Boating Tips
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Across the country, boats are being removed from winter storage and placed in the water. Boaters start their annual preparation and cleaning projects to ready their boat and prevent problems once the season is underway. Spring has arrived!
Fuel System :
- Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage while paying close attention to fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces.
- Evidence of damaged fuel hoses includes softness, brittleness or cracking
- Replace components when necessary and make sure everything is properly secured
- Ensure the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are all functioning properly
Electrical System
- Inspect all electrical connections for cleanliness and tightness
- Look for any corrosion, which is often a sign a connection may not be safe
- Remove the terminals and use a wire brush to clean them, along with the cable ends
- Charge your battery and have it tested to verify that it can hold a charge
Propellers & Hulls
- Inspect propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion (damaged propellers can cause unwanted vibration and damage to your drive train)
- Make sure the propeller is secured properly, and replace bearings when needed (when inspecting the hull, look for blisters, distortions and cracks)
- Make certain to clean the hull, deck and topsides using an environmentally safe cleaning product
Belts, Cables & Hoses
- Check belts, cables and hoses to verify that they are not brittle or cracked
- Ensure that belts fit tightly around pulleys (a worn belt may have a black substance near the pulley and will fit loosely)
- Confirm that there are no cracks or swells on the outer jacket of the control cables (immediate action is required if there are
Fluid Levels
- Check all fluid levels including engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs and coolant
- Change the engine oil, oil filter and drive lubricants (only if these weren’t done before you winterized your boat)
Safety Gear
- Verify that all your personal floatation devices (PFDs) are in working condition
- Check all that all distress signal devices are in working condition and that you have the Coast Guard approved number about your vessel
- Ensure that all your communication equipment is in working condition
- Make certain you have a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit about your vessel
Boat Safety, Uncategorized
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If you own a boat or you’re thinking of purchasing one, then please review these theft-prevention tips to keep your boat safe. Boat theft occurs year-round, whether it is in use or during lay-up. As one of your largest assets, your boat needs protected. In addition to comprehensive boat insurance, it is always helpful to take steps toward preventing theft.
Thieves typically strike where they find an easy opportunity. You can help deter theft by keeping in mind three basic principles – TIME, NOISE and VISIBILITY. Do things that increase the time it would take to steal your boat. Take preventative measures that would force a thief to make noise in order to steal your boat. Keep your boat where it is visible, making it difficult for a thief to steal your boat without being noticed. You should also practice the following helpful tips.
1. Be careful with the keys. Do not leave your key in the ignition when the boat isn’t in use, or when it’s unattended.
2. Secure your boat so it cannot be easily moved.
On land – If your boat is left on a trailer for a short period of time, then remember to install and use a high quality trailer hitch lock. For longer periods of time, remove one wheel from the trailer and store it in a secure location away from the boat. Also, chain the trailer frame to a large tree or another immovable object.
On the water – If your boat is large enough to carry or tow a dinghy, then know that a dinghy in the water is an easy target. If you can, store it aboard the primary boat. However, if it needs to stay in the water, then use a cable and a padlock to secure it to the primary vessel.
3. Never leave a “For Sale” sign on your boat when you’re away for a long period of time.
4. Choose a marina with full-time security and good lighting (if stored at a marina.) Make sure the marina employees are aware of when your boat is being used. The sooner they are aware the boat is missing, the sooner they can notify you so efforts to locate your vessel can begin.
5. Install an anti-theft alarm and/or tracking system on your boat. NBOA Marine Insurance has a variety in its Ship’s Store, and can recommend a quality model based on your needs.
6. Remove all personal property such as portable electronics and fishing equipment from your boat when it’s not in use. If it cannot be easily removed, then store your equipment where it is out of sight and preferably in a locked storage location. Use a diamond-tipped tool and etch identifying marks on all electronic cases, high-value rods and reels, HD/Plasma TV sets and other expensive personal items.
