Beckson’s Thirsty-Mate hand pump

The headline attached to this press release actually read “Tried and true hand pump is always ready for use.” I think I can take a teensy eensy weensy bit of credit for that title. Why? Because after I published what I suggested might be a “silly” press release about another Beckson product, I had a very pleasant email exchange with the publicist. So you see where it might occur to me that “tried and true” is included primarily for my benefit?

Again, I can’t resist the temptation to tease my marine industry publicists a little bit. It must be a character flaw.

In any case, here’s a press release about—indeed—a tried and true product. I do not own one of these myself, but when I recently had possession of a friend’s Ranger Minto dinghy, I really could have used one! Bailing with a discarded yogurt container left a LOT to be desired! On with the press release…

When boaters need a hand pump they can depend on, they can trust a Beckson Marine Thirsty-Mate®. Self-priming and easy-to-clean, these proven hand pumps will not rust, corrode or mar a boat.

Manufactured since 1955 in the USA with the highest quality materials available, they’re built for long-lasting superior performance. If the pumps become clogged, users simply remove their foot valve assembly, by applying low heat, such as warm water, and clean out the inside.

Enabling unimpeded water flow, the water-lubricated pumps’ intake and discharge are the same size, with capacities ranging from 6 to 30 gallons a minute. With a contoured, trademarked red tee handle and a special polyvinyl grey body and shaft, Beckson’s solvent-welded, lightweight hand pumps are constructed for reliability. Certified by the Marine Testing Institute in 1969 to "1,162,835 strokes and still performing," these Beckson pumps have outlived the institute.

Easy to operate, Thirsty-Mate pumps are available in four different diameters ranging from 1-1/4" to 3" and multiple lengths starting at 18". Spare parts, such as replacement foot valve assemblies and hoses, are sold separately.

The Thirsty-Mate Hand Pumps from Beckson Marine have starting prices of $23 to $360.