SELECTING A BILGE PUMP |
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Virtually all boats end up with unwanted water in the bilge, which must be removed. Water gets in from a propeller shaft packing gland, a leaky portlight, leaky seams in a wood boat, melting ice from the icebox and a multitude of other sources.
Leaving large amounts of water in the bilge can have several undesirable effects on your boat, including destabilizing it, lifting spilled fuel and distributing it throughout the bilge (where it can attack, among other things, the insulation on electrical wiring) and promoting the development of osmotic blisters in fiberglass hulls. And did we mention having the boat sink? Getting this water (we call it nuisance water) out of your boat is the primary function of a bilge pump.
What type of boat do you have?
Small Powerboats
Planing runabouts and ski boats use one submersible pump located aft. Small boats with large cockpits or low freeboard need bigger pumps.

Boat Length
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Pump Output - Liter Per Hour
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To 5.4 m
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1100 -1900
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5,5 m – 7 m
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1700 - 2650
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7 m – 8 m
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2600 - 4100
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Sailboats
Medium and large sailboats use multiple manual and automatic pumps.

Boat Length
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Pump Output - Liter Per Hour
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6,5 m – 8 m
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2300 - 3000
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8 m – 9 m
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3000 - 3800
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9 m – 10,5 m
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3800 - 6000
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10,5 m – 12,2 m
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6000 - 8300
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12,2 m – 14 m
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8300 - 15100
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Large Powerboats
Larger powerboats use one or more pumps. Each compartment that can hold water needs its own pump. Engine driven pump or second, larger electric pump recommended for emergency backup, especially for open water boating.

Boat Length
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Pump Output - Liter Per Hour
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8m – 9m
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3000 - 4000
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9m – 10,5m
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3800 - 6000
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10,5m – 12,2m
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6000 - 8300
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12,2m – 14m
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8300 - 15100
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Manual or electric power?
High-capacity centrifugal pumps are relatively inexpensive and the easiest pumps to install, but they are rendered ineffective if your boat’s electrical system fails, and this is a likely occurrence if your boat takes on a lot of water. For this reason we recommend that, in addition to any electric pumps, you have at least one high-capacity manual diaphragm pump. Manual pumps can move substantial amounts of water (up to 76 Liter per minute or so).
Dual bilge pump installation

13200 l/h (or larger) emergency pump located above sump, and connected to manual switch. 1500 l/h (or smaller) pump with integral float switch, connected directly to battery.
Products
BILGE PUMP- ALBIN MARINE LOW 750, 12 V
Submersible low bilge pump. Stainless steel shaft, compact and easy to install. Tough thermoplastic ABS housing with detachable universal base plate with strainer and pin (for “T-slot”) to attach a level switch for automatic operation. Replaceable cartridge motor. Easy maintenance and low power consumption. Power: 12 V, Capacity: 50 l/min, Consumption: 2.7 A, Hose connector: 19 mm.
DL-106-01-02-007
DIGITAL BILGE SWITCH- ALBIN MARINE
This digital bilge switch activates your bilgepump automatically when water exceeds the acceptable level and deactivate when water has been has been removed. For a fully automatic removal of your bilge water connect a switch to your electrical bilge pump. Field sensing digital technology, fully sealed without any moving parts. Will not corrode and are not affected by oil or debris. Power: 12/24 V.
DL-106-01-66-037
BILGE PUMP- WHALE ORCA 500, 12 V
Whale, Orca pump GPH 500. High performance; easy installation; very compact and can be easily inspected; hydrocarbon resistant body; large built-in filter on the casing, which provides great capacity even with debris; EC type approved in accordance with ISO 8849 standards; Power: 12 V, Consumption: 1,5 A, Hose connector diameter: 19 mm, Dimensions: 83 x 102 x 78,5 mm.
16.550.12
Manual double-acting bilge pump. Fitted with central soft sleeve for better intake. Drain hose: 100 cm, Length: 53 cm.
15.263.00
Hand pump Ponabocus complete with extension and hose. Length: 35 cm, Hose diameter: 50 mm.
15.263.35
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