[Fr. Frank]

When the pumps can't keep up, you are going for a swim, maybe your last one. Don't try to do anything to save the boat before you get everything you might need to wait for the coasties - Including the radio to let them know how big a bag of doo-doo you stepped in. Then try and save the boat.

See below! ie. buy BIG pumps!!!!

If the possibility of sinking or capsizing arises, first have everyone put on a PFD. Then grab your survival equipment and supplies and have ready to send over the side. Only then should you stop to call for help.
I STRONGLY recommend a small cooler for your survival stuff. I use a 32 qt Igloo in bright red. It floats, and is relatively water-tight.

FTR, I have 3 bilge pumps, 2 aft and 1 forward. I have a 1500gph fore and aft in the boat, mounted about an inch above the bottom of the bilge. I have an electronic auto-only 500 gph mounted right at the bottom of the bilge aft. Normally, it's the only one that ever comes on, except when I'm backing down, or launching at one particularly steep ramp where the transom gets submerged.

I am not happy with my Rule 1500's. I have had to replace three over the past 4 years, and the bow pump I have now is 2 years old and not working. My replacement pump (not yet installed)is a Swedish-built Johnson 2200.