Choosing a marine pump for your boat's bilge or sump involves more than just picking the first pump you see. In the world of marine pumps, plumbing, and sanitation, you need to think about how your boat's electrical system is wired, what size hose you're connecting to, and whether you want the pump to sit in the water or pull water through a hose. Two options that seem similar but work very differently are the 1100GPH 12V Electric Marine Submersible Bilge Sump Water Pump and the Jabsco 18660-0121 Marine Water Puppy Bilge/Sump Flexible Impeller Pump. The submersible pump sits directly in the bilge and moves water in large volumes. The Jabsco uses a flexible impeller design and is built with a bronze body. Their price tags are just as different as their designs.
Quick Verdict
If you want a simple, high-capacity pump and you already have a 1-1/8-inch hose connection, the 1100GPH submersible pump is the low-cost way to go. It offers a strong flow rate without a lot of complexity. If you're after a bronze-bodied flexible impeller pump from Jabsco, the Water Puppy is a more substantial piece of equipment, but be prepared for a much larger bill. The table below gives you the key specs side by side.
| Feature | 1100GPH Submersible Bilge Pump | Jabsco Water Puppy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 8.99 | USD 189.27 |
| Price Bar | ||
| Pump Type | Submersible electric | Flexible impeller |
| Power | 12V | 12V |
| Material | ABS | Bronze |
| Condition | New | New other (see details) |
Where Each Wins
The 1100GPH submersible pump wins on value and simplicity. It costs a fraction of the Jabsco pump, moves up to 1100 gallons per hour, and connects to a common 1-1/8-inch hose. Its design is straightforward: place it in the water and let it do its job. The Jabsco Water Puppy wins on construction and design approach. The bronze body is very different from the ABS plastic of the submersible, and the flexible impeller mechanism is an alternative way to move water that doesn't rely on submersion.
1100GPH Submersible Bilge Pump
The 1100GPH 12V Electric Marine Submersible Bilge Sump Water Pump with its 1-1/8-inch hose outlet is a no-frills solution for moving water out of a bilge or sump. It delivers up to 1100 GPH, which is a solid amount for many small to mid-size boats. The submersible design means you can drop it into the water, and the 12V power requirement fits standard marine systems. The ABS body keeps the weight down and the price at $8.99. The trade-off is that the pump is non-automatic; you have to switch it on manually when you need it. If you forget, it won't help you. That's a real limitation, but for the price, it's a functional choice.
Jabsco Water Puppy
The Jabsco 18660-0121 Marine Water Puppy Bilge/Sump Flexible Impeller Pump takes a different path. It's a flexible impeller pump with a bronze body and a black finish, and it includes the Jabsco 12V Water Puppy as a component. Instead of sitting in the water, this pump uses a flexible impeller to create suction and move water through the system. The 12V power requirement means it works with typical marine electrical setups. At $189.27, it's decisively more expensive than the submersible pump. That price buys a Jabsco pump with a bronze housing, but it's a significant investment compared to the $8.99 submersible option. If you're building a high-quality pumping system, this is a contender.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you want a high-capacity pump for the least money, the 1100GPH submersible bilge pump is the straightforward pick. It's non-automatic, so plan to switch it on yourself, and it uses a 1-1/8-inch hose. If you're drawn to the bronze body and flexible impeller design of the Jabsco Water Puppy, and you can justify the price, that's the other choice. Match the pump to your boat's plumbing and your budget.
