Marine Pumps are Ideal for More than Boats
Marine pumps are a must for boating, but you may also be surprised to find out you can use them around the home, yard or when you are camping or spending time at the cabin. One of the most popular all around pumps that can be used both on the water as well as on land is the hand pump, simple to operate and capable of moving a lot of water with a very small amount of effort.
When you think of boats, watercraft and marine pumps then you are probably thinking about a bilge pump. These pumps, which can be incredibly lightweight and very easy to store onboard, are completely submersible. As the name implies, the earliest use of these pumps was in the lowest compartment on a ship, the bilge, and the pumps were critical for removing excess water from the ship. Originally they were also called force pumps, but later the term bilge pump became the standard. In smaller boats and pleasure watercrafts the bilge pump is designed to avoid those problem situations when water comes overboard or when there is minor damage to the hull or bottom of the boat. Even small fishing boats can find a bilge pump handy and it can be used to bring fresh water into live storage containers on fishing boats, a great way to bring home some really fresh fish.
bilge pumps, like other types of marine pumps, have different pumping capacities. This is reflected in the GPM or gallons per minute rating, which is always listed in conjunction with the foot of head specifications. Most are designed for both fresh and salt water use however some pumps are specifically only for fresh water. They can be designed to be virtually vibrationless, allowing them to run without causing any noise or knocking on the hull and through the boat. It is always a good idea to check that they have corrosion and rust protection, most are stainless steel to minimize any issues with either potential problem.
A very practical option to a bilge pump is the hand pump. This type of marine pump doesn’t require any power source other than what you provide in the pumping action of the handle. For the infrequent or weekend boater a hand pump is a low cost, lightweight and very compact safety option for onboard. Of course you can also use them on land, which makes them perfect for pumping out water in the basement, water in the cabin or for draining areas of the landscaping when necessary. They are designed to be able to handle gray water which means you don’t have to have perfectly clean and filtered water to use the system. You do need to flush out the pump after use with clean water to ensure a solid seal on the diaphragm for future use if gray water is pumped.
These pumps typically use a diaphragm type of system that pulls water in to the pump cavity when the hand is raised by creating suction, then forcing it out the discharge hose when the handle is depressed. The faster you raise and lower the handle the more water is pumped. These pumps are very small in size with a detachable handle for compact storage and easy movement.
Marine pumps of all types are available in a variety of sizes and styles. If you think you will have a need for a pump around the cabin, house or yard you may want to consider a hand pump, it really is a very versatile tool.
About the Author
Sandy Winslow is an author or many topics including marine accessories. There are several uses for marine pumps and depending on the model you choose you may be able to find a lot of different needs for these handy pumps.
Diaphragm Pump Video
|
|
