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The best automatic bilge pump for small boats switches itself on when rainwater pools in the bilge and off again when the water is gone, without a separate float switch to mount and wire. Rain finds its way in through hatches and rod holders, and it sits where you cannot see it. The listings are compared on flow rate, switch type, outlet size, stated protections and warranty terms.
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Quick picks
Best Overall SEAFLO 1100 GPH Auto Bilge Pump: 4 year warranty stated plus CE and RoHS certification Check price on Amazon
Best Kit FILTERUP 1100 GPH Pump Kit: hose, 2 clamps and thru-hull fitting included with IP68 stated Check price on Amazon
Highest Flow NEWMAIX 2000 GPH Bilge Pump: 2000 GPH, the highest flow rate in this group Check price on Amazon
Fittings Included Attwood Sahara Mk2 500 GPH: elbow and straight outlets with 3/4 inch and 1 inch barbs Check price on Amazon
Reed Sensor MAXZONE 1100 GPH Bilge Pump: built-in reed sensor switch with no separate float switch needed Check price on Amazon
The kits we chose
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SEAFLO 1100 GPH Auto Bilge Pump | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | FILTERUP 1100 GPH Pump Kit | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | NEWMAIX 2000 GPH Bilge Pump | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | Attwood Sahara Mk2 500 GPH | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | MAXZONE 1100 GPH Bilge Pump | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |

SEAFLO 1100 GPH Auto Bilge Pump
An 1100 GPH automatic pump with a built-in float switch, snap-off strainer and a 4 year warranty stated.
Pros
- 1100 GPH flow rate with a 5-blade impeller stated
- Built-in float switch, so no separate switch is needed
- 4 year warranty stated, the longest term in this group
- CE and RoHS certification stated, with a snap-off strainer for cleaning
Cons
- No maximum head figure is stated
- Wire leads are 1m long
- Only a 1-1/8 inch outlet is listed
- No hose or fittings are listed as included
Detailed Review
The listing states an 1100 GPH flow rate, 12V operation, 3.0A current with a 6.0A maximum draw, a 5-blade impeller, a built-in float switch, a snap-off strainer base, 18 AWG leads 1m long and a 1-1/8 inch outlet. It states CE and RoHS certification and a 4 year warranty, and the spec table gives 5.9 by 3.27 by 4.05 inches.
Who it's for: small boat owners who want the longest warranty term in this group and a pump with its switch built in. Who should skip it: owners who need a hose and fittings in the box, since this listing states none.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 3/5: 85 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Flow rate | 1100 GPH |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12V |
| Outlet | 1-1/8 in |
| Current | 3.0A, 6.0A max draw |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 10 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. CE and RoHS certification stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. 4 year warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 of 5. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

FILTERUP 1100 GPH Pump Kit
An 1100 GPH automatic pump kit with a 6 foot hose, 2 clamps and a thru-hull fitting, with IP68 stated.
Pros
- Hose, 2 clamps and thru-hull fitting are included in the box
- IP68 stated for the pump housing
- Built-in reed sensor switch for fully automatic operation
- 1100 GPH flow rate stated
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No current draw figure is stated
- No maximum head figure is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states an 1100 GPH flow rate, 12V operation, a built-in reed sensor system for fully automatic operation, IP68 for the housing, and a kit with the pump, a 6 foot hose of 1-1/8 inch diameter, 2 clamps, a thru-hull connector and an instruction sheet. The spec table gives 12.6 by 10.24 by 3.15 inches, which reads like the boxed kit rather than the pump alone, so trust the title and bullets. No warranty term and no current draw figure are stated.
Who it's for: owners who want a complete kit with hose and fittings and a stated IP68 figure. Who should skip it: buyers who want a stated warranty term or current draw before they order.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 22/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 78 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Flow rate | 1100 GPH |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12V |
| Kit | 6 FT hose, 2 clamps, thru-hull fitting |
| Protection | IP68 stated |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 10 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. IP68 stated, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

NEWMAIX 2000 GPH Bilge Pump
A 2000 GPH automatic pump with a built-in float switch, stainless steel shafts and ignition protection stated.
Pros
- 2000 GPH, the highest flow rate in this group
- Ignition protection stated
- No burn out if run dry, as the listing states
- Stainless steel shafts and thermoplastic bodies stated
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No outlet diameter is stated
- No current draw figure is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 2000 GPH flow rate, 12V operation, a built-in float switch, stainless steel shafts, thermoplastic bodies, ignition protection and no burn out if run dry. The spec table gives 18.5 by 16.14 by 9.45 inches, which reads like a boxed size, so trust the title and bullets. No warranty term, no outlet diameter and no current draw figure are stated.
Who it's for: owners of a larger small boat who want the highest flow rate in this group and stated ignition protection. Who should skip it: buyers who need a stated outlet size or warranty term.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 4/10 and warranty 0/5: 76 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Flow rate | 2000 GPH |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12V |
| Switch | Built-in float switch |
| Protection | Ignition protected stated |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 10 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Ignition protected to all existing safety standards stated, so safety scores 4 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

