Pumps and autoclaves

How to choose pumps and pressure pumps for boats

The onboard plumbing system includes very different product families: understanding which category of pump you need is the first step to making the right purchase.

Bilge pumps: capacity and voltage

Bilge pumps differ by flow rate (liters per hour or per minute) and supply voltage, generally 12 V or 24 V. Submersible versions such as those from Rule or Attwood Tsunami are suitable for permanent bilge use; higher-capacity pumps are recommended for boats with large bilge volumes. Always check that the voltage matches the onboard system.

Pressure pumps: flow rate and pressure

The pressure pump pressurizes the freshwater system. The parameters to compare are the flow rate in liters/minute and the maximum output pressure. Models such as Flojet or CEM pressure pumps with electronic control are suitable for fixed installations; for smaller boats, compact low-flow units are sufficient. The voltage available onboard (12 V or 24 V) is also a deciding factor here.

Hand pumps and diaphragm pumps

Ferrari Group and Plastimo hand pumps are suitable for emergency use, fuel transfer, manual bilge emptying, or use in marine toilets. They differ by body diameter and stroke. Whale diaphragm pumps (Henderson and Gulper series), on the other hand, are designed for blackwater or greywater transfer: the choice depends on the fluid being moved and the diameter of the fittings.

Accessories and spare parts

Many searches concern maintenance kits and spare parts: Plastimo membranes, Jabsco repair kits, Whale Henderson valves. When looking for a spare part, it is essential to have the exact pump model (brand name and code), because membranes, valves, and kits vary even between seemingly similar versions of the same series.

Switches and control panels

Bilge pumps and pressure pumps often require a dedicated switch: a float switch, electronic level switch, or control panel. Rule, Whale, and Ancor offer solutions compatible with their own pumps that can also be installed on existing systems; check the switch's rated voltage and amperage rating against the paired pump.