilge, handles everyday water accumulation. The secondary pump, located slightly higher, only activates when the primary pump fails or is overwhelmed, keeping it free of debris that tends to clog the primary pump. This approach provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind while out on the water.
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Electric bilge pumps are often fitted with float switches that turn on when the bilge fills to a set level
Electric bilge pumps are often fitted with float switches that turn on automatically when the bilge fills to a set level, removing water to prevent the boat from sinking. This is an important safety feature as bilges can fill with water quite quickly, especially in smaller boats with narrow bilges. Float switches are a popular choice for bilge pumps as they provide added security and peace of mind for boat owners.
There are different types of float switches available on the market, such as the Mayfair Electro-Magnetic Bilge Pump Float Switch, which is made of durable, high-impact plastic and automatically activates when the water level reaches 2". It is designed for easy installation, making it a convenient choice for boat owners. Another popular option is the Rule-A-Matic Plus Automatic Bilge Pump Float Switch, which is designed to withstand tough marine conditions with marine-grade blocked wires and moisture-tight seals.
When installing an electric bilge pump with a float switch, it is important to consider the location of the pump in the cockpit. Placing the pump behind the seat ensures it is at the lowest point and can pump water to the lowest level. However, placing it in the front of the cockpit behind the footrests utilizes space that is normally wasted, although it may result in a slight delay in the float switch engaging.
Wiring an electric bilge pump with a float switch can be a confusing task, and it is important to seek guidance from knowledgeable representatives to ensure proper installation. There are different wiring strategies, such as using a 3-way switch or a manual/auto bilge switch, and it is recommended to have an automatic (float switch) feed for the bilge pump, with the "auto" float switch lead running directly from the boat's battery.
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A backup pump is advised as the primary pump can fail due to debris in the bilge
A bilge pump is a crucial piece of equipment on any boat, as it helps to remove excess water from the lowest point of a boat, the bilge. The primary pump is usually located at the lowest point of the bilge, while a secondary pump is positioned slightly higher. This secondary pump is meant to serve as a backup and only activates when the primary pump fails or is overwhelmed.
The primary pump is susceptible to failure due to debris in the bilge, which can cause clogs and hinder its effectiveness. This debris can include construction materials like sawdust, fibreglass dust, foam, and even stray screws. Therefore, it is essential to regularly inspect the area around the pump and clear any debris to prevent clogs and maintain the pump's efficiency.
To address the possibility of primary pump failure, a backup pump is highly recommended. By having a secondary pump, you can ensure that you have an additional layer of protection in case the primary pump fails or becomes clogged. This backup pump is typically located slightly higher than the primary pump to keep it free from the debris that tends to accumulate in the bilge and cause clogs.
The use of two pumps, a primary and a backup, is a common strategy employed by experienced boaters. The backup pump provides peace of mind and helps manage emergency situations. It is important to select the right type of pump for your boat, considering factors such as capacity and the presence of a float switch or other automatic activation mechanisms.
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Frequently asked questions
A bilge pump is a device designed to remove excess water from the lowest point of a boat: the bilge.
A bilge pump is one of the most essential pieces of equipment on any boat as it keeps your vessel dry and safe.
The most common type of pump is powered by the boat's electrical system and automatically or manually removes water from the bilge. Other types include diaphragm and centrifugal bilge pumps.
There are two locations to place the bilge pump in the cockpit: behind the seat or in front of your feet. Placing the pump behind the seat will ensure the pump is at the lowest point in the cockpit and will be able to pump water to the lowest level possible. However, placing the pump in front of your feet uses space that is normally wasted in most kayaks.
Jabsco and Rule bilge water pumps are trusted by many and offer a broad range of solutions for small to large boats.
