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Best Automatic Bilge Pumps for Boats & Yachts in 2022
When we’re out on the water, we want to make sure we’re ready for any trouble that comes our way. The next boat could be hours or even days away. That’s why we need a bilge pump we can trust.
In this article, I’ll share the best automatic bilge pumps you can get for your boat (or your home). They’ve been chosen thanks to how fast they pump, how easy they are to use, and their great quality.
| Attwood S500 | IUME 1100GPH | Sanuke 1500GPH |
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Best for light applications |
Best for medium applications |
Best for heavy applications |
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Editor Rating: 4.7 ★ |
Editor Rating: 4.7 ★ |
Editor Rating: 4.8 ★ |
The Best Automatic Bilge Pumps
The best for small boats
- Key Features
- 3/4" diameter hose
- Only 1.5A current draw
- 500GPH for vessels up to 20'
- Rugged and compact assembly fits in tight spaces
- Mercury-free switch for complete auto operation
Attwood’s Sahara S500 is an automatic bilge pump capable of moving up to 500 GPH of water. It’s a neat little pump perfect for smaller boats up to 20′. Built with the best quality by a brand with 100 years of experience in the marine industry.
The best for mid-sized applications
- Key Features
- 3/4" hose diameter
- 750GPH of max flow
- 3A current draw
- Anti-airlock operation
- Robust plastic housing
- Reed sensor system for auto operation
If you need a bit more flow for your 18 to 25′ vessel, Aurelio Tech has an automatic pump with 750 GPH capacity. All components are made of corrosion proof materials including a stainless steel shaft. It also has a quick release strainer you can easily clean when needed.
Also great for up to 25' vessels
- Key Features
- 3/4" diameter hose
- 750 GPH of max flow
- 3A current draw
- 4 years of warranty
- Well-thought out compact design
This mid-tier SEAFLO submersible bilge pump is equipped with a built-in magnetic float switch for auto operation. It has a well thought out design that allows the pump to push 750 GPH of water even in tight spaces. It’s also backed by 4 years of warranty which is great.
Best for boats up to 30'
- Key Features
- High 1100GPH max flow
- 1-1/8" hose diameter
- 3.8A current draw
- Built in float switch for auto operation
- Has a manual override
- Rust and corrosion proof
If you have a larger boat up to 30′ long, you need a pump that can match your needs. This IUMÉ automatic marine bilge pump is capable of moving up to 1100 GPH of water to keep you afloat. It’s also super efficient, pumping out more water with less energy.
Heavy duty pump for mid sized boats
- Key Features
- 1-1/8" diameter hose
- High 1100GPH max flow
- 3.8A current draw
- Easy to clean strainer
- Water tight seals
MAXZONE brings us this fully automatic bilge pump with heavy duty quality. Water-tight seals you can trust in any ocean or sea. It can pump up to 1100 GPH of water silently and flawlessly. It’s the perfect pump to bring for your next adventure.
Powerful bilge pump with a nice narrow design
- Key Features
- 1-1/8" diameter hose
- Powerful pump with 1500GPH of max flow
- Heavy duty switch
- Moisture tight seals
- Narrow design for tight spaces
This Sanuke submersible bilge pump is a powerful little pump capable of up to 1500 GPH of pumping. Great for vessels below 35′. It also has top-notch quality in both the switch and the body to withstand the tough environments of the sea.
Best for both recreational and commercial duty
- Key Features
- 1-1/8" & 1-1/4" diameter hose
- Reliable Ultima switch
- Available in 12V and 24V
- 7.5A current draw
- Very powerful 2060GPH max flow
- Great for both recreational and commercial boats
Johnson Pumps offers this automatic bilge pump designed for both recreational and commercial duty. Everything from the impeller, motor, and switch is made with quality you can expect from a trusted brand. This 2060 GPH pump can be used on boats up to 40′ long.
Why do I need a bilge pump?
Water from leakages and spills that accumulate at the bilge can cause a variety of problems to you and your boat.
The obvious reason is that too much water can cause the vessel to sink. But before even reaching that point, you’ll start to experience more humid environments below. The moisture can speed up rot and corrosion depending on the material used for your boat. It can even start to affect more sensitive electrical components.
This is where a bilge pump comes to action. It clears the water out while you try to fix the source or get to safety.
On land, bilge pumps are also used on aquariums and sometimes in different draining applications.
Where is a bilge pump located?
Bilge pumps are commonly located at the bottom part of the vessel. This allows the pump to clear out every last bit of water.
In case it fails or gets overwhelmed by too much water, a slightly larger backup pump may be installed above it. Having a third manual bilge pump is also advisable in case the boat loses electrical power.
How do automatic bilge pumps work?
Typical automatic bilge pumps work with the help of a float switch. When the water reaches a certain level, the switch floats and completes an electrical circuit that starts the pump.
The water gets sucked into the pump passing through a strainer to filter debris. The filtered water then goes through an impeller that pushes it to a discharge hose or pipe.
After some time when the water level goes down, the switch returns to its original position and the pump is deactivated. Waiting for the next cycle.
Conclusion
Bilge pumps are great and automatic ones are even better. They might cost a bit more than the non-automatic but I’m sure you’d thank yourself for the investment.
Have you tried any of the pumps above? Are there any other pumps you think deserves to be included? Let us all know in the comments below!
2 thoughts on “Best Automatic Bilge Pumps for Boats & Yachts in 2022”
Thank you so much for all these reviews. I need to buy a bilge pump but don’t actually know which pump should I get. But these reviews are great. Water is leaking into my boat rapidly. I have fixed a few of the leaks but still. I have to go fishing, so I think the best course of action would be to install a bilge pump and hope not to sink my boat.
All the pumps here work great but it all boils down to how big your boat is. Although I think you’re right in patching those leaks first. Hope you get back on the water soon, Drew. Stay safe!