Boat Bilge Pumps

At Outback Equipment we understand that enjoying a day out on the water usually means everyone in the boat is having a good time and comfortable where they are sitting. All too often when it starts to rain or there is a lot of splash back into the boat, your tinny can fill up quickly, leading to complaints of cold, wet feet from your passengers. Boat bilge pumps are the answer to enjoying a drier boat for the entire day.

So, what is a boat bilge pump? A bilge pump is a 12v pump located at the bottom of the transom, also known as the bilge area, where water tends to collect at the back of the boat. It uses 12v power from the onboard marine battery to pump out water as it fills in. The alternative is usually a bailing scoop or bucket. However, we highly recommend installing a high-quality or well-known branded boat bilge pump so you do not have to miss the catch of the day because you're busy scooping.

How does a bilge pump work on a boat?

A boat bilge pump works by creating a vacuum seal at the bottom of the transom or bilge area, allowing you to transfer water from inside the hull through a small bilge hose out via the skin fitting.

How to test your bilge pump:

Before heading out into deeper water, it is a good idea to test your boat bilge pump if you have only just installed it. This helps identify issues such as leaks or 12v wires failing. The last thing you want when you're out on the water is to encounter problems with your bilge pump and not be able to address them properly.

Sizes of boat bilge pumps:

Depending on the length and size of your hull, you will need a bilge pump that can handle the amount of water flowing into the back of the hull. This also depends on the type of trip you will be taking, so consider the weather and conditions. A boat bilge pump is rated for gallons per hour, and the output will be stated on the product.

Boat Length

Pump Output – Gallons Per Hour

To 18'

300 to 500

18'-22'

450 to 700

22'-26'

600 to 1,200

26'-30'

800 to 1,000

What else will I need to install a boat bilge pump?

The basic tools needed to install a boat bilge pump into your hull, depending on boat type and location, include a screwdriver, stainless steel screws, and some marine-grade Sika flex. Some skin fittings for the bilge outlet will require a hole saw and a drill as well. Be sure to buy marine-grade bilge hoses to the length needed from the bilge pump to the skin fitting outlet. Hose clamps will also be required to secure the bilge hose to the boat bilge pump and to the skin fitting to ensure the system is leak-proof.

Why shop with Outback Equipment?

We’re Australian owned and operated – We’re based right here in the south of Brisbane. If you ever need help with an order or a product, you can call straight through to our friendly local team.

• Plenty of payment options – You can pay via PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, zipMoney, Afterpay, and direct deposit – whichever is most convenient for you.
• Delivered to your door – You don’t have to worry about darting across town to grab your order. We deliver your goods straight to your door to save you time and energy.
• Order Your Boat Bilge Pump Today

Stay in complete control of your tinny with our range of boat bilge pumps. For the best boat bilge pumps Australia has to offer, shop online to find the finishing touches for your recreational boat today.