A common question among new boaters is, "What is a bilge pump?" This is a quick look into what exactly a bilge pump is and what it does.
A bilge pump is a device used to remove water that accumulates in the bilge, which is the lowest part of the hull of a boat. The bilge pump is typically installed in the bilge and is designed to automatically pump out any water that enters the bilge, whether from leaks or from water that enters the boat from waves, rain, or other sources.
Bilge pumps are essential safety equipment for any boat, as they help prevent the boat from sinking due to excess water in the bilge. There are different types of bilge pumps available, including manual pumps that require someone to operate them, and automatic pumps that turn on automatically when they sense water in the bilge. Some boats may have multiple bilge pumps installed to ensure redundancy in case one fails or is overwhelmed.