Attwood Sahara Mk2 500 GPH
A 500 GPH automatic pump with elbow and straight fittings, a rotatable outlet and a 1 year warranty stated.
Pros
- Elbow and straight outlets supplied, with 3/4 inch and 1 inch barbs
- 360 degree rotatable outlet fits different mounting positions
- X-Air impeller stated to clear trapped air
- One-hand cartridge release for access in tight spaces
Cons
- 500 GPH is the lowest flow rate in this group
- No certification is stated
- 1 year warranty is the lowest term in this group
- No current draw figure is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 500 GPH flow rate, 12V operation, a patented X-Air impeller that clears trapped air, a 360 degree rotatable outlet, elbow and straight outlets with 3/4 inch and 1 inch barbs, one-hand cartridge release and SteadySwitch buoyancy control. The spec table gives 8.2 by 3.5 by 4.1 inches, 0.86 pounds and a 1 year warranty, and the title calls it a direct replacement for the 4505-7. No current draw figure and no certification are stated.
Who it's for: owners replacing an Attwood 4505-7 who want the elbow and straight fittings in the box. Who should skip it: owners who need more than 500 GPH or a longer warranty than 1 year.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 1/5: 70 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Flow rate | 500 GPH |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12V |
| Outlets | 3/4 in and 1 in barbs, elbow and straight |
| Size | 8.2 x 3.5 x 4.1 in |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 10 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No weather rating or protection feature is stated, so safety scores zero. 1 year warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 1 of 5. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

