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Water in the bilge means the pump has work to do, and bilge pump hose size decides whether that water leaves the boat through the thru-hull fitting or sits in the hose and runs back. The hose must match the pump outlet, run to the fitting without kinks, and hold under suction. This guide explains how to measure the outlet, match the hose diameter, and pick a length that reaches, using bilge pump hose kits as examples.
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The quick answer
Match the hose inside diameter to the pump outlet outside diameter. The kits here come in 3/4 inch and 1-1/8 inch, so measure the outlet first: a 3/4 inch outlet takes a 3/4 inch hose, and a 1-1/8 inch outlet takes a 1-1/8 inch hose. Then pick a length that reaches from the pump to the thru-hull fitting with a gentle rise and no low dips, and cut the hose to fit. The maierke kit (on Amazon) states it is only for pump outlets with an external diameter of 1-1/8 inches, so check the outlet size before buying.
Step 1: Measure the pump outlet
Find the outlet on the pump body and measure across the outside of the fitting. The figure you need is the outside diameter, because the hose slides over it and the clamp holds it there. The maierke kit states its limit plainly: only for pump outlets with an external diameter of 1-1/8 inches. If the outlet measures 3/4 inch, the 3/4 inch hose kits fit; if it measures 1-1/8 inch, the 1-1/8 inch kits fit. Do not guess from the pump model alone; measure the outlet itself.
Step 2: Match the hose diameter
The kits here split across 3/4 inch and 1-1/8 inch. The JUNZHIDA tubing (on Amazon) and the Shoreline kit are 3/4 inch; the Horonaxo and maierke kits are 1-1/8 inch. A hose that is too small will not slide over the outlet, and a hose that is too large will not seal under the clamp. Match the inside diameter to the outlet, then check the outside diameter against the fittings you already have: the JUNZHIDA tubing lists 1 inch outside diameter, so its fittings must match that figure.
| Hose kit | Inside diameter | Length | In the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| maierke 1-1/8 in Bilge Hose Kit | 1-1/8 in | 6 ft | Hose, ABS thru-hull fitting, 2 stainless steel clamps | View on Amazon |
| Horonaxo 1-1/8 in Bilge Hose | 1-1/8 in | 6.56 ft | Hose, thru-hull fitting, 2 stainless steel clamps | View on Amazon |
| JUNZHIDA 3/4 in PVC Hose | 3/4 in | 10 ft | Tubing, 2 hose clamps | View on Amazon |
| Shoreline Marine Bilge Hose Kit | 3/4 in | 5 ft | Hose, thru-hull fitting, 2 stainless steel clamps | View on Amazon |
Step 3: Pick a length that reaches
Measure the run from the pump to the thru-hull fitting, then allow a little extra for the rise and the bends. The lengths here run from 5 ft on the Shoreline kit to 10 ft on the JUNZHIDA tubing, with the maierke kit at 6 ft and the Horonaxo kit (on Amazon) at 6.56 ft. Both the Horonaxo and maierke hoses cut to length, so a longer hose can be trimmed to the run. A hose that is too short leaves the fitting out of reach, so measure before ordering and keep the cut end clean for the clamp.
Step 4: Check pressure, temperature and fittings
A bilge hose works under suction and pressure, so check what the maker states. The JUNZHIDA tubing lists a 70 PSI working pressure and a temperature range of 23 °F to 149 °F, with a 3.2 mm wall and braided fiber cords. The kits add hardware: each of the Horonaxo, maierke and Shoreline kits includes 2 stainless steel clamps, and the Horonaxo and maierke kits add a thru-hull fitting. The maierke kit warns it is not for use with below waterline thru-hull connections, so check where the fitting sits before buying. See what a bilge pump is and how to choose it for the pump side of the job.
Bilge pump hose size: the kits
Measuring the outlet and the run takes a hose and fittings that match both figures, and the kits below cover the 3/4 inch and 1-1/8 inch outlets in this guide.
