A bilge pump is a very useful device specially created to remove water from a boat’s bilge. Because fuel can be present as well in this water, these units are designed to avoid causing any sparks, so it’s important to use such a specialized unit for this job, because it’s also a matter of safety.
If the pump you choose is not an effective one and water remains within the bilge, the results can vary from damage and rot to making the entire boat sink. Of course, this is an extreme outcome, but it’s important to note that the pump needs to be a highly reliable one.