When was the last time you checked the operation of the float switch on your bilge pump... never? Yep, that's me, but I have only owned the boat 10 years.

I did not know how, or even if you could check it. I had a survey yesterday so I can reinsure my pride and joy (required by my insurance company after 10 years). The surveyor found ONLY one thing wrong... my float switch was inoperative. I check the bilge pump operation every time I am on the boat by flipping the switch to manual to insure it runs. When I leave the boat, I always insure it is on automatic so the boat may be on top of the water when I return. Little did I know that nothing would have happened if a leak developed somewhere. The water has never been deep enough in my bilge to make the pump come on, let alone get close to the wiring. In essence I keep a dry bilge. The wiring to the pump and switch has never been in any bilge water.
I removed the corrugated chafing shield that Catalina installs around the wiring in our boats, and nothing seemed amiss. I checked the switch, all OK. Upon closer inspection of the wires close to the switch, about 1" from where they disappear into the sealed case of the switch, I saw a bulge in one wire. Insulation was not damaged that I could see. Cutting it open, all that was inside the insulation was a little green powder from my cut right on into the switch. The wire was completely corroded away!

My guess is that the switch has been inoperative for some time. I just added another item to my routine checklist.
Jack