GudCraft 1-1/2-Inch Manual Hand Pump $27.00 Best value hand pump for water, diesel, antifreeze and slurry transfers, out-of-order sump pumps, abrasive and filtration pumping, drum transfer, groundwater removal, drain dewatering and cleaning, spill cleanup and grease and oil collection. Inlet Spout (in.): 1 1/2, Max. Suction Lift (ft.): 13 1/2, Water Flow: 1320 GPH… |
|
|
Whale Gusher Titan Hand Diaphragm Pump, Model# ND4418 $119.99 Best value hand pump for diesel, antifreeze and slurry transfers, out-of-order sump pumps, abrasive and filtration pumping, drum transfer, groundwater removal, drain dewatering and cleaning, spill cleanup and grease and oil collection. Inlet Spout (in.): 1 1/2, Max. Suction Lift (ft.): 13 1/2, Water Flow: 1,680 GPH… |
|
|
34548-JABSCO 34600 DIAPHRAGM BILGE PUMP 34600 Diaphragm Bilge PumpFlow Rate: Nominal 10.8 gallons/minSelf-priming from dry up to 7.8ft.Diaphragm Design Allows Dry Running.Quiet Operation.Large Surge Chamber for Even Water Flow.Permanently Lubricated Ball Bearings on Shaft and Connecting Rod.Large Vibration Absorbing Pads.Corrosion Resistant Materials Throughout for Sea Water Service.Meets USCG Regulation 183.410 and ISO 8846 MARINE for … |
|
|
New-JABSCO 34600 DIAPHRAGM BILGE PUMP – 34548 $694.52 34600 Diaphragm Bilge PumpFlow Rate: Nominal 10.8 gallons/minSelf-priming from dry up to 7.8ft.Diaphragm Design Allows Dry Running.Quiet Operation.Large Surge Chamber for Even Water Flow.Permanently Lubricated Ball Bearings on Shaft and Connecting Rod.Large Vibration Absorbing Pads.Corrosion Resistant Materials Throughout for Sea Water Service.Meets USCG Regulation 183.410 and ISO 8846 MARINE for … |
|
|
New-JABSCO PARMAX 4 BILGE / SHOWER DIAPHRAGM PUMP 3/4 4.3 GPM – 31440 31705 Bilge and Shower Drain PumpBilge/Livewell/General Purpose Diaphragm PumpFeatures:12vSelf-Priming from dry up to 2.4m (7.8ft)Run dry without damageSmooth flowFour piston, diaphragm pumpPowerful heavy duty motor with Thermal Overload ProtectionSnap-in PortsWaterproof coatingMeets USCG Regulation 183.410 and EN ISO 8846 MARINE (Ignition Protection Standards)Meets EN 50081-1 Electro-magnetic Com… |
|
|
Jabsco 31705-0092 Marine ParMax 4 Bilge Pump (258-GPH, 12-Volt, 10-Amp, 3/4) $132.48 31705 Bilge and Shower Drain PumpBilge/Livewell/General Purpose Diaphragm PumpFeatures:12vSelf-Priming from dry up to 2.4m (7.8ft)Run dry without damageSmooth flowFour piston diaphragm pumpPowerful heavy duty motor with Thermal Overload ProtectionSnap-in PortsWaterproof coatingMeets USCG Regulation 183.410 and EN ISO 8846 MARINE (Ignition Protection Standards)Meets EN 50081-1 Electro-magic Compati… |
|
|
Jabsco 50880-1000 Marine Filter-less Shower Drain/Bilge Pump (3.7-GPM, 12-Volt, 7-Amp, 3/4 Connections) $151.52 Shower Drain and Bilge PumpRobust Single Diaphragm Design Sink & Shower Drain PumpFlow rate: Nominal 16 Litres/min (4.2 US gallons/min)Self-priming from dry up to 3m (10ft)Features:Flexible installationNo filter requiredCompact and simple designDry running capabilityRelevant Standards: ISO 8846 MARINE and USCG Regulations for Ignition Protection ISO 8849 MARINE Bilge Pump StandardBuilt to ISO 1508… |
|
|
Whale Gusher Urchin Fixed Handle $70.52 The Whale Gusher Urchin is the ideal manual bilge and waste water pump for small to medium sized boats. The compact design is perfect for confined spaces, and the smooth, easy action pumps up to 11 gallons per minute. The lightweight and durable housing has feet for convenient mounting to decks or bulkheads, and the dual sized nozzles allow for connection to both 1” and 1-1/2” hoses…. |
|
|
