Best 800 GPH Bilge Pump Options for Boats and Vessels
When selecting an 800 GPH bilge pump, the goal is to reliably remove water while fitting your boat’s space and power setup. This guide highlights five solid choices and explains who each is best for, plus practical trade-offs. Ideal for boaters needing dependable automatic or manual options, or a submersible pump for tight bilge spaces. The following table summarizes the selected products and their ideal usage.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Rule Standard Bilge Pump 20DA | Moderate-duty boats needing reliable submersible performance | Thermal cut-off and backflow prevention |
| Shoreline Marine Fully Submersible Bilge Pump, 800GPH | Quick-install, plug-and-go setups | Self-contained automatic switch |
| Shoreline Marine Bilge Pump with Float Switch, 800 GPH | Automatic float-switch reliability | Built-in float switch for automatic operation |
| Attwood Tsunami Mk2 T800 | Manual pumping or quick replacement | X-Air impeller airlock elimination |
| SEAFLO 01 Series or 06 Series (750 GPH) | Automatic, compact marine bilge protection | 4-year warranty and automatic float switch |
Rule Standard Bilge Pump 20DA – Not Automatic
The Rule 20DA is a submersible bilge pump rated around 800 GPH with a 12V supply and 3/4″ threaded ports. Notably designed with a thermal cut-off to guard against overheating and hidden air vents to prevent air locks. Check valves help prevent backflow, keeping bilges drier after pumping. This option is best for boaters who want a straightforward, non-automatic submersible pump with safety features for longer operation cycles. Caution: It is not an automatic pump, so it requires manual activation.
SEAFLO 06 Series Automatic Bilge Pump — 750GPH
SEAFLO’s 06 Series delivers 750 GPH with a built-in automatic float switch, designed for marine bilge systems. It features a 3/4″ outlet and a compact, energy-conscious design with a notable four-year warranty. Best for boaters seeking an all-in-one pump-and-switch setup that minimizes manual monitoring. Limitation: The flow rate is slightly below 800 GPH, which may be less ideal for larger or higher-water-load scenarios.
Shoreline Marine Fully Submersible Bilge Pump, 800GPH
This fully submersible 800 GPH pump from Shoreline Marine includes a self-contained automatic switch for automatic operation and a universal mounting base for flexible installation. It is ideal for boats that need a reliable all-in-one unit with easy service and maintenance. Caution: Ensure compatibility with your bilge space height and the pump’s inline outlets for hose fitting alignment.
Rule 800 GPH 20SA Electronic Sensing Bilge Pump
This electronic sensing bilge pump from Jabsco rules the automatic scene with continuous checks and energy-efficient cycles. The design supports automatic activation at low water levels and efficient draining to near-dry conditions. Best for boaters wanting a sensor-driven, low-energy solution with clear automatic behavior. Caution: Flow and activation thresholds differ from standard non-sensing models, so verify compatibility with your bilge’s water characteristics.
Attwood Tsunami Mk2 T800 Manual Bilge Pump
Attwood’s Tsunami Mk2 T800 is a manual bilge pump designed for straightforward, on-demand pumping. It is highly regarded for quick installation and straightforward service, with a patented X-Air Impeller to reduce air locks. Best for emergency or manual operation in boats where an automatic option is not required. Limitation: Requires user action to pump water, so not ideal for constant automatic bilge protection.
Amarine-made 1100GPH Bilge Pump
While this Amarine-made model delivers 1100 GPH, it remains a relevant reference for users considering higher-capacity needs. It combines a water-cooled motor, corrosion-resistant ABS housing, and an auto-discharge feature for continuous operation. Best for boats that require higher flow to manage larger bilges or heavy water ingress. Caution: It exceeds the 800 GPH target, which may be unnecessary for smaller bilges and could require more power.
Shoreline Marine Bilge Pump with Float Switch, 800 GPH
This Shoreline Marine model features a self-contained automatic float switch for hands-off operation. It’s compact, easy to mount, and designed to turn on when water rises and shut off when the bilge is dry. Best for users who want reliable automatic performance without additional wiring. Caution: Ensure the mounting base suits the chosen installation location in tight bilges.
Buying Guide: Key Factors To Consider
- Flow rate relevance: An 800 GPH pump is balanced for mid-sized bilges. For larger bilges, consider higher flow models; for smaller boats, 800 GPH generally provides quick water removal without overkill.
- Automatic vs manual: Automatic pumps with built-in float switches reduce maintenance and risk, but manual pumps offer control in emergency scenarios. Decide based on how often you expect to check bilge conditions.
- Submersible vs non-submersible: Submersible pumps are common in bilges, reducing the risk of air locks. Non-submersible variants require careful mounting and sealing.
- Power and wiring: Verify voltage (12V is standard for marine pumps) and whether you need integrated float switches or separate wiring. Consider the available power budget on your boat.
- Durability and materials: Look for corrosion-resistant housings and components compatible with saltwater exposure. Thermal protection and anti-airlock features increase reliability.
- Compatibility with hoses and fittings: Check the outlet size (commonly 3/4″ or 1″) and ensure hose compatibility with your bilge plumbing.
- Installation practicality: Some models include universal mounting bases or all-in-one assemblies, simplifying installation and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does GPH mean in bilge pumps?
GPH stands for gallons per hour and indicates pumping capacity. 800 GPH means the pump can move about 800 gallons of water per hour under ideal conditions. - Should I choose automatic or manual bilge pumps?
Automatic pumps turn on when water reaches a threshold, reducing manual checks. Manual pumps provide control in emergencies but require operator action. - What outlet size should I look for?
3/4″ outlets are common and work with many standard hoses. Confirm compatibility with your preferred hose clamps and fittings. - Is a higher GPH always better?
Not always. Higher GPH increases water removal speed but may draw more current and require a larger space. Match capacity to your bilge size and typical water ingress. - What maintenance is required for bilge pumps?
Regularly inspect for clogs, clean strainers, ensure the float switch operates freely, and check for corrosion or wear on seals and impellers. - Can I install any 800 GPH pump in any boat?
Not necessarily. Ensure voltage compatibility, space for mounting, hose connections, and whether the pump meets your bilge’s environmental conditions (saltwater, freshwater, etc.).