Bilge Pump Sizing Calculator
Calculate pump capacity for your vessel
Vertical distance from bilge to discharge
Pump Recommendations
Primary Pump
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Backup Pump
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Base Requirement
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Head Loss Factor
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Risk Factor
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Emergency Capacity
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Common Pump Sizes
| Boat Size | Primary GPH | Backup GPH |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 ft | 500-800 | 500 |
| 20-30 ft | 1000-1500 | 500-800 |
| 30-40 ft | 1500-2000 | 1000 |
| 40-50 ft | 2000-3000 | 1500 |
| 50+ ft | 3000+ | 2000+ |
Bilge Pump Best Practices
Installation:
- Mount at lowest point of bilge
- Use strainer to prevent clogging
- Wire directly to battery (not through switch panel)
- Install check valve to prevent backflow
Redundancy:
- Multiple pumps in different locations
- Manual backup pump (always carry)
- High-water alarm recommended
- Test pumps before every trip