Jabsco 34600 Diaphragm Bilge Pump $423.4 34600 Diaphragm Bilge PumpFlow Rate: Nominal 10.8 gallons/minSelf-priming from dry up to 7.8ft.Diaphragm Design Allows Dry Running.Quiet Operation.Large Surge Chamber for Even Water Flow.Permanently Lubricated Ball Bearings on Shaft and Connecting Rod.Large Vibration Absorbing Pads.Corrosion Resistant Materials Throughout for Sea Water Service.Meets USCG Regulation 183.410 and ISO 8846 MARINE for Ignition Protection.Meets Flow Requirements (Title 46, Chapter 1, Subchapter T, Section 182.25-10) for Small Passenger Vessels.Listed as NMMA acceptedSpecifications:Gallons Per Minute: 10.8Outlet Size: 1′Volts: 12v |
|
|
Jabsco 34600 Diaphragm Bilge Pump – 24v $431.2 34600 Diaphragm Bilge PumpFlow Rate: Nominal 10.8 gallons/minSelf-priming from dry up to 7.8ft.Diaphragm Design Allows Dry Running.Quiet Operation.Large Surge Chamber for Even Water Flow.Permanently Lubricated Ball Bearings on Shaft and Connecting Rod.Large Vibration Absorbing Pads.Corrosion Resistant Materials Throughout for Sea Water Service.Meets USCG Regulation 183.410 and ISO 8846 MARINE for Ignition Protection.Meets Flow Requirements (Title 46, Chapter 1, Subchapter T, Section 182.25-10) for Small Passenger Vessels.Listed as NMMA acceptedSpecifications:Gallons Per Minute: 10.8Outlet Size: 1′Volts: 24v |
|
|
Jabsco 36600 Belt Driven Diaphragm Bilge Pump 24V $325.35 Diaphragm Bilge PumpFlow rate: Nominal 8 gallons/minSelf-priming from dry up to 7.8ftFeatures: Diaphragm Design Allows Dry Running.Quiet Operation.Permanently Lubricated Ball Bearings on Shaft and Connecting Rod.Large Vibration Absorbing Pads.Corrosion Resistant Materials Throughout for Sea Water Service.Meets USCG Regulation 183.410 and ISO 8846 MARINE for Ignition ProtectionJabsco automatic water system pumps are designed for self contained recreational vehicles and pleasure boats with multiple-outlet water systems. The systems are automatic -when a faucet is opened, the pump instantly begins operation to provide a constant flow from tank to faucet. Closing the faucet automatically discontinues pump operation.Specifications:Gallons Per Minute: 8Outlet Size: 3/4Volts: 24v |
|
|
Jabsco 36600 Belt Driven Diaphragm Bilge Pump 8 Gp $318.05 36600 Diaphragm Bilge Pump475 usgph open flow outputSelf-priming up to 10ft vertical lift, allows mounting above wet bilgesDiaphragm design allows extended dry runningComplete with Pumpgard strainerPermanently Lubricated Ball Bearings on Shaft and Connecting RodSpecifications:Gallons Per Hour: 475Gallons Per Minute: 8Operation: Non-AutomaticOutlet Size: 3/4′Volts: 12v |
|
|
Jabsco Filterless Bilge / Sink / Shower Drain Pump 4.2 Gpm $157.33 Shower Drain and Bilge PumpRobust Single Diaphragm Design Sink & Shower Drain PumpFlow rate: Nominal 16 Litres/min (4.2 US gallons/min)Self-priming from dry up to 3m (10ft)Features:Flexible installationNo filter requiredCompact and simple designDry running capabilityRelevant Standards: ISO 8846 MARINE and USCG Regulations for Ignition Protection ISO 8849 MARINE Bilge Pump StandardBuilt to ISO 15083 SpecificationMeets BSEN 50081 (Electro Magnetic Compatibility)Specifications:Amps – Draw: 8Gallons Per Minute: 4.2Inlet Size: 3/4Outlet Size: 3/4Suction Lift (ft.): 10 ft.Volts: 12v |
|
|
Jabsco Filterless Waste Pump W/ Single Diaphragm Design $198.72 Waste PumpRobust Single Diaphragm DesignFeatures:Flexible installationNo filter requiredCompact and simple designDry running capabilityConnections for 38mm (1 1/2 ) portsUp to 19 lpm (5 US gpm) flowRelevant Standards: ISO 8846 MARINE and USCG Regulations for Ignition Protection ISO 8849 MARINE Bilge Pump StandardBuilt to ISO 15083 SpecificationMeets BSEN 50081 (Electro Magnetic Compatibility)Specifications:Amps – Draw: 8Gallons Per Minute: 5Inlet Size: 1 1/2Outlet Size: 1 1/2Suction Lift (ft.): 10Volts: 12v |
