Best Bilge Pump Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide
When it comes to knowing which are the best bilge pumps on the market, things are not as easy as they might seem at first. These units come with multiple features, so understanding exactly what benefits each one brings can take up a lot of your time. Luckily, we are here to help you out by bringing the answer to your question in this very paragraph. Our team has carefully considered each features the top-rated pumps include and went through detailed data to establish which one you should keep in mind as a first choice. The answer is Rule’s 1500 GPH Marine Bilge Pump which features a sturdy construction, with a stainless steel shaft and rust-resistant properties, as well as a compact and highly efficient design. Plus, the pump is submersible and it operates silently for the user’s peace of mind. If you cannot find this model available in your area, the alternative you should go for is the Boating Accessories New Rule 3700 GPH Pump.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
This pump comes with a very effective construction that ensures its durability and performance. The fact that it includes a stainless steel shaft and that it’s completely submersible says a lot about why it’s a highly popular choice. Plus, it operates silently and is vibrationless, so the user is not hindered.
The unit has a pumping capacity of up to 1,500 gallons per hour, but this indicator depends on various factors.
With a versatile design and reliable construction, this Rule pump ensures that pretty much every need you might have for your boat is met, so you shouldn’t hesitate to try it out and see how it works.
2nd Best
One of the things that make this bilge pump stand apart from other similar products is the fact that it’s made for heavy-duty use. With silent operation and easy installation, the unit is a very good choice even for users who are not familiar with using such a device, given that it ensures a hassle-free experience.
In case you want to replace the wiring, this might prove to be a bit difficult, so try contacting the manufacturer.
Thanks to its sturdy construction and high efficiency, this pump can be used for both personal boats and commercial ones, which means that you can get a lot of use out of it, so it can go to the top of your list
Also To Consider
You can rest assured that you are going to use this Attwood model for a long time, given that it comes with tinned and caulked wiring, and that its construction is very sturdy. No mounting brackets are necessary to install this unit, making your life a lot easier, while its capacity stands at 800 gallons per hour.
You need to ensure its maintenance following the manufacturer’s indication for great results.
This is a highly reliable pump that you shouldn’t miss out on, given that it offers multiple benefits and functionalities, such as interchangeable motor cores and rugged construction.
10 Best Bilge Pumps (Updated Reviews) in 2023
We know that identifying the best bilge pump for your needs is not always easy, especially since there are many options available on the market. That’s why the next selection is here to help you choose, given that it showcases the top-rated products in this category.
1. Rule 1500 GPH Marine Bilge Pump
This Rule model is one of those very good marine bilge pumps that ensure a high pumping capacity, which means that you can rely on it even in tough conditions. The first thing that you should know is that this particular pump features an exclusive design that is comparable with those of high-end models but at a more affordable cost.
Furthermore, given that it features high-quality components, you can rest assured that it’s a durable choice, so you won’t have to spend more money buying new pumps too often. An aspect that is definitely worth mentioning is that this unit is very silent.
You might find yourself lowering your voice to make sure that it’s still working. This boat bilge pump is also very easy to install and use, so starting to use it right away is not going to be an issue either, no matter if you have experience with such devices or not.
Pros
This pump is a genuine Rule product that features a stainless steel shaft, so you don’t need to be concerned about any rust or corrosion either.
The unit is completely submersible, while its operation is very silent and vibrationless, which means that you won’t be hindered in any way.
Thanks to the compact and efficient design, it can fit in many spaces around a boat, while its construction allows it to run dry but only for short periods.
The hose discharge outlet has a 1-⅛” measurement, and the unit works with 12 volts DC, so it’s compatible with many accessories that you may need to use.
Cons
Depending on the conditions in which it’s being used, the unit might not pump the 1,500 gallons estimated by the manufacturer.
This is not an automatic bilge pump, so that’s something that you should keep in mind.
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2. Boating Accessories New Rule 3700 GPH Pump
If you are looking for one of those affordable bilge pumps that are specially made to face tough conditions, then you should surely take a closer look at what this particular unit has to offer. First of all, anyone who gives it a try will surely be happy about the high-quality construction that it features, which also means that you will be able to use it for a long time.
