Boats come equipped with various types of pump systems, including bilge pumps. Bilge pumps are one of the most crucial components of a boat, responsible for the removal of excess water that accumulates in the bilges, which are the lowest and innermost parts of a boat. The bilges collect water that seeps in from various sources such as rainfall, waves, or leaks, which can damage the boat and pose a potential safety risk for those on board.
Many boats have multiple bilge pumps installed for redundancy and increased safety. Having two bilge pumps can help ensure that there is always a backup in the event of a malfunction or failure of one pump. Two pumps provide peace of mind to boaters, especially long-distance cruisers, who rely on their boats for survival and mobility.
The two most common types of bilge pumps are electric and manual pumps. Electric pumps are the more commonly used of the two and offer more convenience as they are typically automatic and can be switched on to operate without the need for manual intervention. They also remove water faster than the manual pumps, making them ideal for larger boats.
Manual pumps, on the other hand, are slower, and can be physically demanding to operate. However, they are more reliable in the event of electrical failure and can be a great backup in case of an emergency. Manual pumps also have no electrical components, making them less prone to damage from moisture and corrosion.
Whether a boat has one or two bilge pumps is dependent on the size and purpose of the vessel. Smaller boats may only have one manual pump, while larger boats may have two electric pumps or one electric and one manual pump. Having redundancy in bilge pumps is always a wise decision, as it can save your boat in the long run, and ensure the safety of its passengers.