would you rather have 2 1000 gallon per hour pumps or 1 2000 gallon per hour pump?

(25 foot boat)

how many gallons per hour does yours do?

Go with 2, 2000 GPH.

I would never rely on a single bilge pump, no matter how big it is.

Neither

My 25' boat
3400, 2000 & JIC 1500 on a seperate battery

2 just in case one craps out

From http://www.yachtsurvey.com/bilge_pumps.htm

Much better chart on webpage

Boat Length No. Pumps Total Capacity - GPH

16 - 20 2 2500
21 - 26 2 3000 - 3500
27 - 35 3 3500 - 4500
36 - 42 3 6000
43 - 49 3 - 4 8000
50 - 59 4 - 5 9000 - 10,000
60 - 60 4 - 5 10,000+

man... glad I asked... really helpfull info there guys, I'm convinced a second pump is a really good Idea for redundancy and added output as well, great link there oboxer!

make sure they're connected to separate batteries, and not switched through the main battery switches.

3 pumps and an extra in the toolbox just in case.

Correct me if I'm wrong but if the shit hits the fan can't you use your livewell pump if you switch some hoses around.

It depends on the design of the boat but if water can get in the bow in any way then you need a minimum of three: bow, center and aft cause if the bow starts going down the aft pump is sitting high and dry.

The one in the toolbox needs to have a set of alligator clips on it, wire 10' and throw a flexable hose that will fit it in a storage box on the boat that is at least 10' long. You would be suprised how valuable it can be. It works great if you see another boat going down and want to pass it off to them.

3 pumps and an extra in the toolbox just in case.

Correct me if I'm wrong but if the shit hits the fan can't you use your livewell pump if you switch some hoses around.

IMO, by the time you recognize trouble, there will be no time to switch hoses with your livewell pump. I'd stick with the 3+1.

IMO, by the time you recognize trouble, there will be no time to switch hoses with your livewell pump. I'd stick with the 3+1.

Agreed. Just a what if.

I've got two 8,000GPH pumps forward, two centered and two aft in the Bertram. All have float switches and high water alarms mounted above them.
In addition to those, I've got a 15,000 GPH crash pump mounted to my starboard engine and running beneath the engines which is the lowest point in the hull. According to the manufacturer, they said we can pretty much hit an iceberg and that sumbitch will keep it floating as long as that starboard engine stays running. I thought about putting one on the port engine as well, just haven't gotten around to it. It's not an easy install! I've tested it and the damn thing is insane...

The way I see it, it's cheap insurance. There's just no reason not to have extras. It can't hurt you.

FWIW, I've had real good luck with Johnson brand pumps.