What is a typical consequence of cavitation in a marine pump?

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Cavitation in a marine pump happens when the pressure inside the pump drops below the liquid’s vapor pressure, forming tiny vapor bubbles. When these bubbles move to regions of higher pressure, they collapse with strong energy, creating shock waves that bruise and erode metal surfaces, especially impeller blades, housing, seals, and bearings. This damage, along with the energy losses from vapor-filled regions, reduces the pump’s ability to develop head and push the same flow, so capacity falls. The process also produces noticeable noise and vibration. Because cavitation brings noise, physical damage, and a drop in capacity, it’s not a situation that would increase efficiency or result in smoother operation. That’s why the described consequence is the best match.