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Loading up your kayak for your trip? Have you packed your kayak bilge pump yet? The best kayak bilge pump is a very important part of the safety kit which every serious paddler should take along.
When there is too much water inside your kayak, the best bilge pumps for kayaks will be there to save the day for you. Whether you are boating in a lake or in the open ocean, we are here with some of the best choices for you.
Best Kayak Bilge Pump for 2022 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons
The million-dollar question is: How to choose the best kayak bilge pumps when there are hundreds of them available in the market? You have come to the right place. In this article, we have reviewed the top 7 best kayak bilge pumps in the market.
Moreover, we have put together a compact yet comprehensive buying guide that will help you make the right choice.
The first product on our list is the Perception Bilge Pump for kayaks that keeps you safe & dry by easily removing all the unwanted water from your kayak. This pump is something that we always take along with us while we go on boating trips for several reasons.
What we like most about it is that the pump expels water on both downward and upward strokes for less fatigue and maximum efficiency. The output nozzle is ribbed which allows you to attach an extension hose.
You can remove about a gallon of water with 14 strokes, which is a nice removal rate. Since the rod is corrosion-proof, the pump lasts for quite a long time. The outer foam keeps the pump afloat and also reduces stress as you pump.
Pros
Since it is very small and compact, you can easily keep it inside your kayak.
The sturdy shaft and synthetic body ensure that the pump can work well in saltwater.
The handgrip is padded with non-slip foam and gives buoyancy to the pump.
You can attach an external hose to the output nozzle and propel the water in the direction you want.
Searching for a feature-packed product? Look no further than Attwood Automatic Bilge Pump. Even though this pump did leave a dent in our wallet when we bought it, it was certainly worth every single penny.
With a water removal rate of 500 gallons per hour, it keeps you safe, no matter how big your boat is. Moreover, since it is automatic, it removes water from your kayak with zero input from you.
The model has various speeds and you can choose the option depending on the situation you are in. If you are using it for the occasional splashes of water that fill up your kayak, you can use the lowest power option.
Pros
If you have to remove a lot of water, set the pump to the highest power and it will work its magic.
It is perfect for large boats and is very easy to install.
It has high-quality wiring and extremely durable construction.
You get a pump, strainer, wire seals, mercury-free switch, instruction manual, etc. all within the package.
If you want to buy a good-quality bilge pump that is easy on your pocket, you should go with the Harmony Gear High Volume Bilge Pump. It is a handy and compact manual pump that is a perfect choice for small boats & kayaks.
Since it is small in size, it will not take up a lot of space and you can keep it inside your kayak easily. Since it has a foam sleeve, it will keep floating in case you drop the pump in the water accidentally.
With every 14 strokes, the pump removes almost 1 gallon of water. Since the pump is short in length, the strokes are small as well and you remove water fairly quickly. The handle is not only comfortable, but it is also corrosion resistant as well.
Pros
You can use this pump in both freshwater lakes and saltwater lakes/oceans.
The shortened length ensures that you feel tired as you remove the water.
It is perfect for small to medium-sized kayaks.
It expels water on upward as well as downward strokes.
Cons
It will not be a great fit for large boats.
4. Seattle Sports Paddlers Bilge Pump – Best Kayak Hand Bilge Pump
At number four, we have the best handheld bilge pump for kayaks, the Seattle Sports Paddler’s hand pump. What we really like about this pump is how comfortable and ergonomic it is. The easy-grip rubber handle makes it very easy for you to pump water out of your kayak.
Since it comes in a neon yellow color, it is highly visible even if you drop it in the water. Moreover, since it has a foam collar, the pump will float on the water in case it goes overboard.
It has a large 1.75-inch diameter, which helps you pump more water quickly. You can attach a hose to the pump and direct the water away from your boat. It is small and compact in size, so doesn’t take up a lot of space in your boat.
At an affordable price tag, you can’t go wrong with this product!
Pros
The pump is easy and efficient to use.
With high visibility and a foam collar, you can easily retrieve it in case it falls into the lake.
It has a high capacity so it means that you have to pump less to remove more water.
The pump is durable and doesn’t have any parts that will come loose.
Next up we have a high-powered automatic pump from Attwood, the Attwood Tsunami Bilge Pump. Just as the name suggests, this pump has a high water removal rate and can remove almost 1890 liters of water in one hour!
With three different power options, you can select the one that suits the situation you are in. Since it comes with a double filter base, you will not face any clogging issues. The pump has an efficient, durable design.
Since it has removable parts, you can easily clean it or make repairs if the need arises. If you have a large boat and want to remove the water quickly, efficiently, and automatically, this is the product for you.
Pros
Attwood tsunami pump has three power options you can choose from.