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  maierke 1-1/8 in Bilge Hose Kit | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  Horonaxo 1-1/8 in Bilge Hose | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  JUNZHIDA 3/4 in PVC Hose | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |  Shoreline Marine Bilge Hose Kit | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
maierke 1-1/8 in Bilge Hose Kit
A 6 ft kink-free PVC hose with an ABS thru-hull fitting and 2 stainless steel clamps for 1-1/8 inch pump outlets.
Pros
- Iron wire inside the PVC hose resists deforming
- 304 stainless steel clamps resist rust
- ABS thru-hull fitting with adjustable rotating torque
- Corrugated spiral anti-kink structure keeps flow stable
Cons
- Only fits pump outlets with an external diameter of 1-1/8 inches
- Not for use with below waterline thru-hull connections
- Black hose hides the water flow inside
- 6 ft hose is shorter than the 6.56 ft Horonaxo hose
Detailed Review
The listing states a 6 ft kink-free flexible PVC hose with iron wire inside, a 1-1/8 inch ABS thru-hull fitting and 2 stainless steel hose clamps. The hose is cuff-less with a smooth inner hole, has a corrugated spiral anti-kink structure with a large bending radius, and cuts to any length. The maker states the kit is only for pump outlets with an external diameter of 1-1/8 inches and warns it is not for use with below waterline thru-hull connections.
Who it's for: boat owners with a 1-1/8 inch pump outlet who want a complete kit with clamps and a thru-hull fitting. Who should skip it: owners with a 3/4 inch outlet, or anyone planning a below-waterline thru-hull connection.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 22/25, value 20/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 0/5: 79 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Hose | 1-1/8 in dia, 6 ft, kink-free PVC with iron wire |
|---|---|
| Fitting | 1-1/8 in ABS thru-hull fitting |
| Clamps | 2 stainless steel, 304 |
| Note | Not for below waterline thru-hull connections |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. 304 stainless steel hose clamps, ABS thru-hull fitting and below-waterline warning stated, so safety scores 7 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.
Horonaxo 1-1/8 in Bilge Hose
A 6.56 ft anti-kink PVC bilge pump hose kit with 2 stainless steel clamps and a thru-hull fitting.
Pros
- Anti-kink PVC hose resists kinking and collapsing under suction
- 2 stainless steel clamps and a thru-hull fitting included
- 6.56 ft length fits most small to medium boats
- Hose cuts to any length for a custom fit
Cons
- Only fits 1-1/8 inch connections
- Black hose hides the water flow inside
- Hose must be cut to length for a shorter run
- No warranty term is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 1-1/8 inch anti-kink PVC hose measuring 6.56 ft, with 2 stainless steel clamps and a thru-hull fitting in the kit. The hose is made from heavy-duty flexible PVC that resists kinking and collapsing under suction, and the hardware is described as corrosion resistant for marine use. The hose cuts to length, and the maker says the 6.56 ft length fits most small to medium boats.
Who it's for: owners of small to medium boats with a 1-1/8 inch pump outlet who want a complete kit. Who should skip it: owners with a 3/4 inch outlet, or anyone who needs a hose longer than 6.56 ft.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 6/10 and warranty 0/5: 79 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Hose | 1-1/8 in dia, 6.56 ft, anti-kink PVC |
|---|---|
| Included | 2 stainless steel clamps, thru-hull fitting |
| Color | Black |
| Fit | Fits most small to medium boats |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Stainless steel clamps and thru-hull fitting stated, corrosion resistant hardware, so safety scores 6 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.
JUNZHIDA 3/4 in PVC Hose
A 10 ft length of braided clear PVC tubing with a 3/4 inch inside diameter, 1 inch outside diameter and 2 hose clamps.