Of course, this also means that you will be cutting some costs, given that you won’t need to purchase new units every few months. Furthermore, this bilge pump is easy to use, so you won’t have trouble installing and starting to use it in no time.
Even if you are not that experienced with such devices, this job will still be a breeze. Plus, this particular model is known for being reliable and ensuring trouble-free operation, so you shouldn’t hesitate to try it out.
Pros
This 3700 GPH pump was specially made for heavy-duty use, which means that it can be used for both commercial and personal boats.
Its operation is very silent, so you find yourself in a situation in which the noise is annoying but there’s nothing you can do about it.
Thanks to the 1-½” discharge outlet, this pump is very effective in getting the water out in no time, therefore making your life a lot easier and ensuring your peace of mind.
Given that it comes with a 3-year warranty, you can easily tell that the manufacturer stands by the quality of the products it offers.
Cons
You might have a hard time finding wiring replacements, in case you need this, but you can always contact the manufacturer’s customer support to see what solution is available.
You should check the pump from time to time, just to make sure that everything is working properly.
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3. Attwood 4608-7 Tsunami T800 Bilge Pump
If you need to find one of those cheap bilge pumps that are also highly effective, then Attwood’s 4608-7 Tsunami T800 model is one that you should keep an eye on. Besides the fact that it’s a highly affordable solution, this pump also comes with innovative engineering, as well as with a compact design.
This means that you can rely on its pumping performance, as well as on its durability. This model is designed to pump up to 800 gallons per hour, and it includes top-rated materials in its construction. From premium-quality bearings to alloys, brushes, and magnets that won’t fail, if you try this pump out for your boat you won’t be disappointed by its performance.
Moreover, the unit also comes with a patented shaft seal that is specially designed to prevent any leaks that might occur due to misalignment. This also means that the unit is protected against corrosion and water damage in the long run.
Pros
This Attwood pump includes caulked and tinned wiring in its construction, so any wicking is eliminated.
Along the same lines, its rugged construction, which features a mineral and glass-filled polymer structure, renders it highly durable, even in tough environments.
In terms of installation, things are very easy, given that no mounting brackets are needed to get this job done, and the double-filter base is designed to resist potential clogging.
Tsunami bilge pumps for boats also come with interchangeable and replaceable motor cores, so you have more options when it comes to its maintenance.
Cons
In case you notice a diminished performance after a while, you should contact the manufacturer to see what maintenance should be made in order to properly clean it.
The unit’s performance depends on the conditions in which it’s being used as well, so make sure that you check it from time to time.
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4. MAXZONE Submersible Boat Bilge Water Pump
This Maxzone product is one of those bilge pumps that any user can rely on, given that it’s built for tough conditions. You shouldn’t think that just because it’s a highly affordable alternative it won’t do its job the way you would want. With a discharge outlet diameter of 1-⅛”, this unit has a pumping capacity of up to 1,500 gallons per hour.
Furthermore, its motor is made for heavy-duty use and you will be able to rely on it for a long time, given that it comes with stainless steel shafts. Also in terms of construction, you should know that this pump is completely submersible and that it’s ignition-protected as well.
Despite its compact construction, this unit has a very convenient capacity, while its installation is very easy as well. All you need to do to get it working right away is to snap-lock the strainer base, and then simply enjoy its vibration-free and silent operation.
Pros
In case this pump runs dry, there’s no burn out risk, so that’s not something you will need to worry about.
You should also know that the unit is compliant with pretty much all of the safety standards and that it also features moisture tight seals.
Thanks to a unique “discharge” function that works automatically, the unit can withstand long-term operation that goes on continuously.
The ABS housing it features is also impact-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about it ensuring a short time service, even in tough conditions.
Cons
Depending on the available space, you should check this unit’s measurements to make sure that it works well for your needs.
Make sure that you check it from time to time in order to see if everything is working well, especially if used for continuous operation.
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5. Amarine Made 1100gph 12v Marine Plumbing Electric Bilge Pump
Things might not be very clear when you are going through bilge pump reviews, given that there are many alternatives available out of which you can choose, but few of them are as effective as this Amarine model. The unit is a submersible pump that comes with a compact construction but high power, which is more than enough for you to be very pleased with its performance.
