Whale · Water pump

Whale Gulper pumps

Gulper pumps are Whale’s electric diaphragm pumps for dirty water: a motor-driven crank works a rubber diaphragm under a pump head with large flap valves, so they need no strainer, self-prime up to 3 m and can run dry without damage. The family covers the Gulper 220 (BP1552/BP1554) for a shower tray or galley sink, the Gulper 320 (BP2052/BP2054) for grey waste, a fishbox or a remote bilge, the yellow Gulper IC (BP2082B/BP2084B), a 320-size pump with built-in control sold in the Gulley IC, Grey IC and Bilge IC kits, the Gulper Toilet pump for unmacerated holding-tank waste (BP2552/BP2554, now Mk2 BP2652/BP2654) and the Gulper Grouper fishbox pump (Mk1 to Mk3). The start year is an estimate: Whale’s range sheet of October 2004 already lists the 220 and the Toilet pump. Whale (Munster Simms Engineering, Bangor, Northern Ireland) is now part of Navico Group and has moved its website and manuals from whalepumps.com to whale.navico.com; the older Gulper High Flow and the Shower Waste System are not covered here.

Manuals & documents

The links go to Whale’s own documents — some as archived copies of pages the maker has since taken down. We host no manuals or drawings.

Wear parts & part numbers

PartOEM numberAlso fitsNote
Pump headAK20501,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10—Complete replacement head for the Gulper 320 (BP2052/BP2054) and the Gulper IC (BP2082B/BP2084B, in every Gulley IC, Grey IC and Bilge IC kit); Whale’s spares catalogue lists it for the Gulper 220 (BP1552/BP1554) too. Contains the head with ¾ in and 1 in barbs, diaphragm, inlet and outlet valves, tricuspid outlet valve with housing, valve plate, M5 nut and screw; Whale sells no loose diaphragm or valves for these pumps. For the 220, both numbers (AK2050 and AK1550) appear in Whale’s own documents; no supersession claimed.
Service kitAK155011,12,13,14,15—Gulper 220 (BP1552/BP1554). Named in the Gulper 220 manual and in Whale’s current product catalogue (there as replacement pump head; the older datasheet calls it diaphragm and valves), while the spares catalogue lists AK2050 for the 220. Both numbers appear in Whale’s own documents; no supersession claimed, and dealers sell both.
Service kitAK155716,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24—Gulper Toilet pump (BP2552/BP2554 and Mk2 BP2652/BP2654) and Gulper Grouper of all three marks (BP4572/BP4574, BP4672/BP4674, BP4772/BP4774): one Santoprene diaphragm and four inlet/outlet valves. Does not fit the 220, 320 or IC.
Diaphragm clamp ringAS15621,2,3,17,18,8,12,19,20,16,25—Every Gulper: 220, 320, IC, Toilet pump Mk1 and Mk2, and Grouper. Holds the pump head and the edge of the diaphragm to the gear housing.
Inlet strainerSB34223,9,8—19 mm (¾ in) strum box with multi-directional port, supplied with the retail Gulper 320 (BP2052/BP2054) for use as a remote bilge pump.
In-line non-return valve (inlet)LV12153,26—In-line non-return valve for 25 mm (1 in) or 38 mm (1½ in) hose, listed as a Gulper 320 accessory. Whale also makes LV1218 (25/28 mm) and LV1219 (19/25 mm) in the same range.
Hose elbowEB33643,26—For 25 mm (1 in) hose, a Gulper 320 accessory.
Hose elbowEB348817,27—For 38 mm (1½ in) sanitation hose, a Gulper Toilet pump accessory; Whale advises avoiding 90° bends at the toilet pump’s inlet and outlet where you can.
Y-pieceYP611417,27—For 38 mm (1½ in) hose, a Gulper Toilet pump accessory: lets two pumps discharge into one line.
Diverter valveDV560616,17,28—For 38 mm (1½ in) hose on the Gulper Toilet pump Mk1 and Mk2: sends the waste overboard or to the deck pump-out. A 25 mm version, DV5630, exists for grey waste.
Pump assemblyBP2082B · BP2084B6,7,4—Replacement Gulper IC pump: BP2082B (12 V) for the Gulley IC SG8284, Grey IC WM8284 and Bilge IC SI8284 kits, BP2084B (24 V) for SG8484, WM8484 and SI8484. The rear electronics section cannot be serviced, so a failed control board means a new pump.
CableAK20816—Deutsch-to-two-spade adaptor lead: lets you switch a Gulper IC (BP2082B/BP2084B) with a conventional float, gulley or manual switch instead of a Whale IC sensor.
CableAK2086B6,7—6 m extension for the Deutsch lead between IC sensor and Gulper IC pump in the Gulley IC, Manifold IC and Bilge IC kits.
Water sensor (pump switch)SG3482B · SG3484B6,4,29—Small Gulley IC: shower sump with built-in sensor and 19 mm port, 2 m / 4 m cable. For the Gulper IC only; IC sensors do not work with the Gulper 220 or 320.
Water sensor (pump switch)SG1982B · SG1984B6,4—Large Gulley IC: shower sump with built-in sensor and 19 mm port, 2 m / 4 m cable. For the Gulper IC only.
Water sensor (pump switch)WM1982B · WM1984B6,4—Two-Way Manifold IC with 19 mm ports and built-in sensor, 2 m / 4 m cable: collects two drains for one Gulper IC. For the Gulper IC only.
Water sensor (pump switch)WM2582B · WM2584B6,4—Two-Way Manifold IC with 25 mm ports, 2 m / 4 m cable. For the Gulper IC only.
Water sensor (pump switch)WM3882B · WM3884B6,4—Two-Way Manifold IC with 38 mm ports, 2 m / 4 m cable. For the Gulper IC only.
Water sensor (pump switch)SI3422B · SI34244,7—Strainer IC: 19 mm strum box with sensor for the Gulper IC used as Bilge IC (kits SI8284/SI8484), 2 m / 4 m cable.
Tank lid with sensorAK100530,31,32—Replacement grey waste tank lid with one sensor and bare wires, for Whale tanks GT0810B, GT1610B, GT2010B (old codes GW0810/GW1610). The lid sensor switches a Gulper 220 or 320 directly (pumps up to 20 A).
Tank lid with sensorAK100630,31,32—Grey waste tank lid with one sensor and Deutsch plug, for tanks GT0831B, GT1631B, GT2031B (old codes GW0831/GW1631); switches a Gulper 220 or 320.
Tank lid with sensorAK100730,31,32—Grey waste tank lid with two sensors and Deutsch plugs, for tanks GT0820B, GT1620B, GT2020B (old codes GW0820/GW1620); the second, higher sensor runs a second Gulper 220 or 320 or a high-level alarm.
Tank lid with sensorAK100830,31,32—Grey waste tank lid with two sensors and bare wires, for tanks GT0812B, GT2012B (old code GW0812); for one or two Gulper 220 or 320, or one pump plus a high-level alarm.

