Do Jet Skis Have Bilge Pumps? Quick Answer

In this article I will explain Do Jet Skis Have Bilge Pumps? Most jet skis still need a bilge pump despite how crucial it is. A “bailer,” a common component of later boats, is less effective than an electric bilge pump.

The lack of a bilge pump poses several problems because even a small water leak can cause the Jet Ski to sink. This is why every Jet Ski owner needs to install an electric bilge pump!

Do Jet Skis Have Bilge Pumps?

Although certain Sea-Doos and Yamaha WaveRunners have automated bilge pumps, most jet skis still need this essential gear. Jet skis generally have a customized siphon system called a “bailer” instead of a standard bilge pump.

What Is A Bailer On A Jet Ski?

A special siphon device called a Jet Ski bailer drains bilge water. The bailer empties the hull’s bottom of water using the jet pump’s suction (venturi effect).

When the impeller is spinning, the pump experiences a suction effect, especially at higher RPMs.

Additionally, a water inlet in the hull is hosed down to the pump fitting.

This is so that the water that naturally collects in the bilge may be removed using the bilge siphon system.

A Jet Ski bailer’s main flaw is that it only functions when the Jet Ski is moving. Since it only uses the vacuum the jet pump produces, it cannot generate enough suction force if your jet ski is halted or moving slower.

Furthermore, it’s frequently too late to use the bailer system to remove water that has penetrated the hull sufficiently.

The last thing you want to do if your hull is submerged is start the engine since it could cause serious harm to the engine. A bailer system won’t be useful in these circumstances.

The low capacity of the bailer mechanism is another drawback. Even if you can ride your jet ski, the bailer could be more effective in removing much water from the hull.

Once more, this feature is designed to siphon the “natural” bilge water that frequently collects in the hull, although it cannot remove substantial amounts of water.

Therefore, a factory bailer won’t keep you afloat if water quickly enters the ski due to hull damage or a broken carbon seal. For this reason, every Jet Ski needs to have an electric bilge pump!

How Does A Bilge Pump Work On A Jet Ski?

A jet ski with an electric bilge pump almost certainly has an automatic bilge pump system. Only when the engine is running will this factory-installed Jet Ski bilge pump operate? The pump also has a “float switch” that activates it when required.  

Like the bailer system, these automatic bilge pumps depend on the engine’s running. The factory bilge pump won’t work if your hull is full of water and you can’t start the engine to drain it.

Will A Bilge Pump Keep Your Jet Ski From Sinking?

A bilge pump will prevent a minor leak from making your Jet Ski sink, but it is limited in handling larger leaks. It’s a popular myth that bilge pumps can prevent your jet ski from sinking.

This is untrue, and if the leak is significant enough, the bilge pump won’t be able to handle it.

I’ve witnessed individuals punch a fist-sized hole in a Jet Ski, and the bilge pump failed to prevent the Jet Ski from sinking.

A bilge pump is not ideal when coupled with a limited number of jet skis.

However, generally, having a bilge pump is preferable to not having one; remember that it’s not the miracle fix that some claim. In case anyone is curious, a jet ski will only partially sink.

There is a lot of foam inside the hull, which you can see.

The main reason for that foam is to prevent the Jet Ski from sinking to the bottom of the lake or ocean if it entirely submerges. Due to the foam at the Jet Ski’s nose and middle, the nose will float if the Jet Ski dips.

How To Check The Bilge Pump On A Jet Ski?

Regular bilge pump testing is crucial for safety. It guarantees that the pump is operating correctly. In this manner, a potential catastrophe down the road can be avoided.

But occasionally, it could not be easy to examine the pump. Because of this, I’ll discuss how to inspect the bilge pump in this article properly.

Step 1

The first step is to bring the Jet Ski out of the water and set it on the trailer. Set the trailer level using a spirit level.

By lifting the clasp under the back of the seat, you can detach the rear seat from the storage box it is connected to. Lift the clasp underneath the back of the front seat and tilt it up to remove it.

Step 2 

The bilge hose is on the starboard side, to the right of the jet pump. The four screws holding the bilge strainer together can be removed by unscrewing the hose and using a Phillips screwdriver.

The bilge strainer and bilge strainer holder need to be separated.

After that, check the filter for impurities and clean it if necessary.

If the filter has fractured, replace it. Check the bilge hose for damage and cracks, and make any necessary repairs.

Put the bilge hose and filter back in the bilge where they belonged.

Step 3

In step three, remove the cap from the cleansing hose connector on the starboard side of the centerline, directly below the handlebars.

Turn the adapter clockwise to fit the garden hose adapter into the connector snugly.

Step 4 

Fill the bilge with the garden hose until the bilge filter is submerged. After that, cut the garden hose. Connect the garden hose to the flushing hose connection.

Extend the garden hose before starting the car. Run the engine idle for three minutes while monitoring the bilge water level. The water level should drastically decrease.

Step 5

Turn off the water supply last. After 15 seconds of squeezing and releasing the throttle lever, turn off the engine. Reattach the garden hose adapter to the flushing hose connector after replacing the cap on the adapter.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you found your answer Do Jet Skis Have Bilge Pumps? An essential component, a bilge pump is without a doubt. Additionally, some meticulous owners install a manual and an automatic bilge pump. They are insurance since you can’t predict when you’ll need them.

Many users believe all Sea-Doos should have an electric bilge pump as standard.

Their owners’ fear of the dreaded carbon ring failure is the reason behind this. Why does this matter?

The Sea-Doo’s carbon ring is the driveshaft’s sealing, which is prone to deterioration or even breakage over time. A major water leak caused by a broken carbon seal can sink the Sea-Doo.

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