Thanks to the impact-resistant ABS housing included in its construction, this sturdy unit can face rough conditions, while the compact design and low current usage ensure the right combination between high-flow performance and cost-effectiveness.
The motor is worth taking a closer look at as well, given that it includes stainless steel shafts which makes it suitable for heavy-duty use, while the thermoplastic-made body renders the unit durable in many different conditions. It’s important to note that this unit meets all existing safety standards.
Pros
If the pump runs dry, you don’t need to worry about a burn out, given that its construction is specially made to prevent such situations.
This bilge pump is easy to install and use, since all you need to do is snap-lock its strainer base.
You may also want to know that this unit is ignition-protected, as well as totally submersible.
The motor is water-cooled, which is a solution that ensures a longer lifespan, and the seals are tightly made to prevent any moisture that might otherwise damage the pump.
Cons
You should take a look at the details provided by the manufacturer on the unit’s measurements, just to make sure that the pump is suitable for your needs.
You may have a bit of a hard time finding a hose that fits, so it’s advisable to contact the seller for exact details on this and then order both the pump and the necessary hose.
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6. Creatorele Automatic Bilge Pump
Creatorele’s model is one of the automatic bilge pumps that became very popular among experienced users due to its high-quality construction and effective performance. Therefore, if you are in the market for such a solution, then you shouldn’t hesitate to check this model out and see what other benefits it has to offer.
The unit is specially made to provide an all-in-one pump & switch solution, which means that there is no float-switch necessary to get it to work. Its automatic construction means that the pump turns on in case the water level rises and subsequently turns off when there’s no more water left to pump.
The snap-off strainer it includes makes it both easy to use and maintain, given that cleaning it won’t be an issue. Another aspect that you should be aware of is that the pump’s motor includes stainless steel shafts, so there’s nothing to worry about in terms of its durability.
Pros
The tough thermoplastic body is specially made to withstand a wide range of conditions, so you’ll be able to get a long term use out of this unit.
The unit’s output goes up to 1,100 gallons per hour if you use the recommended 29mm discharge hose.
You should also know that the motor is water-cooled, which means that its lifespan is prolonged, while the moisture tight seals also work to ensure the unit’s durability.
Thanks to its design and construction, this is a heavy-duty bilge pump that works great for smaller vessels.
Cons
You should ask the seller for details on what discharge hose works best with this unit, and then make sure that you buy the right one to avoid any additional purchases.
Even though this unit is a highly reliable one, you should still check it from time to time to make sure that it works correctly.
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7. ECO-WORTHY Submersible Boat Bilge Water Pump
If you are tired of using a manual bilge pump and you want a reliable unit that can get the job done in no time, this Eco-Worthy model is probably just the answer that you need. The unit features highly effective moisture tight seals, as well as a powerful motor, so you won’t need to worry about its durability for a long time.
Furthermore, the design is both compact and efficient, which means that the pump can be placed in a wide range of available spaces around your boat, making it a versatile solution. In terms of the way it operates, you will surely be pleased with the fact that this is a highly effective unit, but also that it’s very silent.
The vibrationless operation means that you won’t be hindered while using it. Furthermore, the pump is easy to install and use, while the model is also completely submersible. In case it runs dry, you don’t need to worry that it might burn out, given that it features special elements to prevent this from happening.
Pros
The stainless steel shafts the motor is equipped with ensure the unit’s durability, while the effective design ensures a flow rate that goes up to 1,100 gallons per hour.
This pump is mostly used for hydraulic systems that are being fed with cold water, which makes it ideal for cruisers, yachts, fishing boats, and many others.
The anti-airlock protection renders the unit durable, while the corrosion and rust protection it comes with ensure that it will work the way it should in tough conditions.
The engine is water-cooled, which is an approach that ensures top results in terms of performance.
Cons
This is not an automatic model, so that’s something you should keep in mind, in case you are looking for such a unit.
Make sure that you check the pump’s measurements before placing your order.
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8. IUMÉ Boat Bilge Water Pump
In case you are looking for an effective, compact, and automatic bilge pump that can get the job done in no time, then this IUMÉ model is the right choice for you. The first thing you should know about this unit is that there is no need to get a separate float switch, because there’s a built-in one already included.
