Running the bilge dry

Does running a bilge pump dry for an hour or so do significant damage? I didn’t realize I left mine on while dry. 2 hours tops. I do have a spare bilge in the boat for just in case, but wondering if anyone had some experience in the matter.

Fishing Nerd

“you win some, you lose some…but nothing beats getting some!”

It’s happenedto me before and haven’t had any problems.

Depends on the pump. If it’s a Rule, no. Wont hurt it a bit.

Capt. Larry Teuton
912-six55-5674
lteuton at aol dot com

“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose

Put the boat in without the plug and see if it pushes water.

quote:
Originally posted by friogatto

Put the boat in without the plug and see if it pushes water.


Why not just stick a hose in the bilge?

Not as entertaining, for the people watching at the ramp:wink:

quote:
Originally posted by Waterbreaker
quote:
Originally posted by friogatto

Put the boat in without the plug and see if it pushes water.


Why not just stick a hose in the bilge?


Because you need to make sure the pump will work in a panic situation :smiley:

I always carry an extra 1000 gal pump on board rigged with 12’ hose and 12’ cord with battery clips. Use as a back up plus pump water in and out of bait tank! Bought three last week at Harbor freight for $17 each.

quote:
Originally posted by boatpoor

I always carry an extra 1000 gal pump on board rigged with 12’ hose and 12’ cord with battery clips. Use as a back up plus pump water in and out of bait tank! Bought three last week at Harbor freight for $17 each.


Yea that’s always a good idea, I keep a spare too!

quote:
Originally posted by Easy

Not as entertaining, for the people watching at the ramp:wink:


Thank goodness it wouldn’t be much of a show…when I first got the boat last Dec. I launched it and tied to the peir at the GCR to re-work the trailer lights, well I found out and hour and half later after putting the boat back on the trailer and pulling out that I never put the plug in!! Took about 15 min to drain even with the bilge on! Almost a tough lesson learned! (At least I know she wont sink like that):face_with_head_bandage:

Fishing Nerd

“you win some, you lose some…but nothing beats getting some!”

You’re gonna trust a bilge pump from Harbor Freight?

Really???

218WA Sailfish
200 Verado
The "Penn"sion Plan

NOT ME [:0][:0]

Capt. Larry Teuton
912-six55-5674
lteuton at aol dot com

“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose

I use one as a back up! I do have one in my bait tank that has run for 36 hrs at a time with no issues, better luck than a rule!

I ment to mention that Lowea has a kit for a washing machine that fit a punp it’s 12’ and $12 heavy corogated!