A bilge pump is an important safety feature on a boat, as it removes water from the bilge and helps to prevent the boat from sinking. While it is technically possible to run a boat without a bilge pump, it is not recommended, as the absence of a bilge pump increases the risk of water accumulating in the bilge and causing damage to the boat or causing the boat to sink. It is important to have a functioning bilge pump on any boat that is used on the water. It's also worth noting that in some places it is legally required to have a bilge pump in your boat.
The frequency at which a bilge pump should be run on a boat depends on the specific circumstances of the boat and its usage. It is important to check for water in the bilge regularly, and to run the bilge pump as necessary to keep the bilge clear of water. Additionally, if the boat is being used in an area with a lot of waves or heavy rain, it may be necessary to run the bilge pump more frequently. Ultimately, it is important to use good judgement and pay attention to the conditions of the boat to determine the appropriate frequency for running the bilge pump.