It is very easy to use.
You can install it yourself as it comes with a detailed instructions manual.
It is a premium product from Attwood, a company that has won many awards and accolades for marine equipment.
Cons
The replaceable parts have a flimsy build.
6. Pelican Boats Bilge Floating Hand Pump – Best Bilge Pump for Small Boats
In the sixth spot is the Pelican Boats Bilge Floating hand Pump that we have used many times on our kayaking trips, and have yet to be disappointed by it. With its extra-tough construction, the hand pump is durable and lasts for a long time.
It is resistant to corrosion and water so you can use it without worrying about damaging the pump. Since it has a foam sleeve, you get a good grip on the pump and it doesn’t slip away while you are using it.
Moreover, the foam sleeve keeps it buoyant in case it falls into the water. You don’t have to use a hose to shoot water over the kayak’s edge, but you can attach one if you feel like it. With a few, quick strokes, you can get rid of all the water in your kayak.
Pros
It has a lightweight, durable construction.
The pump is water and corrosion-resistant.
Even if it falls overboard, it will stay afloat.
The comfortable foam sleeve gives a better grip.
Cons
It works well for small boats only.
7. Attwood Hand-Operated Bilge Pump – Best Kayak Pump with Hose
The last but not the least product on our list is the Attwood hand-operated bilge pump. It is another quality product from Attwood that safely and quickly removes all the unwanted water in your kayak.
It is sturdy and impact-resistant and has a lightweight, plastic construction. With an ergonomic handle, you can hold the pump comfortably as you remove the water. Moreover, even if the pump falls overboard, the foam keeps it floating on the water.
It has a slender, corrosion-proof body that can withstand harsh weather conditions very easily. If you are searching for a pocket-friendly, lightweight pump for your kayak, this Attwood pump is your best bet.
Pros
You can pump almost eight gallons of water in one minute.
The pump comes with a removable hose that helps you direct the water away from your boat.
The build is durable, corrosion-proof, and impact-resistant.
It helps you remove water from kayaks, boat decks, etc. with very little effort.
Cons
It is not meant for use with large boats.
Buying Guide
There are several kayak bilge pumps available in the market. What makes the bilge pump better than the other? To know this, you have to look at features such as power source, capacity, size, flotation, etc.
Let’s take a look at some of the factors you need to keep an eye out for in this compact yet comprehensive buying guide.
Types of Kayak Bilge Pumps
There are two types of kayak bilge pumps based on their power source.
Handheld
The most common type of bilge pump for kayaks is the manual pump. They are usually made of plastic or synthetic material and have a push-pull handle on one end. You place one end below the water and pull the handle to draw the water out.
The other type of kayak pump is the automatic pump. When water gets inside your kayak, the pump turns on automatically after a certain water level. It is very convenient as you don’t have to pump the water out by yourself.
Another thing that you should take a look at is the capacity of the pump. Pumps with a large capacity can quickly remove all the water from your kayak while pumps with small capacity take slightly longer.
The size of your boat and the capacity of the pump go hand in hand. If you have a small-sized kayak, you don’t need to waste your money on a big pump. Seattle Sports Paddlers Bilge Pump is perfect for small sized boats while for large boats Attwood 4606-7 Tsunami T500 Bilge Pump works great.
Floatation
If you are out on the water, there is a huge chance that your bilge pump will take a dive. The last thing you want is for your pump to sink. Therefore, you should buy a pump that floats on water.
All the manual bilge pumps that we have reviewed above have foam handles to keep the pumps afloat. Moreover, some pumps have bright colors so that if they fall overboard, they will be highly visible.
If you buy a pump that isn’t durable, it will not be able to withstand the harsh weather conditions when you are out kayaking. It is very likely that it will stop working in the middle of your trip, which isn’t something we want.
Therefore, you should get a pump that is sturdy, durable, and corrosion-resistant. All of the pumps that we have reviewed above have a corrosion-proof build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I use a manual bilge pump?
If you have a manual pump, place the intake of the pump in the water and point the outlet over the side of your kayak. Lift the pump’s handle up and down. This will draw the water up and force it out through the outlet.
Q: What is the need for a kayak bilge pump?
While you are kayaking, there is a high chance that water will get inside the kayak. Even if you have installed a scupper plug to keep the water from entering the kayak from below, water will get in from the sides.
Without a bilge pump, you will have a very hard time removing the water from the cockpit.
Conclusion
The best kayak bilge pump is a huge lifesaver and can make all the difference when you are out in your kayak with no help around. With so many options available, it is easy for you to get confused.
In this article, we have reviewed the best kayak bilge pumps for your kayak. The in-depth reviews and the compact yet comprehensive buying guide will make the final choice a lot easier for you.
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