MAXZONE 1100 GPH Bilge Pump
An 1100 GPH automatic pump with a built-in reed sensor switch and a 1-1/8 inch outlet.
Pros
- 1100 GPH flow rate stated
- Built-in reed sensor switch, with no separate float switch needed
- No power use until the float switch activates the pump, as the listing states
- Head of 3.0M stated
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No certification is stated
- Outlet is 1-1/8 inch only
- Wire lead is 1m long
Detailed Review
The listing states an 1100 GPH flow rate, 12V operation, 3.8A current, a 3.0M head, a 1m wire lead and an outlet diameter of 29mm, given as 1.14 inch and 1-1/8 inch, with a width of about 81mm. It states a built-in reed sensor system for fully automatic operation and no power use until the internal float switch activates the pump. The spec table gives 5.71 by 2.95 by 3.94 inches. The listing adds a tip to choose a 12V 8A power adapter. No warranty term and no certification are stated.
Who it's for: owners who want an 1100 GPH automatic pump with a stated head figure and a reed sensor switch. Who should skip it: buyers who want a stated warranty term or certification.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 20/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 70 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Flow rate | 1100 GPH |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12V |
| Current | 3.8A |
| Outlet | 1-1/8 in (29mm) |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 10 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No weather rating or protection feature is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More picks to compare
MAXZONE 750 GPH Bilge Pump750 GPH automatic pump with a built-in float switch for smaller bilgesCheck on Amazon
6699 1500 GPH Bilge Pump1500 GPH with auto and manual modes and a 1-1/8 inch outletCheck on Amazon
SEAFLO 14A 1100 GPH PumpLow-profile water-sensing pump with a 4 year warranty statedCheck on Amazon
YQMIGU 1100 GPH Bilge Pump1100 GPH automatic pump that also connects to small 12V batteriesCheck on Amazon
SEAFLO 06A 800 GPH Pump800 GPH all-in-one pump with a 4 year warranty statedCheck on Amazon
Numbers side by side
| Pump | Solar Score | Flow rate | Voltage | Outlet | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEAFLO 1100 GPH Auto Bilge Pump | 9.7/10 | 1100 GPH | 12V | 1-1/8 in | 4 years | View on Amazon |
| FILTERUP 1100 GPH Pump Kit | 9.6/10 | 1100 GPH | 12V | 1-1/8 in | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| NEWMAIX 2000 GPH Bilge Pump | 9.6/10 | 2000 GPH | 12V | Not stated | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| Attwood Sahara Mk2 500 GPH | 9.5/10 | 500 GPH | 12V | 3/4 in and 1 in | 1 year | View on Amazon |
| MAXZONE 1100 GPH Bilge Pump | 9.5/10 | 1100 GPH | 12V | 1-1/8 in | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Figures in this table are the manufacturer’s ratings as listed, captured 10 November 2026.
Where the points went
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For a bilge pump, safety means stated protections such as IP68, CE and RoHS certification and ignition protection, and a pump that states none scores zero, whatever its flow rate. Two of the five pumps state a warranty term, and only the SEAFLO 06 Series states a 4 year term. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEAFLO 1100 GPH Auto Bilge Pump | 9.7 | 32 | 22 | 21 | 7 | 3 |
| FILTERUP 1100 GPH Pump Kit | 9.6 | 30 | 21 | 22 | 5 | 0 |
| NEWMAIX 2000 GPH Bilge Pump | 9.6 | 32 | 20 | 20 | 4 | 0 |
| Attwood Sahara Mk2 500 GPH | 9.5 | 28 | 21 | 20 | 0 | 1 |
| MAXZONE 1100 GPH Bilge Pump | 9.5 | 29 | 20 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
The Solar Score runs on a 9.2 minimum and a 9.8 maximum, and the weighted point total is placed on that line in proportion, so more points can only raise it.
How to choose the best automatic bilge pump for small boats
Start with flow rate, not brand
Flow rate sets how fast the bilge clears, and the group runs from 500 GPH at the Attwood Sahara Mk2 to 2000 GPH at the NEWMAIX, with 1100 GPH the common figure across the SEAFLO, MAXZONE and FILTERUP listings. Match the figure to the water you expect rather than chasing the largest number on the page. The 500 GPH Attwood suits a small cockpit, while the 2000 GPH NEWMAIX suits a larger open boat. For the battery side, see our best 12v battery for water pump guide.
Float switch or water sensor
Every pump here switches itself on without a separate float switch. The SEAFLO, NEWMAIX and Attwood listings state a built-in float switch, while the MAXZONE and FILTERUP listings state a built-in reed sensor system. The SEAFLO 14A Series in the more picks below uses water sensing instead, switching on when water rises to 1.77 inches and off when it drops to 0.4 inches. Confirm the switch type in the listing before you order.
Match the outlet and the hose
The common outlet here is 1-1/8 inch, stated by the SEAFLO, MAXZONE and FILTERUP listings, and the FILTERUP kit adds a 6 foot hose, 2 clamps and a thru-hull fitting in the box. The Attwood ships with elbow and straight outlets and 3/4 inch and 1 inch barbs, which suit a boat that already has smaller hose fitted. Measure the hose you have before you order.
| Pump | Flow rate | Outlet |
|---|---|---|
| SEAFLO 1100 GPH Auto Bilge Pump | 1100 GPH | 1-1/8 in |
| FILTERUP 1100 GPH Pump Kit | 1100 GPH | 1-1/8 in |
| NEWMAIX 2000 GPH Bilge Pump | 2000 GPH | Not stated |
| Attwood Sahara Mk2 500 GPH | 500 GPH | 3/4 in and 1 in barbs |
| MAXZONE 1100 GPH Bilge Pump | 1100 GPH | 1-1/8 in |
Read the warranty and the stated protections
Only two of the five listings state a warranty term: the SEAFLO 06 Series states 4 years and the Attwood Sahara Mk2 states 1 year, while the MAXZONE, NEWMAIX and FILTERUP listings state none. Certification is just as uneven: the SEAFLO states CE and RoHS certification, the FILTERUP states IP68, and the NEWMAIX states ignition protection, while the Attwood and MAXZONE listings state no certification at all. Weigh a stated term beside flow rate and outlet size. If the boat runs on a small battery bank, our kayak battery vs boat battery comparison covers the battery side.
Check the current draw and the lead length
Current draw matters when the pump runs from a small boat battery: the listings that state it give 3.0A for the SEAFLO, 3.8A for the MAXZONE and 3.5A for the SEAFLO 06A Series in the more picks, with the SEAFLO listing a 6.0A maximum draw. The NEWMAIX, FILTERUP and Attwood listings state no current figure. Wire leads run 1m on the SEAFLO and MAXZONE listings, so check the lead and hose lengths against the bilge-to-battery distance before you order. For pump types beyond the bilge, see our diaphragm vs submersible 12v water pump comparison.
Sizing Notes
- Match the flow rate to the water you expect: 500 GPH to 2000 GPH, with 1100 GPH the common figure.
- Match the outlet to the hose: 1-1/8 inch is common, and the Attwood ships with 3/4 inch and 1 inch barbs.
- Check the current draw: 3.0A for the SEAFLO and 3.8A for the MAXZONE, with a 6.0A maximum draw for the SEAFLO.
- Measure the bilge space: the SEAFLO is listed at 5.9 by 3.27 by 4.05 inches and the Attwood at 8.2 by 3.5 by 4.1 inches.
- Check the warranty term: the SEAFLO states 4 years, the Attwood states 1 year, and the other three listings state no term.
FAQ: power away from the grid
How does a bilge pump work?
A bilge pump sits in the lowest part of the boat and moves water out through a hose and a thru-hull fitting. The automatic pumps here switch on when a built-in float switch or reed sensor rises with the water, then switch off when the water drops.
Is a bilge pump automatic?
The five pumps in this group are automatic: each listing states a built-in float switch or reed sensor system, so no separate float switch is needed. The 6699 pump in the more picks below also offers a manual mode.
How do you use a bilge pump?
The pump sits in the bilge and runs from a 12V battery, with its outlet connected to a hose that runs to a thru-hull fitting. The FILTERUP kit includes the hose, 2 clamps and a thru-hull fitting, while the other pumps list the pump alone.
How do you wire a bilge pump?
The listings state 12V operation, and the SEAFLO listing states 18 AWG leads, 1m long, with the brown-white wire to the positive terminal and the black wire to the negative terminal. The 6699 listing states a different lead layout for its automatic and manual modes, so read the wiring note in the listing for the pump you buy.
What is a bilge pump for boats?
A bilge pump removes water that collects in the bilge, the lowest part of the hull, from rain, spray, leaks and washdowns. Without one, that water sits against the hull and fittings and adds weight low in the boat.
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