Pros
- 70 PSI working pressure stated
- 23 to 149 °F temperature range stated
- Braided fiber cords resist kinks, abrasion and corrosion
- 2 hose clamps included
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No thru-hull fitting included
- General-purpose tubing, not sold as a bilge pump kit
- 1 inch outside diameter needs matching 1 inch fittings
Detailed Review
The listing states 3/4 inch inside diameter by 1 inch outside diameter braided clear PVC tubing in a 10 ft length, with 2 hose clamps, a 3.2 mm wall thickness and a 73A firm hardness. The maker lists a 70 PSI working pressure, a temperature range of 23 °F to 149 °F, and fiber cords in the wall that resist kinks, abrasion and corrosion. The tubing is described as BPA free, with a smooth interior and exterior for easy flow.
Who it's for: owners with a 3/4 inch pump outlet who need a long 10 ft run of clear tubing and have their own fittings. Who should skip it: owners who want a complete bilge kit with a thru-hull fitting.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 6/10 and warranty 0/5: 77 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Size | 3/4 in ID x 1 in OD, 10 ft |
|---|---|
| Wall | 3.2 mm, 73A firm hardness |
| Pressure | 70 PSI working pressure |
| Temperature | 23 to 149 °F |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. BPA free material, 70 PSI working pressure and 23 to 149 °F temperature range stated, so safety scores 6 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.
Shoreline Marine Bilge Hose Kit
A bilge pump plumbing kit with a 3/4 inch by 5 ft plastic hose, a thru-hull fitting and 2 stainless steel hose clamps.
Pros
- Kit includes hose, thru-hull fitting and 2 stainless steel clamps
- Works with a bilge pump float switch
- All parts in one pack for a fast install
- 3/4 inch hose fits 3/4 inch pump outlets
Cons
- 5 ft length covers less run than the 6 ft and 6.56 ft hoses
- Only fits 3/4 inch pump outlets
- Plastic thru-hull fitting rather than a metal fitting
- One size only
Detailed Review
The listing states a plastic bilge pump hose of 3/4 inch by 5 ft with a thru-hull fitting and 2 stainless steel hose clamps. The maker says the kit suits boats of any size and works with a bilge pump float switch. The maker gives 5 inches and 5 ft as the length; check before ordering.
Who it's for: owners with a 3/4 inch pump outlet who want a small complete kit for a short run. Who should skip it: owners who need a longer hose or a 1-1/8 inch outlet.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 73 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Hose | 3/4 in x 5 ft plastic bilge hose |
|---|---|
| Included | Thru-hull fitting, 2 stainless steel clamps |
| Weight | 0.18 pounds |
| Works with | Bilge pump float switch |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. 2 stainless steel hose clamps and thru-hull fitting 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.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
FAQ: power away from the grid
What size hose does a bilge pump need?
Match the hose inside diameter to the pump outlet outside diameter. The kits here use 3/4 inch and 1-1/8 inch: a 3/4 inch outlet takes a 3/4 inch hose, and a 1-1/8 inch outlet takes a 1-1/8 inch hose. The maierke kit states it is only for pump outlets with an external diameter of 1-1/8 inches.
How long should a bilge pump hose be?
Long enough to reach from the pump to the thru-hull fitting. Lengths here run from 5 ft on the Shoreline kit to 10 ft on the JUNZHIDA tubing, and the Horonaxo and maierke hoses cut to length.
Can I use clear PVC tubing for a bilge pump?
By size, yes: the JUNZHIDA tubing is 3/4 inch inside diameter by 1 inch outside diameter in a 10 ft length with a 70 PSI working pressure. It is general-purpose tubing, not a bilge kit, so it comes with 2 hose clamps and no thru-hull fitting.
What fittings come with a bilge pump hose kit?
The Horonaxo, maierke and Shoreline kits each include 2 stainless steel clamps and a thru-hull fitting. The JUNZHIDA tubing includes 2 hose clamps and no thru-hull fitting.
Can a bilge pump hose go below the waterline?
The maierke kit warns it is not for use with below waterline thru-hull connections. Check where the fitting sits and the outlet size before buying.
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