Best Electric Pumps For Inflatable Kayaks

An electric pump can make it much easier to get your kayak inflated to the right PSI level.

Some inflatable kayaks don’t hold much air pressure and don’t take much effort to inflate with either a foot pump or a hand pump.

However technology is changing and inflatable kayaks are now being made with high-pressure rigid construction that requires a little extra effort to inflate them to a higher PSI level.

I have been using electric pumps with my inflatable kayaks for years.  Once you start using one it’s hard to go back to manually pumping.  

Call it lazy or just not wanting to break a sweat before getting on the water.  Either way I love my electric pumps. 🙂

Not just any electric pump will work with an inflatable kayak.  Your pump needs the specific valve attachments and it’s important that it has an automatic shut off function so there is no possibility of over inflating.

There are 2 electric pumps that make the cut.  Both of these pumps work well, come with the proper valve attachments and have automatic shutoffs.

I personally use the Shark II the most often. It’s really easy to use, powerful and priced really well.

TOP 2 ELECTRIC PUMPS

Outdoormaster Shark II	Bravo BP12 Single Stage
12V Connector	12V Connector or Optional Battery Pack
Max 20 PSI	Max 18 PSI
Auto Shutoff	Auto Shutoff
BEST PRICE: Outdoormaster.com 10% off with code ISUPWORLD10	BEST PRICE: 1. SeaEagle.com- with battery 2. SeaEagle.com- no battery pack

Let’s explore these pumps in a little more detail.

OUTDOORMASTER SHARK II ELECTRIC PUMP

I’ve been using the Shark II 12V pump for the past couple of years and I absolutely love it. 

This pump is the best one I have tried yet, which says a lot because I think I’ve tried most of the electric pumps on the market at some point or another.

There’s a few things that make the Shark stand out and so nice to use.

• It has an automatic cooling system so it doesn’t overheat (a common issue with other electric pumps) even after inflating multiple kayaks, SUP, or other inflatable boats.

• It has an easy to read digital display that makes it easy to set your desired PSI level and watch the progress.

• Once you set the correct PSI level for your kayak the pump will automatically shutoff once it reaches that level.  No worry of overinflation and no need to stand and watch over it.

• It has a two-stage motor that makes it very powerful.  It inflates quickly.

• This pump is lightweight and has a built-in carry handle.  I like that it’s not too bulky or heavy.

• It plugs into the 12V DC Connector in your vehicle as opposed to connecting to the car battery.

BEST DEAL

The best deal for this pump can be found at Outdoormaster.com – Use discount code ISUPWORLD10 for 10% off plus free shipping in the US.

BRAVO BP12 SINGLE-STAGE ELECTRIC PUMP

The BP12 is a good pump and overall I’ve been quite happy with it.  It has some pros and cons though.

PRO:

• It’s small and compact and comes with a nice carry bag that holds all parts.

• Even though it’s a single stage pump it’s still quite powerful and easily inflates an inflatable kayak.

• Includes an easy dial to set the PSI level.  Can be set up to 18 PSI. (*Note – the BP12 with battery can only inflate up to 14.5 PSI).

• It shuts off automatically once it reaches the set PSI level.

• Comes with 7’9″ cable with 12V adapter.

CONS:

• You can’t watch the progress on the dial so you won’t know where it is at until it shuts off.

• Being only a single stage pump it isn’t quite as fast as a double stage pump.

OPTIONAL BATTERY PACK

You have the option of purchasing the BP12 pump with an external battery pack.

This allows you to inflate your kayak anywhere even if you are not close to your vehicle.

The battery is rechargeable and it’s no problem to inflate at least two kayaks with one charge from the battery.

The battery pack option is ideal for those who need to be able to inflate their kayak close to the water away from a vehicle.

BEST DEAL:

The best deal for the BP12 Electric Pump is at SeaEagle.com (no battery pack).

You can also check for the best price for the BP12 with battery pack here at SeaEagle.com as well.