Numbers checked against the sources below on 13 October 2026. Always confirm against your serial number and exact type before ordering.

Service intervals

TaskInterval
DiaphragmOn condition, no fixed interval: when the pump runs but moves little or no water, undo the clamping ring and check diaphragm and valves for splits, wear or trapped debris; renew the head (AK2050, for the 220 also AK1550) or kit AK1557 (Toilet pump, Grouper)11,5,6,16,21
Season checkOnce a year: check the plumbing for leaks and blockages and the hose clamps for slack and corrosion, and have the pump wiring checked; Grouper: wiring and clamps every season6,7,21,30,16
Fresh-water washGrouper: flush with fresh water after each use · Toilet pump: rinse and flush the holding tank after every pump-out21,16
Strainer cleanGrey waste tank lid sensors: clean at least every 3 months · IC gulley, manifold and strainer and the pump itself: wipe clean regularly so nothing clogs30,6,7
WinterisingEvery autumn before frost: drain the whole system completely, including any grey waste tank; Whale does not cover frost damage in an undrained system6,21,30,16

From Whale’s manuals for the Gulper 220, 320, IC, Bilge IC, Toilet pump Mk2 and Grouper and the grey waste tank instructions. Whale gives no interval in hours or months for diaphragm and valves: they are renewed when the pump loses performance.