When the water level increases, the pump is automatically activated, which means that you can enjoy hassle-free use of your boat. Furthermore, the pump is also equipped with an electronically-controlled reed sensor, so the automatic function is one that you can rely on.
The unit is also fully submersible and it features a compact design, so you don’t need to worry that it might not fit a wide range of spaces around the boat where you may want to place it. Plus, the efficient motor ensures high capacity output and performance.
Pros
One thing worth noting about this pump is that it comes with a corrosion-resistant and rustproof construction, so there’s not much you should worry about in terms of its durability.
The motor includes stainless steel shafts that ensure long term operation, while the impact-resistant plastic housing protects it in all sorts of tough conditions for reliable operation.
The quick-release strainer included in this model ensures its easy maintenance, and the efficient operation uses low levels of current, thus making this a cost-effective unit as well.
Thanks to the ignition protection features, the pump can do its job against high currents, while its operation is vibrationless and silent so this won’t turn into an issue.
Cons
The user’s manual is detailed and features wiring diagrams as well, but you may still need to do some extra online research.
If you already have a mount, it might not work with this model, so check with the manufacturer for details.
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9. Shoreline Marine Bilge Pump
The ShoreLine brand is known for the high-quality products it makes, and this Marine Bilge Pump is no exception to this rule. In fact, you can rest assured when it comes to the product’s effectiveness, given that the company has extensive know-how in this area and it offers a wide range of services and products that make great solutions for maritime equipment.
Besides the fact that this product is offered by a reliable company, you should also know that its construction is a highly efficient one, given that it’s a both durable and top-performing choice. The unit comes with a rugged plastic housing which means that it can face tough conditions, while its overall design makes it easy to install and use.
Furthermore, the quality tinned wire ends ensure a hassle-free operation, while an internal float-switch means that the pump comes with automatic capabilities.
Pros
This pump is ignition protected and it meets all of the USGG requirements, so you don’t need to worry about its safety and effectiveness.
Given its compact design, the unit can be placed in a ride range of spots around your boat, depending on where it’s most needed.
The automatic operation surely makes any user’s life easier, while the fact that this is a silent unit means that you won’t be hindered in any way while it’s in use.
Thanks to the sturdy plastic housing, you don’t need to think that it might not be able to face tough situations and extensive use.
Cons
The two plastic tabs located on the mounting base are a bit difficult to remove, so the unit’s installation might prove to be a bit challenging.
If you have to use a very powerful pump in special conditions, you should check with the manufacturer to make sure that this unit meets your needs.
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10. Yescom 3500GPH 12V Electric Marine Submersible Bilge Pump
Given the impressive 3,500 gallons per hour output this pump ensures, you can surely understand why it made its way into this selection of highly effective products. This Yescom unit is a universal bilge pump that features a compact design but enough power to get pretty much any job done in no time.
One of the things worth mentioning about this pump is that it has low current needs, which makes it a cost-effective solution as well. Furthermore, when it’s in use, it operates silently, so you won’t be annoyed by various sounds. With an effective construction and very clever design, this unit is ideal for many types of boats, including yachts and cruise ships.
The voltage the pump works at is 12V DC, while the mounting hole is a universal one, which means that you shouldn’t have difficulties installing it right away.
Pros
This Yescom model features a sturdy plastic housing that ensures its durability, so you won’t need to worry about having to buy a new pump every few months.
The rust-resistant construction is also a very good feature, given that it prolongs the unit’s lifespan, ensuring your peace of mind in the process.
Given that the pump also includes an easily accessible strainer base, ensuring its cleaning and maintenance won’t be an issue.
Thanks to its versatile construction and high-performing capabilities, this Yescom pump is ideal for a wide range of boats and cruise ships, so that’s something that you will probably be very pleased with.
Cons
You should make sure that you check the pump once in a while to see that everything is well in terms of operation.
This is a reliable unit, but you should still follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in terms of maintenance to get the most out of it.
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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
No matter if you are looking for one of those battery powered bilge pumps or you are still trying to figure out which type of unit is the most suitable one for your boat, there are some aspects that you need to be aware of before choosing the next pump you are going to use.
