Why choose the best bilge pump?

If you own a boat, you are already aware of the need and usefulness of a reliable bilge pump. Whether you have a small bass boat or large pontoon, a bilge pump is going to give you the peace of mind that you will be able to move water out of the boat quickly and efficiently.

In this article, we will take a look at five bilge pump models of various sizes and powers with the hope of having a model that will fit your boat’s needs.

What is the best bilge pump?

Here is a quick preview of my top 5 best options. More on each individual model below.

• Shoreline Marine Bilge Pump 600 GPH
• Seaflo Automatic Submersible
• Attwood Sahara Automatic Pump
• Rule Marine Heavy Duty
• Seaflo 2000GPH Marine

This smaller and compact bilge pump is one of the most affordable models on our list but still maintains excellent reliability and performance. With dimensions of 3.6×5.5×8.2″ it is perfect for smaller boats that normally sit on land when not in use and can be easily transported. It is the Shoreline Marine Bilge Pump 600 GPH.

This bilge pump runs on 12V and is capable of moving 600 gallons per hour (GPH) and can even move water 5-6’ vertically without any issues. The discharge outlet will fit ¾” outlet hose.

This pump has a solid construction and is very easy to install with a universal mounting base. It features marine grade wiring and tinned copper wiring that makes hooking up to a power source no issue. This pump does not contain a float switch and will only run manually, so it doesn’t do much good for boats that are docked in a marina.

Let’s continue our search for the best bilge pump by taking a closer look at the Seaflo Automatic Submersible Boat Bilge Pump.

This bilge pump by Seaflo is another compact but efficient and reliable pump for your watercraft. It is extremely easy to both install and perform maintenance on when needed. It is built from stainless steel and other corrosion resistant materials and used watertight seals in key areas to provide a pump with extra longevity.

If you are looking for a bilge pump for your boat docked in the marina, this particular model might be a better fit for you as it is already designed with an internal float switch. This allows the pump to kick on automatically when submerged in water. No energy is used until the float switch is engaged, so you don’t have to worry about it draining the battery when docked.

This pump runs on 12V and can move 750GPH. The discharge outlet will fit with a 3/4″ tube. This bilge pump model can also move water up to 3.8m vertically without any issue. It also contains a built-in ignition protection system to keep the pump from shorting out.

The next on our list is the Attwood Sahara Automatic Pump.

There are three models available, each with a different GPH. These include a 500,750, and 1,100 GPH giving you some options depending on the size of the boat and the amount of water you think you might need to move.

These models feature 36” of 16 gauge wire which is more than enough to install in key areas while still being able to run to a power source without extra materials. The wire cables are also caulked to prevent moisture seeping through the jacket.

This is a well-designed pump that uses quality and state of the art materials giving you a reliable bilge pump that you can count on for several years of use including a permanent-magnet motor, stainless steel shaft and components, and steel reinforced seals.

These pumps weigh in at a little over 1lb and are still relatively compact. They are incredibly easy to install and only run off of 12V. These pumps utilize a ¾” bilge outlet and have an off, on, and automatic setting with the built-in float switch.

Rule is one of the more well-known and trusted bilge pump manufacturers and this heavy-duty model provides you a powerful and reliable pump. If you’re running a large boat or want the peace of mind that you can move a large quantity of water quickly, the Rule Marine Heavy Duty Bilge Pump is your pump.

The Rule Marine Heavy Duty Bilge Pump is available in 12 and 24V models and can push an extraordinary 2,000GPH. This is a non-automatic bilge pump and must be turned on manually to begin pumping, but a float switch can be installed easily.

While a bit larger than other bilge pumps on this list, the Rule Marine Heavy Duty is still relatively compact with a 4” base and 6” high. The body is made with corrosion-resistant materials and watertight design that gives the motor great longevity. It also comes with a limited three-year warranty. The motor is also able to run dry for an extended period without burning out in the case you forget to turn the motor off, though it still highly recommended you have it turned off when not pumping water.

This is one of the most reliable bilge pumps on the market and can move a tremendous amount of water quickly. It is a bit steeper in the price range, but even for smaller boats, it is still recommended because of its durability and reliability.

Another heavy-duty bilge pump that we would like to take a closer look at is the Seaflo 2000GPH Marine Bilge Pump.

This is the second in this list for those needing to relocate large quantities of water relatively quickly. This Seaflo bilge pump can move 2,000 GPH and can move water vertically with no issue up to 6.4m. As heavy-duty as this pump is, it is still compact with dimensions of 5.9x3x4.25” so it’s not going to take up much room. The drainage outlet can fit 11/8” hoses.

This is a heavy-duty, and water-cooled motor that has a high-capacity output and made from durable and corrosion resistant materials. It is also in a rigid plastic body that has watertight seals. It also contains a built-in ignition protection system. With all of this combines, the Seaflo 2000GPH Marine Bilge Pump is one of the most durable on the list and has excellent longevity.

The pump is extremely easy to install and remove with its snap lock base. The 750mm twin copper wiring also allows easy installation to your power source. There is no built-in float switch for automatic engagement, but it can be easily installed. You will also notice that this bilge pump runs without much vibration and quietly.

Final Thoughts…

A bilge pump is always a good investment, especially in pumps that are reliable and built with quality materials, like the ones listed in this article. Whether you have a boat docked on land or in the marina and whether you ever need to pump a little or lot of water in a short amount of time, we have five quality bilge pumps that you will be able to rely on when that time comes.

What do you think is the best bilge pump? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.