I agree with the sentiment with which Roger ended his post.  I can think of very few scenarios where a bilge pump will avert a disaster.  His example of preventing a boat from sinking at the dock is one, but only in the situation where the boat is connected to shore power, which is configured to keep the battery charged, and where the charging rate is as least as great as the bulge pump power draw.

One of the first projects I did on Silverheels (video #7: https://youtu.be/VywOqYXqzYg) was to replace the plywood and carpet floor installed by General Boat with oak flooring.  This was high on my to-do list because the carpet made the bilge difficult to access. Now, the bilge is easy to check, and when I find water (my hull-deck joint leaks), it's a quick job to take care of it with a bucket, a cup, and a sponge.

Peter Nyberg
Coventry, CT
s/v Silverheels (1988/2016)

> On 2022-01-24, at 08:08:25 EST, ROGER PIHLAJA wrote:
>
> ...
> If you hit something and make a hole below the waterline, the inflow of 
> water will quickly overwhelm the bilge pump.  It’s really just an insurance 
> policy against your boat sinking at the dock when you are not there.