|
|
Jabsco Par-Max Shower Drain/General Purpose Pump – 3.5GPM-25psi-12VDC – w/Strainer $98.79 PAR-Max Shower Drain Pump – w/Strainer32601-0092 12 volt DC model, fuse 10 amp.New generation, long life fully serviceable shower drain pump.3.5 gpm (13.2 lpm) at 3ft (1m) head.Self-priming up to 10ft (3m) allows mounting above wet bilges.Diaphragm design allows extended dry running.Continuous rated, heavy duty motor sealed for harsh bilge environments.Thermal overload protection automatically stops the motor if it overheats due to overloading, with auto re-start feature.Complies with USCG 183.410 and ISO 8846 MARINE (Ignition Protection).ISO 8849 MARINE (Bilge Pump Standard).Complete with Pumpgard.Oil resistant elastomers.Fitting: Connections for 3/4 (19mm ) ID hose.Size: 7.7 long x 4.2 wide x 4.1 high (19.6cm x 10.6cm x 10cm).Weight: 5.0lb (2.1kg).Specifications:Gallons Per Minute: 3.5PSI: 25Volts: 12 |
|
|
Jabsco Parmax 4 Bilge / Shower Diaphragm Pump 3/4 4.3 Gpm $137.26 31705 Bilge and Shower Drain PumpBilge/Livewell/General Purpose Diaphragm PumpFeatures:12vSelf-Priming from dry up to 2.4m (7.8ft)Run dry without damageSmooth flowFour piston, diaphragm pumpPowerful heavy duty motor with Thermal Overload ProtectionSnap-in PortsWaterproof coatingMeets USCG Regulation 183.410 and EN ISO 8846 MARINE (Ignition Protection Standards)Meets EN 50081-1 Electro-magnetic CompatiblityComplies with EN ISO 8849 MARINE Electric Bilge PumpSpecifications:Amps – Draw: 7Gallons Per Hour: 258Gallons Per Minute: 4.3Inlet Size: 3/4′Suction Lift (ft.): 7.8Volts: 12v |
|
|
Johnson Pump Viking Power 32 Vacuum Pump – 6.3GPM – 12V $248.31 Compact toilet handling and waste water pump Viking Power VacuumThe Viking Power Vacuum diaphragm pumps have been designed to meet the rigorous demands of the world’s leading manufacturers of boats, recreational vehicles and busses. The Viking Power Vacuum has double check-valves and can therefore also be used in vacuum toilet systems. Naturally, pumping ordinary shower or sink drain water or bilge water is no problem for either pump.Like the Viking Power 16, this new pump has been engineered with a ball-bearing supported transmission for long service life. The pump can not only be run dry, it can also handle a mixture of air and water without difficulty. The Viking Power 32/Vacuum provides maximum flow of 32 liters per minute and is self-priming up to a height 3.5 (Vacuum) meters.Although powered by an electric motor, this pump can also be cranked by hand in an emergency. The pump has been designed to prevent the leakage of unpleasant odors; and the Viking Power 32/Vacuum can be installed in a variety of different positions. The Viking Power 32/Vacuum is built to last, yet priced competitively.FeaturesMaximum flow 32 l/minSpecifically engineered to pump black wastewaterUncompromising odor-prevention featuresWhisper quiet operationSelf-primingHigh-impact glass-fiber reinforced nylon bodyBall-bearing supported transmissionNon-choke valves – no waste shredding requiredPump head rotatable 360 Double check valves on Viking Power VacuumSelf-priming up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet)Can be run dry and can pump air/water mixtureRobust single diaphragmElectric motor with power-out, manual-crank backupComplies with ISO 15083 and small craft bilge pumpStandard for vessels above 12 m (39.4 ft)Specifications:Amps – Draw: 3.5Gallons Per Minute: 6.3Suction Lift (ft.): 11.5Volts: 12 |
