Tips on Preparing Your Boat for Summer Storms

Summer is the perfect time to get out on the water and enjoy some leisure time on your boat. With all the unpredictable weather we’ve been experiencing lately (not to mention, it’s Hurricane season), it’s wise to do a little preparation ahead of time to ensure that your time on the water is smooth sailing.

What to Bring on Your Boat 

Making sure you start your day on the water with safety in mind is important. We’ve got a list below of a few key items to make sure you have them on hand.

Safety Items To Have On Board:

• Provide a life jacket for each passenger.
• A first aid kit.
• A horn or whistle.
• A Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher.
• A flashlight.
• Paddles & oars just in case the motor fails.
• A marine radio.
• Key contact list with numbers saved so that if a storm occurs you aren’t scrambling (the marina or yacht club, towing company)

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind When Out on Your Boat 

• Wear your life jackets.
• Be mindful of the weather. You don’t want to get caught out on the water in the middle of a storm.
• Take a boating safety course. Depending on your insurance carrier, you may be able to get a discount on your coverage upon completion.
• Don’t drink and drive. According to the US Coast Guard, 19% of the boating fatalities were alcohol-related.
• Don’t drive distracted. Put away cell phones when you are navigating your watercraft.
• Don’t speed.

Plan Ahead for Stormy Weather 

It is wise to set aside some time at the start of the season and put a plan in place, so you know what to do if a storm warning is issued. Making decisions ahead of time and understanding who will be doing what will help cut down on stress when an actual storm arrives. Below are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Who will be responsible for preparing your boat or yacht? Take the time to list out the necessary tasks and who will be taking care of them so there are no questions when the time comes.
• Will you be hauling your boat out of the water? Or will it remain in the water?
• If it is being stored out of the water, where will it be relocated to?
• Do you understand your insurance policy? It is important to know the policy benefits and the limitations (more on that below).

Share this plan with anyone who may be utilizing the boat so that everyone is on the same page.

Understand Your Insurance 

Whether you own a power boat, a sailboat, or a yacht, it is important for you to know and understand your boat insurance policy. Boat insurance is typically not required to operate a boat unless you are financing it, in which case the bank may require you to carry insurance. Your personal excess liability policy will not generally cover a boat unless it is specifically listed, and you carry the required underlying liability limits. Many insurance carriers offer coverage for reimbursement to help you move your vessel to safety in the event of a hurricane. It’s important to review the details of your insurance policy with your local agent to see what is covered and what is not.

 If you are a new boat owner, we can help you explore your insurance options. If you have questions, we encourage you to reach out to one of our offices today.

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.