I wouldn't keep a boat in the water without an auto bilge if I was away at all. (If nothing else I would be worrying all the time) I added a second pump two year's ago. Also have two batteries. Each bilge is direct wired to a separate battery so it is a totally redundant system. Some folks T both outlets together, but I went out the opposite side of the gunnel with the second hose for complete separation. So even a hose break or one pump failing still leaves me with a complete system. The original bilge is on a float switch and also wired to a console switch. The second new one is the auto-sensing so was an easy install. For not a lot of money you could install a float switch on what you have and an auto sense backup.

I was a little leery of the auto sensing at first. It kicks on every minute or so, for a second or two, to sense for water. I was worried about it draining the battery, but that hasn't been a problem. Seems to work fine, going on my third year now. Only negative, when you are anchored perch fishing you can hear it cycle on and off (a hum). Just a little bit annoying, but have got used to it. The plus with that is I always know my bilge is working and you don't have to worry about the float hanging up. And out there in rough water, having two pumps is peace of mind.