Bilge, fire, diesel and sea water

Bilge pumps for boats: electric, submersible, and self-priming

Here you find all the bilge pumps for boats sold by Technofluid, along with electric pumps for firefighting, diesel transfer, and seawater circuits. There are submersible pumps of 12 V and 24 V for small and medium boats, automatic models with integrated sensor, and self-priming electric pumps Gianneschi for yachts and work ships. Technofluid is the official Gianneschi dealer for Sicily.

Which bilge pump to choose

• Submersible pump: it is installed at the lowest point of the bilge and works submerged. The 12 V and 24 V versions, like the Rule New Generation and Sea Flow, are the most common solution on inflatables, open boats, and sailboats.
• Automatic pump: it has a sensor that starts it automatically when the water rises, without a separate float. The Europump Next Generation are an example. It is useful when the boat stays moored with no one on board.
• Diaphragm pump: it is mounted outside the bilge and sucks dirty water and small debris without damage if it runs dry. Examples are the Whale Gulper and four-diaphragm pumps.
• Self-priming electric pump: it is a centrifugal pump installed in the engine room, which sucks from multiple points through a manifold. It is used on large boats and also serves for firefighting and washing. Examples are the Gianneschi CP, ACB, and MV.

How to size the pump

The flow rate indicated by manufacturers (in liters per hour or GPH) is measured without head. In practice, the actual flow rate decreases with discharge height, pipe length, and bends. It is advisable to choose a pump with a flow rate higher than what you need and use the pipe diameter indicated by the manufacturer. On many boats, it is good practice to install two pumps: a small automatic one for daily leaks and a larger one for emergencies.

Installation and maintenance

Fix the pump securely and protect the suction with a filter or basket. Use a non-return valve only where the manufacturer specifies, and wire it with a fuse of the correct rating. Periodically check that the float or sensor works and clean the bilge from hair, fibers, and oily residues. You find step-by-step checks in the guide to bilge pump maintenance. If the pump does not start or does not suck, follow the quick troubleshooting. For fittings read sizes and BSP, NPT, and metric threads.

For onboard fresh water see the pressure tanks. For mechanical seals, impellers, and Gianneschi spare kits there is the spare parts. We ship throughout Italy and shipping is free over €150 VAT included.