I was disappointed that the article continues to perpetuate the myth that the bilge pump is an adequate last defense against sinking. It helps promote a false sense of security. Any water intrusion that can be handled by the bilge pump is no emergency. We recently seen some postings where boaters indicated a faulty switch or failed pump killed their batteries even as they were connected to shorepower and had inboard chargers. It takes a while for a boat with small leak to start listing and usually monthly visits and inspection will suffice to avoid any damage. Now if I'm onboard and I develop a leak that the bilge pump cannot handle then it is an emergency and my last line of defense will be wooden plugs, propped up cushions and the gusher pump operated from the cockpit. Don't forget the life jackets and the VHF or satellite phone to call for assistance.
Being in Maine I know of many, many, many boats that have been saved by a good bilge pumping system. I would not call it a
myth because myths don't happen and boats being saved by bilge pumps do happen.
This includes two of my customers who've t-boned solid granite ledge in the last three years. Not all leaks are huge so hit a ledge and fracture the keel/hull joint or cause a small crack aft of the keel and the bilge pump system can keep up if well designed and implemented. Sadly most bilge pumping systems are poorly executed and undersized for actual desired flow as installed.
I even had one boat that the stuffing box nut backed off when the owner put it in reverse to back off the mooring. The bilge pumps kept the water below the floor boards until the owner discovered the leak. He now has an audible bilge alarm... This was a boat with dual Rule 2000's and a diaphragm pump. The second Rule never even cycle on as the other two kept up.....