Specifications

ModelsGulper 220: BP1552 (12 V), BP1554 (24 V) · Gulper 320: BP2052 (12 V), BP2054 (24 V) · Gulper IC pump: BP2082B (12 V), BP2084B (24 V), in the kits Gulley IC SG8284/SG8484, Grey IC (Two-Way Manifold IC) WM8284/WM8484 and Bilge IC SI8284/SI8484 (12 V/24 V) · Gulper Toilet pump: BP2552(B)/BP2554(B), Mk2 BP2652(B)/BP2654(B) · Gulper Grouper: Mk1 BP4572/BP4574 (bronze gearwheel), Mk2 BP4672/BP4674 (plastic gearwheel), Mk3 BP4772/BP4774 (90° head) · Shower & sink kit GK1512/GK1514: 8 l tank with Gulper 220. A trailing B means bulk pack29,33,11,5,6,7,16,21,34,18
TypeSelf-priming electric diaphragm pump with non-choke flap valves: no strainer needed, pumps an air/water mix, and the head turns 360° for hose routing. Whale rates the Gulpers to run dry without damage and gives dry-running currents for the 220 and the Toilet pump; the Toilet pump Mk2 is rated for up to 40 min continuous running. Gulper IC: built-in electronics with soft start and stop, about 1 s start delay and about 9 s run-on once the grey-waste sensor is dry (45 s as Bilge IC), switched by low-current IC sensors through a 7-way Deutsch plug. The 320 and the IC qualify as primary bilge pump on boats under 12 m (ISO 15083) or as secondary pump, the 220 only as a small bilge pump29,6,8,19,16,7,5
Flow rateGulper 220: 13.4–13.5 l/min at 0 m lift and 1 m head, 12.6 l/min at 1 m lift (up to 14 l/min open flow) · Gulper 320 and Gulper IC at 0 m lift and 1 m head: 19 l/min with 19 mm hose, 17.5 l/min with 25 mm hose; about 17.5 / 15.5 l/min at 1 m lift · Toilet pump Mk2: up to 18 l/min open, 17 l/min at 1 m head, 16.5 l/min at 1 m lift plus 1 m head (Mk1: 17.5 / 16.5 l/min) · Grouper at 1 m head: Mk1 22 l/min (25.5 l/min open), Mk2 18 l/min, Mk3 16 l/min12,13,8,35,6,19,16,22,20,21
Voltage12 V or 24 V DC versions. Gulper IC: 10–13.6 V (12 V model) or 21.6–27.2 V (24 V model). The 220 and 320 are protected against reverse polarity; the Toilet pump Mk2 is polarity-sensitive6,11,5,16
Current drawGulper 220: 3.5–4 A at 12 V, 1.75–2 A at 24 V, dry running 2.4 / 1.2 A · Gulper 320 and Gulper IC: 7.5–8 A at 12 V, 3.25–4 A at 24 V · Toilet pump Mk1: 6.5–7.1 A at 12 V, 3.25–3.55 A at 24 V, dry running 5.5 / 2.25 A; Mk2 dry running 4 / 2 A (Whale’s Mk2 documents give no running current) · Grouper at 12 V: Mk1 7.2 A, Mk2 7 A, Mk3 6 A (half at 24 V)13,35,6,22,16,19,36
Breaker / fuseIn-line fuse in the positive lead, supplied · Gulper 220: 5 A (12 V) / 2.5 A (24 V) · Gulper 320, Gulper IC and Grouper: 10 A / 5 A · Toilet pump Mk2: 8 A / 4 A · Toilet pump Mk1 (BP2552B/BP2554B): 10 A / 5 A on the 2016 datasheet, 7.5 A / 5 A on the October 2004 range sheet · Minimum cable 1.5 mm² (16 AWG) for all11,5,6,21,16,22,37
PortsGulper 220: 19 mm (¾ in) inlet, outlet barbed for 19 or 25 mm on later heads; smooth-bore reinforced hose · Gulper 320 and Gulper IC: barbed for 19 mm (¾ in) or 25 mm (1 in) · Toilet pump: 38 mm (1½ in) thick-walled, non-collapsing sanitation hose · Grouper: 25 mm and 38 mm ports supplied; Whale recommends 38 mm in, 25 mm out11,12,5,6,16,21
Suction / discharge headGulper 220, 320 and IC: 3 m suction lift, 3 m discharge head, 4 m combined · Toilet pump: 3 m lift, 3 m head, 3 m combined · Grouper: Mk1 0.5 m lift and 3 m head; Mk2 and Mk3 1 m lift and 2 m head, 3 m combined12,9,6,16,21,20
WeightGulper 220: 1.5 kg · Gulper 320, Gulper IC pump and Grouper: 1.6 kg (IC kits with sensor 2.6 kg) · Toilet pump: 2.12 kg12,8,6,21,16
MaterialPump head glass-filled nylon, diaphragm Santoprene, body aluminium, clamp ring acetal, gearwheel Delrin (bronze on the Grouper Mk1 and the early Toilet pump), fasteners stainless steel and brass. Valves nitrile in the current catalogue; the Gulper IC manual and the 2014 Gulper 320 datasheet say Santoprene12,19,6,35,21,22
Operating temperatureWater 0–50 °C (grey waste pumps)29