These handy devices are very useful for keeping water away from your boat, but it’s important to get a pump that works well in a wide range of conditions, because you can never know for sure what you are going to be faced with when you own a boat.
Furthermore, given the purpose of these devices, it’s crucial to choose a reliable model that won’t fail when you most need it to work. With this being said, it’s only natural that you should choose a high-quality pump that comes with sturdy elements to ensure a long lifespan and smooth operation.
A few words on installation and access
The bilge pump should always be installed in an area that is easy to access, because you will need to check the strainer and perform the necessary maintenance from time to time. On the other hand, when choosing the exact spot in which you are going to install it, it’s good to keep in mind that this should be in an area where water gathers, in order for the pump to clear it away.
In case this doesn’t happen, the result might consist of some boat damages that are going to cost more than one wants. In terms of installing these units, things are not very difficult, but there is some electrical know-how necessary to get the job done. This is due to the fact that the pump needs to be attached to a battery and potentially use a switch as well.
In case you are not very familiar with such tasks, you might need to call an expert who knows how to do this without any risk of malfunctioning. Of course, if you have the time and patience, you can look up online how this is getting done and give it a try on your own.
In case you want to use a manual pump instead, of course there won’t be any wiring necessary, but it also means a lower performance in terms of water clearance and more work on your part.
Materials
You might be looking for something very specific such as one of those kayak bilge pumps, or you may simply want to get an effective and universal unit for your boat. No matter the situation, it’s very important to take a look at the materials used for making such a unit. Bilge pumps are, by definition, exposed to a lot of water and used in tough conditions.
That’s why they need to be made out of materials that can face such conditions for long periods. Therefore, experienced users know that the right approach here is going for a unit made of ABS plastic and that the ignition and wires need to be protected as well, while the most durable shafts are made of stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a bilge pump?
A bilge pump is a very useful device specially created to remove water from a boat’s bilge. Because fuel can be present as well in this water, these units are designed to avoid causing any sparks, so it’s important to use such a specialized unit for this job, because it’s also a matter of safety.
If the pump you choose is not an effective one and water remains within the bilge, the results can vary from damage and rot to making the entire boat sink. Of course, this is an extreme outcome, but it’s important to note that the pump needs to be a highly reliable one.
Q: Where is the bilge pump usually located on a boat?
Just as the name suggests, such a pump needs to be located in the bilge. This part of the boat is the one that accumulates water and, depending on the size of your boat, there can be more than one such compartment that can hold water.
Given that keeping water away from the boat is a very important task, each boat should use an electric pump for every bilge area, as well as a large manual one in case any of the electrical units fail and the situation requires water to be removed without delay.
Q: When should I turn the bilge pump on?
The right approach when it comes to these pumps is getting one that comes with a flotation device that automatically turns the unit on when the situation requires it. Plus, the answer to this question depends on other factors as well. If there is no water accumulated in the bilge, then there’s no need to turn the pump on.
On the other hand, if water does accumulate in the bilge, the first thing you should do is figure out what the cause is, in case there’s any boat damage you should know about. Keep in mind that the goal here is to keep the bilge as dry as possible.
Q: How does a bilge pump float switch work?
Float switches are a great addition to water pumps, given that they can prevent water from accumulating even when you are not there to keep an eye on the situation. The way float switches work is quite simple, namely when there’s enough accumulated water to float it, the pump is activated. Once the job is done, the float switch lets the pump know it can turn off.
However, the trick with float switches is making sure that they are working correctly at any given point. It’s important to know that a broken float switch that doesn’t activate the pump can actually cause a boat to sink.
Q: How do you test a bilge pump float switch?
The answer, in this case, depends on the type of pump you are using. There are various ways of testing a float switch, the easiest one being to immerse the whole unit in water and see if and when the pump is turned on. However, you might not always be able to do this, so you can check the details provided by the manufacturer to see how you can test this out.
The answer might include the wiring and, of course, some troubleshooting steps that you need to follow in order to identify the issue, in case there is one. If you are in doubt, you should probably buy a new pump altogether.
Bibliography:
1) What is a bilge pump used for on a boat?
3) Bilge Pump Installation and Maintenance
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