[KenB]

Seems like there could be a huge market opportunity for someone willing to build a high quality bilge pump.

I was thinking it might be a good idea to insert an alert for either:
1) extended continuous running... this means you have a leak. While the bilges may be dry, if the pump runs for 2 hours non-stop, you might want to know about this.
2) total length of running. If you get over 500 total hours, probably time to replace the pump.

In terms of pricing, what would folks be willing to pay for piece of mind? I would be willing to shell out $500 for 5 years of 2 pumps working continuously. In other words, I pay $500 up front, and send back as many pumps as hit the 500 hour total, or that completely fail. Plus, if new pump designs come out, I want those too. (like how shimano sends me new reels if I send the same reel in for repairs enough times).

Compare this to how much people shell out on tackle, gas, electronics... though nothing on that list will sink a boat.

I might even be willing to shell out a few more bucks to have a high water alarm added, and to have a cell phone stuck in that module. (check out isabella products). That way if my boat is out on the mooring and a leak/snow/frozen bilge pump happens, I get a text message from my boat. I think you can add additional lines to a family plan pretty cheaply.