Good to know

  • Read the BP number on the label before buying spares: BP155x is a Gulper 220, BP205x a 320, BP208x a Gulper IC (yellow, with Deutsch plug), BP255x/BP265x the Toilet pump Mk1/Mk2, BP457x/BP467x/BP477x the Grouper. The 220, 320 and IC take the AK2050 head, the Toilet pump and Grouper kit AK1557. Only the Gulper IC works with Whale’s IC sensors; a 220 or 320 needs a float or electric-field switch or the lid sensor of a Whale grey waste tank.29,1,17,4
  • For the 220, 320 and IC Whale sells the whole pump head with diaphragm and valves, not loose valves, and no motor or gearbox. On a Gulper IC never open the rear housing: the electronics are sealed, and a dead controller means a new pump.6,1,2
  • Pump runs but will not prime? Look for an air leak or a collapsed inlet hose first, then check that the outer lip of the diaphragm sits in its groove and that the rounded edge of the clamping plate faces the diaphragm.11
  • The in-line fuse is there to protect the pump against blockages. If it blows, look for a closed seacock or valve and for debris in the head before you fit a new one.5
  • Toilet pump: mount it above the holding tank or fit a service valve on the tank side, use vented loops where the tank or the outlet is below the waterline, two stainless hose clamps per joint, and no bleach or drain cleaner in the system. Switch it off when you leave the boat and keep AK1557 and AS1562 on board.16
  • The Italian and Spanish sections of the Gulper IC manual call the head kit “AK2082”; every other section and the spares catalogue give AK2050, the number to order.6,4

Fitted in

Boats whose builder lists it as standard or optional equipment:

  • Gemini 105Mc — Whale Gulper 220 (shower sump + bilge) (The Gulper 220 under the port dinette empties the 23 l (6 US gal) shower sump overboard and, through two diverter valves and hoses, the port or starboard bilge as well)

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Sources

  1. docs.navico.com/view/728578209/44/
  2. docs.navico.com/view/728578209/45/
  3. docs.navico.com/view/728578209/7/
  4. docs.navico.com/view/728578209/5/
  5. cxjdfr.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/assets/182.95_v7_1119_sr_db-16pg-A4.pdf/3f7d62f6…
  6. cxjdfr.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/assets/180.137_v7_0619_sr_db-88pg-A4.pdf/94f4cd3…
  7. cxjdfr.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/assets/183.16_v5_1118-72pg-A4.pdf/0e8db1c8065b11…
  8. docs.navico.com/view/177634415/98/
  9. docs.navico.com/view/177634415/18/
  10. web.archive.org/web/20130718021038/http://www.whalepumps.com:80/marine/siteFiles/resource…
  11. cxjdfr.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/assets/180.03_fr_eng_v3_0519_sr_db-4pg-A4.pdf/97…
  12. docs.navico.com/view/177634415/100/
  13. web.archive.org/web/20211204074024/https://www.whalepumps.com/marine/siteFiles/resources/…
  14. fisheriessupply.com/whale-spares-service-kits-for-bilge-pumps/ak1550
  15. sheridanmarine.com/product/whale-gulper-220-pump-service-kit
  16. cxjdfr.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/assets/180.621_v7_0724.pdf/3771e9da7e9a11f08ad47…
  17. docs.navico.com/view/728578209/49/
  18. docs.navico.com/view/728578209/53/
  19. docs.navico.com/view/177634415/110/
  20. docs.navico.com/view/177634415/88/
  21. cxjdfr.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/assets/180.22_v5_0614_sh.pdf/48e84dba065b11f0975…
  22. web.archive.org/web/20160910072657/http://www.whalepumps.com:80/marine/siteFiles/resource…
  23. web.archive.org/web/20160909015217/http://whalepumps.com/marine/siteFiles/resources/docs/…
  24. sheridanmarine.com/product/whale-gulper-toilet-pump-service-kit
  25. sheridanmarine.com/product/whale-gulper-220-pump-clamping-ring-kit
  26. docs.navico.com/view/177634415/107/
  27. docs.navico.com/view/177634415/115/
  28. docs.navico.com/view/177634415/114/
  29. whale.navico.com/marine/grey-waste/
  30. cxjdfr.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/assets/181.335_v4_0220_db.pdf/91727b8c065b11f082…
  31. docs.navico.com/view/728578209/47/
  32. docs.navico.com/view/177634415/102/
  33. whale.navico.com/marine/black-waste/
  34. docs.navico.com/view/177634415/105/
  35. web.archive.org/web/20141212162850/http://www.whalepumps.com:80/marine/siteFiles/resource…
  36. web.archive.org/web/20161019142404/http://www.whalepumps.com:80/marine/siteFiles/resource…
  37. web.archive.org/web/20060520145320/http://www.whalepumps.com/documents/gulper_range.pdf

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