Freshwater Pumps
A marine freshwater pump is what turns a water tank into a working galley and shower, so it has to hold pressure without cycling and run dry without destroying itself. Our range covers 12V and 24V pressure pumps from Jabsco, transfer and vane pumps, and the strainers, accumulators and spares that go with them.
Freshwater pressure pumps for galley and shower
The Jabsco Par-Max range is the workhorse for pressurised freshwater on boats of this size. The Jabsco 22.7 Litre Par-Max Plus 6.0 Freshwater Pressure Pump in 12V and its 24V equivalent are self-priming, run dry without damage and carry an internal bypass so they do not hammer the system every time a tap closes. Smaller boats with a single tap are better served by the Jabsco 3.8 Litre Par-Max 1 Freshwater Pressure Pump 12V, which draws under two amps. For moving water between tanks rather than pressurising a system, the reversible Jabsco Vane-Puppy Rotary Vane Pump pumps in either direction, which is useful when you need to drain as well as fill.
How do I stop my water pump cycling on and off?
Short cycling usually means the system has no accumulator, or the accumulator has lost its air charge. Every time you crack a tap a fraction, pressure drops, the pump kicks in, pressure recovers and it stops again, which is hard on the pump and irritating at anchor. An accumulator tank gives the system somewhere to store pressure so the pump runs in longer, less frequent bursts. The other common causes are a partly blocked strainer starving the inlet and a small leak at a fitting bleeding pressure away. Fit a strainer ahead of the pump, use the correct hose diameter throughout, and check the tank vent is clear. Related ranges: pumps and plumbing, shower pumps, kits and parts, taps and holders, and tanks for fuel, water and waste.
