Did you know that most boats only have one bilge pump? This is despite the fact that experts agree you should always have redundancies in place, especially on larger boats. Depending on the size of your watercraft, you should have anywhere from four to five pumps spread out on the carrier.
So where should you begin if you’re looking to reach that safety standard? What criteria should you use when buying bilge pumps? Here are four guidelines.
1: Know Your Power Requirements
The size of your boat will determine your energy needs. For example, if you’re running a small ship, 2,500gph should be enough power in your pumps. On the other hand, if you’re manning something 40ft or larger, you’ll need at least 6,000gph.
2: Consider Your Hose
Hoses never reach the flow rates they boast on the package; gravity and vertical lifts prevent it. So rather than judging your hose by the numbers, think about size, material type and anti-corrugation features.
3: Keep Location In Mind
You should have a bilge pump at every source of enclosed water in your boat, so if there are several, you’ll need to budget for multiple pumps. You should also strongly consider putting your best and largest pump at the lowest point in the bilge.
4: Think About The Future
Don’t buy a pump just because it suits your needs today. Consider the future as well, especially if you plan on running your pumps ragged with lots of activity. Will they stand up to rust and corrosion? Will their parts be easy to clean?
These are just four tips for buying the right bilge pump. Contact your local outfitter or pump specialist for additional information.