Kristian Ferrell
Boat aerators are used to move water in one direction, filling or draining ballast bags. They are commonly used in wakeboarding and wake surfing boats, as well as fishing boats with live wells. Aerator pumps are positioned close to the water source and require a consistent supply of water to operate. They can be used to pump water in a loop, out of the well, through a tube, and back into the well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Function | Draws water from a lake, river, ocean, etc. until it can flow out of the outlet |
| Water Intake | Located beside the drain plug of the hull |
| Pumping Direction | Moves water in one direction |
| Speed | Operates at higher speeds than reversible pumps |
| Cost | Typically $40 to $50 |
| Self-Priming | Non-self-priming; must be positioned close to the water source |
| Passive Flow | Allows passive water flow when turned off |
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What You'll Learn
Aerator pumps must be positioned close to the water source
Aerator pumps first gained popularity in fishing boats with live wells. They are also used in ballast bag systems in wakeboarding or wake surfing boats. When outfitting boats with ballast bag systems, the choice of pump can significantly impact the efficiency and functionality of the system. Aerators are often used in situations where pumping raw water into the well isn't an option, such as when the water is warm, shallow or turbid. In these cases, recirculators are used to pump water in a loop, out of the well, through a tube, and back into the well.
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Aerator pumps are cheaper than reversible pumps
Aerator pumps are generally less expensive than reversible pumps, typically ranging from $40 to $50. They are also faster, operating at higher speeds than reversible pumps. Aerator pumps are designed to move water in one direction and are commonly used in setups where there is a dedicated pump for filling and another for draining. They are often used in boats with live wells, which is where they first gained popularity.
Aerator pumps must be positioned close to the water source as they require a consistent supply of water to operate. They cannot draw water if placed too far from the intake. When turned off, these pumps do not seal completely, allowing passive water flow. This can be problematic, especially if you are trying to keep water in your boat.
Aerator pumps are also used in recirculating systems, which pump water in a loop out of the well, through a tube, and back into the well. These systems are often used when pumping raw water into the well isn't an option, such as when you are in warm, shallow, or turbid water. The most basic recirculators don't add oxygen or clear waste, but many systems incorporate aerators and filters to do so.
Overall, aerator pumps offer a cost-effective and efficient option for boats with live wells or recirculating systems. Their ability to operate at high speeds and move water in one direction makes them a popular choice for filling and draining ballast bags. However, it's important to note their limitations, such as the need to be positioned close to the water source and the potential for passive water flow when turned off.
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Aerator pumps can operate at higher speeds than reversible pumps
Aerator pumps are a common feature in boats with live wells, which are often used for fishing. They are designed to move water in one direction, with one pump for filling and another for draining. Aerator pumps are non-self-priming, meaning they must be positioned close to the water source as they require a consistent supply of water to operate. They draw water from the lake, river or ocean until it gets high enough to flow out of the outlet.
Aerator pumps are also not self-priming, which means they cannot draw water if placed too far from the intake. This can be a disadvantage in certain setups, such as when the pump is located at the top past the overflow. Additionally, when turned off, aerator pumps do not seal completely, allowing passive water flow which can be problematic.
Despite these limitations, aerator pumps remain a popular choice for boats with live wells due to their high speed, low cost, and ability to effectively move water in one direction.
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Aerators are used in livewells to add oxygen to the water
Aerators are particularly useful in warm, shallow or turbid water that you would not want to introduce to your tank. Without a high-speed pickup in your boat’s livewell system, you can’t pump water in. For situations when pumping raw water into your well isn’t an option, many livewells use recirculating systems as an alternative. Recirculators essentially pump water in a loop, out of the well, through a tube, and back into the well. The most basic recirculators don’t add oxygen or clear waste, but many systems incorporate aerators and filters to do so.
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Aerator pumps are used to fill ballast bags
Aerator pumps must be positioned close to the water source as they require a consistent supply of water to operate. They draw water from the lake, river, or ocean until it gets high enough to flow out of the outlet. The water intake is usually located somewhere beside the drain plug of the hull. When the boat is in the water, the pump will draw water that exits through the slotted tube.
Aerator pumps can operate at higher speeds compared to reversible pumps and are generally less expensive. They are also configured to drain water above the waterline of the boat, providing a clear visual and audio cue when the ballast bags are empty. This eliminates the need for gauges or timers.
In situations where pumping raw water into the well is not an option, some livewells use recirculating systems. Recirculators pump water in a loop, out of the well, through a tube, and back into the well. Basic recirculators do not add oxygen or clear waste, but more advanced systems incorporate aerators and filters to do so.
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Frequently asked questions
A boat aerator pump is used in boats with live wells.
They are designed to move water in one direction and are commonly used in setups where there is a dedicated pump for filling and another for draining the ballast bags.
They must be positioned close to the water source as they require a consistent supply of water to operate.
They are used in livewells, which are tanks that can be used to keep bait alive in trailered boats.
