Amanda Knapp
A bilge pump is an essential piece of equipment on a boat, designed to remove excess water from the lowest point of the vessel. It is important to understand how a bilge pump works, as well as how to maintain it, in order to keep the boat dry and safe. There are several types of bilge pump, including diaphragm and centrifugal pumps, and it is important to know how many you should have and how to spot installation problems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep the boat dry and safe by removing excess water from the lowest point of the boat |
| Types of pump | Diaphragm, Centrifugal, Electrical |
| Pump function | Rid the boat of normal accumulations of nuisance water and assist emergency pumps during a flooding situation |
| Pump maintenance | Check the float switch periodically for corrosion or buildup, inspect the area around the pump for debris that could cause clogs |
| Pump capacity | Higher GPH ratings are needed for larger boats or those navigating rough waters |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of a bilge pump
A bilge pump is one of the most essential pieces of equipment on any boat. It keeps your vessel dry and safe by removing excess water from the lowest point of the boat, the bilge. Water in the bilge can come from everyday sources, such as rain or packing gland drips, but can also be the result of a more serious issue, such as a leak.
There are two main types of bilge pumps: diaphragm pumps and centrifugal pumps. Diaphragm pumps can handle debris, making them ideal for boats that experience dirty bilge water, while centrifugal pumps are lightweight and efficient, working best in boats with relatively clean bilge water. Centrifugal pumps are the most widely used type and move water by kinetic energy. Water enters the pump, picks up speed as the impeller rotates, and is then forced out by its own momentum.
It is important to understand how a bilge pump works and how to maintain it. This knowledge can help you avoid costly damage and be prepared for any situation on the water. Testing the bilge pump before heading out and after returning to the dock is recommended, even if your system is automatic. In an emergency, manually activating the pump can help remove excess water while you assess the situation and take necessary action.
To keep the bilge pump working efficiently, it is important to 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.
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Types of bilge pump
A bilge pump is one of the most essential pieces of equipment on any boat, keeping the vessel dry and safe. The bilge pump removes excess water from the lowest point of a boat.
There are several types of bilge pump, including:
Diaphragm Pumps
These pumps can move water and handle debris, making them ideal for boats that experience dirty bilge water.
Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are lightweight and efficient, and they work best in boats with relatively clean bilge water. They are the most widely used type of bilge pump. They use a rotating, solid impeller to move water by kinetic energy. Water enters the pump, picks up speed as the impeller rotates, and is then forced out by its own momentum.
Reciprocating Pumps
These pumps are easier to construct, repair and assemble than other types, but are not as durable. They consist of a piston, a cylinder and several valves.
Automatic Pumps
Automatic bilge pumps have float switches that activate when the water level reaches a certain point. These can be turned on and off as needed without manual intervention, making them especially useful for ongoing water removal, particularly for boats kept in the water.
Manual Pumps
Manual pumps can be used as a backup system in case of electrical failure.
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How to maintain a bilge pump
Regular maintenance of your bilge pump is essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of your boat. By following these tips and incorporating bilge pump upkeep into your regular maintenance routine, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your vessel is equipped to handle any water-related challenges that may arise.
Before going on a boating or fishing trip, turn the pump on and check if it is throwing the water out and if it is flowing from the system's discharge outlet. Even if no significant issue is found, you should change the impeller every year. It is relatively easy to maintain the bilge pump on your boat in good condition. Regular inspection and servicing are all that you need to do.
A fuse helps control the flow of electricity to the pump. It prevents any damage to the bilge pump from working due to a sudden power supply when you turn on the switch. However, these fuses can blow with time and uses. Replace them when required. Connect with a marine service specialist if you have to change the fuse every couple of outings on the water, as it might be time to repair your bilge pump.
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. 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.
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How to spot installation problems
A bilge pump is one of the most essential pieces of equipment on a boat, keeping the vessel dry and safe by removing excess water from the bilge. There are two main types of bilge pump: diaphragm pumps, which can handle debris and are ideal for boats with dirty bilge water; and centrifugal pumps, which are lightweight and efficient, and work best with relatively clean bilge water.
To spot installation problems, it is important to understand how different bilge pumps work, how many you should have, and how to maintain them. Before heading out and after returning to the dock, test the bilge pump to ensure it is working efficiently. Inspect the area around the pump for debris that could cause clogs, especially on new boats where construction materials can end up in the bilge. Check the float switch periodically, as it can become corroded or coated with buildup over time. Ensure the pump has the correct capacity for your boat – larger boats or those navigating rough waters will need higher GPH ratings. Consider a backup system, such as a secondary pump or a manual option, in case of electrical failure.
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How to manually activate a bilge pump
A bilge pump is an essential piece of equipment on a boat, designed to remove excess water from the lowest point of a boat: the bilge. This water usually comes from everyday sources, such as rain or packing gland drips.
To manually activate a bilge pump, you need to turn it on whenever you notice standing water in the bilge. You can do this via a two-position (on/off) switch. You should check the pump regularly, especially after heavy rain or rough conditions.
Even if your system is automatic, it is recommended to test the bilge pump before heading out and after returning to the dock. In an emergency, manually activating the pump can help remove excess water while you assess the situation and take necessary action.
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. Float switches can also stick in the 'on' position, so the pump keeps running even after the water level has dropped.
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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.
Bilge pumps perform two functions. The first and primary function is ridding the boat of normal accumulations of nuisance water (such as rain or packing gland drips). The second is to assist emergency pumps during a flooding situation.
The most common types of electrical bilge pumps are centrifugal and diaphragm pumps. Centrifugal pumps are lightweight and efficient, and work best in boats with relatively clean bilge water. Diaphragm pumps can handle debris, making them ideal for boats that experience dirty bilge water.
To keep the bilge pump working efficiently, inspect 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.
