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WET SYSTEMS

Pumps, water & sanitation.

Boat plumbing moves water uphill through bends, fittings and hoses, usually in places that are hard to reach. Good designs begin with the whole path, not the number on the pump package.

Bilge pumpsTank sensorsMarine heads
Water enters through the strainer toward the impeller; the motor rotates the impeller and water exits through the discharge. Installed flow requires the actual pump curve and installation details.
Slide the drawing sideways to read the full plate.
A centrifugal bilge pump, opened upWater enters through the strainer toward the impeller; the motor rotates the impeller and water exits through the discharge. Installed flow requires the actual pump curve and installation details.Reference: Rule — standard bilge pump installation manual

THE QUESTION TO ASK

Why does a “1,100 GPH” pump move less than advertised?

Bilge pumps, fresh water, holding tanks, heads and hoses.

DEEP DIVE

Start here

Pumps, water & sanitation· 6 minWhy your “1,100 GPH” bilge pump may never move 1,100 gallonsThe pump box describes an idealized rating. Your boat has lift, hose friction, wiring loss and a surprising number of bends.Read the guide

GO FURTHER

More reading

The guide covers the practical questions to answer. For more topics, browse the complete boating library.