If you encounter a hole in your hull and you need to get the water out fast, the following tip may help you avert disaster.
I was surprised to learn that a 1-1/2 inch diameter hole 18 inches below the waterline admits approximately 15 gallons per minute, allowing about an hour before the water floods the engine. A 6 inch diameter hole allows less than 10 minutes before the engine is flooded. That's not enough time to mosey back to the marina!
In extreme emergencies you can use your engines raw water pump as a bilge pump. Close the raw water intake seacock, remove the hose, and place it in the bilge. Screening can be tied around the end to prevent it from clogging the engines water pump. A washdown pump can also be put into service in the same way.
Note: Be sure to monitor the water level, a clogged intake hose or no water can cause severe damage to your engine. Most importantly, before putting any water pump into service, find the leak and plug it with anything available.