Bilge Pumps

Bilge pumps are used to remove bilge water (the bilge is the lowest compartment inside the hull of a ship, where the two sides meet at the bottom). Fuel can mix with the bilge water, therefore, electric bilge pumps are designed to be non-sparking. Electric bilge pumps are often fitted with float switches which turn on the pump automatically when the bilge fills to a set level. Because bilge pumps can fail, a backup pump is recommended. The primary pump should be located at the lowest point of the bilge, while the secondary pump should be located somewhat higher. This activates the secondary pump only when the primary pump is overwhelmed and keeps the secondary pump free of the debris in the bilge that tends to clog the primary pump. Emergency gasoline-driven pumps should be taken along by anyone who does long range cruising. If a disaster occurs, such as the loss of a propeller shaft or a rudder, the resulting large hole will allow water to enter the bilge in an amount that would exceed the capacity of an ordinary bilge pump.