Andrew Pace
Bilge pumps are simple devices that either work or don't work. They are essential to keeping water out of your boat and preventing damage. There are several types of bilge pumps, including diaphragm and centrifugal pumps, and they all pump water from the bilge of a boat. To keep a bilge pump working efficiently, it's important to inspect the area around it for debris and to periodically check the float switch for corrosion or buildup. Even with safety precautions, pump failures can occur, so it's important to have a manual backup option, such as a hand-operated pump and a bucket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bilge pumps | Simple devices that are either running or not |
| Require a manual backup option | |
| Diaphragm type uses a membrane to pull water into the intake hose and ejects it from the boat | |
| Centrifugal type uses an impeller to pull water into the pump and push it over the side; will only work if fully submerged | |
| Less tolerant to passing debris | |
| Can burn up in a couple of minutes if run dry | |
| Should be checked periodically for debris that could cause clogs | |
| Wiring should be routed upward to keep it dry | |
| Connections should be sealed to prevent water damage | |
| If the pump isn’t running often, occasionally add a small amount of water to the bilge to test its function |
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What You'll Learn
- Bilge pumps are simple devices: they're either running or they're not
- It's important to keep your bilge pump working efficiently by inspecting the area around it for debris that could cause clogs
- Larger boats often have multiple bilge pumps, each wired separately to the power source
- Diaphragm type bilge pumps use a membrane to pull water into the intake hose and eject it from the boat
- Centrifugal bilge pumps use an impeller to pull water into the pump and push it over the side
Bilge pumps are simple devices: they're either running or they're not
There are several types of bilge pumps, and although they all pump water from the bilge of a boat, they go about it differently. Diaphragm type bilge pumps use a membrane to pull water into the intake hose and eject it from the boat. Centrifugal bilge pumps use an impeller to pull water into the pump and push it over the side. They will only work if fully submerged, which means water must already be present before they switch on.
To keep the bilge pump working efficiently, inspect the area around it for debris that could cause clogs. This is especially important on new boats, where construction materials like sawdust, fibreglass dust, foam, and even stray screws can end up in the bilge. The float switch should also be checked periodically, as it can become corroded or coated with buildup over time. Bilge pump wiring should be routed upward to keep it dry, with all connections sealed to prevent water damage. If the pump isn't running often, occasionally add a small amount of water to the bilge to test its function.
The main workhorse is the automatic bilge pump. These are electric, powered by your boat's battery, and are activated automatically by a bilge switch. A bilge switch is a very simple device. They're also known as float switches, which tells you a lot about how they work. In essence, when water builds up in your bilge, it forces the bilge switch to float upwards. When the water level gets high enough, the bilge switch "completes the circuit" and activates your bilge pump.
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It's important to keep your bilge pump working efficiently by inspecting the area around it for debris that could cause clogs
The float switch should also be checked periodically, as it can become corroded or coated with buildup over time. Bilge pump wiring should be routed upward to keep it dry, with all connections sealed to prevent water damage. If the pump isn't running often, occasionally add a small amount of water to the bilge to test its function.
Even if your system is automatic, testing the bilge pump before heading out and after returning to the dock is recommended. In an emergency, if your boat starts taking on water quickly, manually activating the pump can help remove excess water while you assess the situation and take necessary action.
It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case your electrical and manual bilge pump fails. Consider carrying spare parts, such as seals or diaphragms, and even a backup manual pump for emergency situations. A manual bilge pump works by using manual force to create suction and pressure, allowing water to be drawn into the pump and discharged overboard.
There are several types of bilge pumps, and although they all pump water from the bilge of a boat, they go about it differently. Diaphragm type bilge pumps use a membrane to pull water into the intake hose and eject it from the boat. This type of pump uses an external filter to prevent the trash from the bilge from blocking its inlet hose. Centrifugal bilge pumps use an impeller to pull water into the pump and push it over the side. They will only work if fully submerged, which means water must already be present before it switches itself on.
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Larger boats often have multiple bilge pumps, each wired separately to the power source
The bilge pump is an essential component of a boat, quietly working to remove water from the boat and keep it out of harm's way. While a solid hull and good boatmanship can help keep water out, the bilge pump is an important backup.
Having multiple bilge pumps wired separately to the power source provides a level of redundancy and backup in case one pump fails. This is important because pump failures can occur, even when all safety precautions are taken. By having multiple pumps, the chances of all pumps failing simultaneously are reduced.
Additionally, wiring each pump separately allows for independent control and operation. This means that if one pump experiences an issue, the others can still function normally, providing continuous protection against flooding.
It is also worth noting that while electric bilge pumps are popular for larger boats due to their convenience and efficiency, they rely on the boat's electrical system. Therefore, it is recommended to have manual pumps as well, such as diaphragm or piston pumps, to ensure a backup option in case of power outages or battery failures.
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Diaphragm type bilge pumps use a membrane to pull water into the intake hose and eject it from the boat
If a boat is not running, it is still possible for water to enter the bilge. Choppy conditions, leaky through-hulls and plumbing failures can all cause water to enter the boat. Therefore, it is important to have a bilge pump to remove this water.
Diaphragm pumps are more robust and have a longer life cycle than centrifugal pumps. They can also be mounted up and away from the corrosive environment of the bilge, making them easier to maintain. However, they are less tolerant of debris, which can cause clogging and failure. Therefore, it is important to check the area around the pump for debris that could cause clogs.
To keep the bilge pump working efficiently, it is also important to periodically check the float switch for corrosion or buildup. The bilge pump wiring should be routed upward to keep it dry, with all connections sealed to prevent water damage. If the pump is not running often, it is a good idea to occasionally add a small amount of water to the bilge to test its function.
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Centrifugal bilge pumps use an impeller to pull water into the pump and push it over the side
If your boat is not in the run, it is important to have a manual backup option to remove water from the boat, such as a high-capacity hand-operated pump and a large bucket easily accessible in your boat.
The number of gallons your bilge pump can pump per hour should be at least thirty-five times the length of your boat. Larger boats often have multiple bilge pumps, each wired separately to the power source. Installing cartridge-style pumps with spare cartridges on-board can make for quick replacement on the water should your primary pump fail. However, even when all safety precautions are taken, pump failures can still occur.
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Frequently asked questions
A bilge pump is a device that pumps water from the bilge of a boat.
There are several types of bilge pumps, including diaphragm and centrifugal pumps. Diaphragm pumps use a membrane to pull water into the intake hose and eject it from the boat. Centrifugal pumps use an impeller to pull water into the pump and push it over the side.
If your bilge pump isn't running often, it's important to occasionally add a small amount of water to the bilge to test its function. It's also a good idea to inspect the area around the pump for debris that could cause clogs and to check the float switch for corrosion or buildup.
