Do Jet Skis Have A Bilge Pump To Remove Water?

Many PWC owners I speak with previously owned boats and often acquire numerous boat-related questions about watercraft.

While these questions are reasonable and valid, the answers I provide often surprise them.

One common inquiry pertains to bilge pumps: how does it work, what’s this about bailers, and will they need one?

These are fair questions, and the answers aren’t always straightforward or ideal for many owners.

Hence, I’m writing this post to provide some reference points for my readers. There’s much to discuss, so let’s dive in!

What is a Bilge Pump?

A bilge pump is a tool that removes excess water from inside a hull, powered by the boat’s battery.

It’s common for boats to take on water during operation, necessitating a system to prevent sinking.

Some boats have automatic bilge pumps, while others require manual operation.

Jet skis differ slightly from other boats.

Does a Jet Ski Come With a Bilge Pump?

Most jet skis are NOT equipped come with bilge pumps from the factory and instead use “bailer tubes“.

I say most, as a “few models” will come with them.

Bailer tubes work the same way, it sucks extra water out of a bilge, but the difference is that bailer tubes only work when the engine is on.

Bilge pumps are powered by the battery and work as long as it’s good.

PWCs use bailer tubes, relying on the jet pump’s vacuum, the engine must be running for them to work.

How Bailer Tubes Work

Bailer tubes are simpler, it’s literally only tubes.

The jet pump has one or two tubes sticking out that run into the hull. The tubes go up and then back down, no water comes in, but there is a one-way check valve too.

Creates A Vacuum

Since jet skis are direct drive systems, when the engine is on the impeller is moving, and that impeller drives water out the nozzle.

Above the nozzle is the “bailer tube(s)”, and water that rushes by creates a vacuum and sucks out any water in the hull through the bailer tubes.

Don’t Work if engine is off

But, turn the engine off, and the bailer tubes stop working.

If you see your craft is taking on water, the best thing you can achieve is to start moving and get to land, as the jet pump sucking out the water is the only thing keeping you afloat. (Though, it’s not perfect, so don’t expect it to work magic!)

Can A Bilge Pump Be Added?

You can install a bilge pump, and many manufacturers offer kits to simplify the process.

However, you’re not limited to these kits; you can also explore other pump options if you prefer.

Here’s the catch: some kits may require drilling a hole in fiberglass, which might seem daunting.

In such cases, it’s safer to let the dealership handle the installation to avoid mishaps.

Many manufacturer kits include a float switch.

What’s that, you ask?

It’s a handy device that automatically activates the pump when there’s enough water in the hull, keeping it dry without the need for manual intervention.

But Is One Required?

Having a bilge pump will depend on riding style and where you ride.

If you ride hard or in rough water, it’s smart to get one.

Similarly, if you never remove the drain plug while on a lift, it’s also a good idea to get a bilge pump and keep the battery charged.

It’s not perfect

A bilge pump is not foolproof and not meant to be a solution that allows you to keep your machine in the water all the time.

The batteries are small and a water pump running all the time will drain it, getting a solar charger can help.

Why Are They Not On Every Machine?

You might wonder why most models don’t come equipped with some kind of water pump, and it’s a good question.

The main reason is their different design compared to boats.

Boats are like giant tubs floating on the water, with decks designed to drain water into a specific area called the bilge.

So, when a boat encounters a big wave or a rainstorm, water ends up on the deck and then flows into the bilge, necessitating pumps to handle it.

PWCs are a bit different.

They operate more as a closed system.

While not completely sealed, they’re less open than boats, so they don’t require the same need for bilge pumps because they’re less likely to take on water in the same way.

You’re not supposed to keep them in water

Also, manufacturers don’t expect you to keep the craft in the water for weeks or months like you would with a boat.

They expect you to keep it on a trailer or drive-up lift, this is what is said in the owner’s manual.

Why add a bilge pump if they don’t want you to keep them in water for long periods of time?

They Can Stop Sinking, To An Extent

A bilge pump can handle small leaks, but it won’t prevent complete sinking.

Having a water pump doesn’t guarantee protection against sinking, especially in cases of serious damage allowing significant water entry.

However, having one is advisable; it acts as a safety net, though it’s not a miraculous solution.

A fascinating fact for those interested: even without a pump, a PWC won’t completely sink.

Inside the hull, you’ll find foam strategically placed at the nose and midsection.

This foam prevents the craft from hitting rock bottom if it takes on water, ensuring the nose remains afloat even in dire situations.