How to choose the right pressure water pump

Sådan vælger du den rigtige trykvandspumpe
Guide to water on board

How to choose the right pressure water pump

I recommend a pressure water pump if you want stable water pressure in the galley, sink, and shower on board. Here, I will quickly guide you to choose the right size, the right pressure, and the setup that best suits your boat.

Quick choice

1–2 people: typically choose a pump of approx. 7–10 L/min
2–4 people: typically choose a pump of approx. 10–15 L/min
Shower or multiple outlets: typically choose a pump of approx. 15–20+ L/min

What is a pressure water pump?

A pressure water pump provides running water on your boat without you having to pump manually. It starts automatically when you turn on the water and stops again when the desired pressure is reached.

This offers a much more comfortable solution for the galley, sink, and shower – making water on board more like at home.

1. Choose based on how much water you need

The first thing I look at is how much water is realistically needed at a time. Capacity is usually stated in liters per minute.

7–10 L/min → for smaller boats, single tap, or lighter use
10–15 L/min → a good all-round choice for most boats
15–20+ L/min → for greater comfort, multiple taps, or more demanding use

2. Don't just look at liters per minute – pressure also matters a lot

Many only look at capacity, but pressure significantly affects how the water actually feels in use. Especially if you want a good shower experience.

  • Approx. 2–3 bar: fine for general use
  • Approx. 3–5 bar: better comfort and more power in the water jet

3. Consider how many outlets the pump needs to supply

It makes a difference whether the pump only needs to supply water to one tap, or if it also needs to supply the sink, galley, and shower.

  • 1 outlet: a smaller pump can often be sufficient
  • 2–3 outlets: choose a more versatile model
  • Shower and multiple outlets: increase both capacity and pressure

4. Choose the right voltage: 12V or 24V

The pump must, of course, match the boat's electrical system.

  • 12V: suitable for most boats and smaller installations
  • 24V: typically used in larger or more demanding systems

5. A good installation matters more than many think

Even a good pump can feel bad if the rest of the installation isn't working properly. Therefore, I always recommend that you think of the pump as part of the entire system.

Water tank
Filter before the pump
Pressure water pump
Possibly a pressure tank / accumulation tank
Correct hoses and fittings

Typical mistakes I often recommend avoiding

  • Choosing a pump that is too small for the need
  • Only focusing on L/min and forgetting about pressure
  • Missing filter before the pump
  • Too small or incorrect hose dimensions
  • Poor installation, which causes unnecessary noise and vibrations

Typical choices I would recommend

For smaller setups

Good for smaller boats, light use, or a single tap.

Typically 7–10 L/min

For standard comfort

A good all-round choice for the galley, sink, and general use on board.

Typically 10–15 L/min

For showers and larger needs

For those who want higher comfort, higher pressure, or multiple taps.

Typically 15–20+ L/min

See relevant products

If you want to see the options right away, you can go directly to my products here:

Are you unsure what fits best?

If you are unsure which pressure water pump to choose, that is completely normal. I am happy to help find a solution that suits your boat, your water consumption, and the level of comfort you desire on board.