When most people think about boat insurance they consider the need for protection while your boat is in the water. Crashing into things or underwater objects. But did you know a large percentage of boat claims actually occur during the process of putting your boat in or out of the water? Here are our top tips that can help people avoid the common boat claims that involve launching your boat.
Do mandatory check-ups before launching
It will be better for the boat owner to be present during the launching of the vessel. The boat yard should be given clear instructions for the pre-launch check. It is important to do this especially after a long time out of the water. Check the water-cooling systems, pipes, engines and skin fittings. They may suffer damage that is hard to detect.
Do all the necessary work before the boat goes to the water. You can do most of it on land.
Make sure to cover every inch of your boat during check-ups
Check the running backstays, fittings and wire halyards if there are rust and cracks. Ask for help whenever you lift the masts to prevent injury. Caulk the chain plates because the leaks may create problems. Wax and clean the decks to repair the abrasions and scratches. Use anti-fouling paint and check the hull.
Examine if the remote tanks and stoves have leaks. Discard rusted cans and propane canisters. Inspect the flares, bilge pump, and switches. Replace the fire extinguishers.
It will always be better if the boat yard or owner inspects the ship before the launch. He should make sure that it is watertight and it does not have leaks. We usually handle claims that involve sinking after a launch. Usually, it is because the hull fitting or speed log is not secure.
Ensure water will not find its way inside your boat upon launch
The main culprits for water ingress on re-launch are missing impeller logs and cracked or dried bellows. It also includes engine raw water inlet hoses and seacocks, and stern gland packing and seals.
Run the water through the engine and check the coolant levels to see if there is frost damage. Lubricate and inspect all the seacocks and water carrying pipes. Change the hose clamps and hoses. Replace zincs that underwent deterioration. Check electrical problems and lighting such as battery cables and chafed wires that may create fire.
Check the distortion and pitting of propellers. It can loosen the screws and create excessive vibration. Inspect the hull if there are stress cracks, distortion, and blisters. There should be professional attention on large blisters. A boat engineer should fix the cracks.
Ensure that the rudder stuffing boxes and engine shaft do not have leaks. Repack the gland if tightening the nut cannot stop it. You may burn out the packing material if you over-tighten the nut. Check if there are leaks, rot, or cracking on the fuel lines, vent, and fill hoses. You may support and replace them with clips.
Check if there are leaks in all filters, fuel tanks, and fuel pumps. Clean the fuel filters. Make sure to check and remove exhaust manifolds over time because rust may hinder the water flow. Tighten and clean electrical connections especially the battery cables. Clean and repair the scratches.
At Wahoo Insurance LLC we take pride in making sure our clients and their boats are well protected at prices they can afford. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (866) 275-9797 or Click Here to request a free quote.
RSS Feed