7. Store your boat behind your house or on the side of your house (if you keep your boat at home.) Avoid leaving it in a spot that is visible from the street. Also, park it so the trailer tongue doesn’t face the street.
8. Avoid entry into your vessel’s cabin, replace the spring-latch locking assembly with a deadbolt-type lock.
9. Do not leave your registration, title or document papers on your boat when it is not in use. While in use, these papers must be stored aboard the vessel.
10. Ask a friend to check in on your boat regularly if you must leave it for an extended period of time. Of course, if the worst should happen and your boat or equipment is stolen it pays to have comprehensive insurance in place. NBOA Marine Insurance offers exceptional, all-risk insurance coverage for pleasure boats of every size –from the smallest to the largest – throughout the United States. Programs are available to protect an entire spectrum of pleasure yachts, boats and marine businesses, including luxury mega-yachts and sailboats, sport fishing boats, ski boats, personal watercrafts, high performance vessels and select charter vessels, as well as yacht clubs, marinas, boat dealers, boat builders and more.
NBOA Marine Insurance is committed to keeping you, your family, and your boat safe. If you have questions regarding boat safety, or if you would like more information on NBOA Marine Insurance, please visit www.nboat.com or call one of our marine specialists directly at 1-800-248-3512.
Boat Insurance
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Whether it is the Loch Ness Monster or a 30-foot Great White hungrily searching for surfers, our waters are steeped in myth. However, most people today don’t believe this folklore, so why do many boaters believe boat insurance myths?
After surveying more than 1,000 boaters nationwide, here are a few examples of myths we have uncovered in the today’s boating community.
The Florida Hurricane Myth:
Myth: Boat insurance rates are higher nationally due to the destructive hurricanes of the past few years.
Reality: Even though this is widely believed to be true (74 percent of respondents), it is inaccurate. Boat insurers generally price policies based on claims in each state. The more hurricanes in the state, the more losses in that state, which results in higher priced policies (sorry Florida.) But this does not affect the national boating community. For example, customers in Michigan will not pay higher insurance premiums because of hurricanes in Florida.
The Global Yachtsman Myth:
Myth: Boat insurance covers me everywhere I boat.
Reality: Even though 76 percent of boaters believe this myth, the reality is your navigational limit depends widely on your insurer. Some insurers may limit coverage to 100 nautical miles from your home port, while others have limits based on regions of the country. It is best to check with your insurance carrier so you’re clear where you can (and cannot) boat. NBOA can provide coverage nearly everywhere you decide to go in the continental U.S., including the Bahamas and other regions.
The Multi-Policy Myth:
Myth: I’ll get a better boat insurance rate if I buy from the same company that insures my car or home.
Reality: Although some companies do offer multi-policy discounts, buying more than one policy from the same insurance company doesn’t mean you get the best rate for both – even though 45 percent of respondents thought so. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best rate is by shopping around and combining specialized policies from different companies. By representing several A-rated carriers, NBOA Marine Insurance can provide one-stop shopping to make sure you get the best rate possible. You’ll receive better coverage based on your specific needs, and save money.
“In today’s market, it’s important to understand your options” said Jeffrey Berndt, Vice President of NBOA. “You want to shop for the best coverage, but you also want to be properly protected in case your boat is stolen, you get into an accident or contents are damaged. Our market expertise allows us to give the customer the best of both worlds – broad coverage and low premiums.”
For more information about boat insurance, contact an experienced marine specialist at NBOA Marine Insurance at 1-800-248-3512 or complete our free online boat insurance quote form.
Boating Tips
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As winter begins to thaw, you’re probably getting antsy to get back on the water. Before you do though, check out these tips to get you best prepared for a new season of boating. Also, reference this guide for any federal requirement questions you may have.
1. Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) – First, verify that all PFDs are in working condition, and your type IV throw-able PFD is stored in an easy to access place. When checking the condition of each PFD look for frayed spots, broken buckles or straps, and mildew and rips in the fabric. Be sure to examine inflatable life jackets’ CO2 cylinders, and auto-inflate systems to confirm they are all functioning and have not been used. It’s also important to check your type IV throw-able PFD, as these tend to damage easily from elements of the weather and wildlife. If you find after examining each PFD that some are not functioning correctly, then check out www.lifejacketsplus.com purchase a new PFD.
2. Signals – Now you need to check all your distress signal devices. The majority of boaters who operate where visual distress signals are required use pyrotechnic devices – either meteor, parachute, hand-held or smoke flares. These need to be stored in a dry and cool location aboard your boat. Each device has an expiration date. Expired equipment cannot be counted towards your visual distress signal requirement, but can be carried as extra. A minimum of three signals for day and three for night are required.
3. Communication Equipment – Most boaters take out their electronics and store them at home during the winter months. However, if your electronics spent the winter stored in your boat, then you need to check a few things. First, check your radio’s antenna, microphone and power connections for corrosion. Regardless of where you stored your radio over the winter make sure to conduct a radio check with either the marina or another boater to verify that the radio is receiving and transmitting correctly. If you own an Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon (EPIRB), then you’ll need to check a few things on it too. Make sure your EPIRB is registered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), check the battery and confirm that it’s not expired, and ensure it has no physical damage.
4. Fire Extinguisher – Fire extinguishers need to be Coast Guard approved and in good condition. Before you head out on the water, make sure all the gauges are fully charged. Some extinguishers may even have pop-up charge indicators.
5. First-Aid Kit – Whether you’ve packaged your own first aid kit or you bought a commercially packaged one, make sure it is fully stocked. Check all medicines to verify that they are not expired.
Boat Insurance
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Contrary to what most people believe, boat insurance is a wide-ranging market. Because of the complicated risk inherent in owning and operating a boat, coverage options and insurance rates can vary significantly from one company to the next. Navigation area, storage location, ownership experience, claim history, and motor vehicle record are all examples of variables that help determine your coverage needs. More specifically, each company uses its own combination of these factors to calculate whether you are high or low risk.
To ensure you are getting the maximum amount of savings on your boat insurance, it is important you understand how these variables can affect you and more importantly, what to ask for when receiving a quote. The following is a list of variable discounts that could be applied to your policy:
- Automatic Fire Extinguisher System – Attain a discount with prevention systems. Installing an automatic fire suppression system can help you save on your annual premium.
- Additional Safety Equipment – Having additional safety equipment such as EPIRBs, GPS systems, Depth Finders, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, or Radar on board can help you save as well.
- Boating Education Course – If you hold a current boating safety course certificate from the US Power Squadron or the USCG Auxiliary, you are entitled to a five or ten percent discount. Discounts also apply to state courses, as long as it’s approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard.
- Boat Currently Insured – If your boat is currently insured, some companies will give you a credit for keeping it protected.
- Choice of Coverage – Opting for higher limits of coverage, such as higher liability coverage, will increase your rate. In contrast, choosing a high deductable will lower your rate.
- Clean Driving Record – Safely operating an automobile translates into safely operating a boat. The ability to drive responsibly renders another potential discount.
- Diesel Engines – If your boat is powered by diesel, you could save on the cost of your Physical Damage coverage.
- Insurance Score – Using credit history to determine appropriate insurance rates is becoming increasingly popular with insurance companies. By performing a “soft hit” credit score, insurance companies can view credit history without actually affecting the prospect’s credit. In theory, two owners with the same boat in the same area can have dramatically different premiums if their credit scores are different.
- Marital Status – Having a spouse is a positive factor for some companies and therefore results in a cheaper rate. But singles do not fret. There are certain insurance companies that do not take your marital status into account at all.
- Multi-Policy Discount – When including your boat with your homeowners and/or auto policy, many companies offer an additional credit for insuring multi-lines. Although a popular option, one thing to keep in mind is that multi-line companies are not likely specialized in boat insurance. Discount aside, you may miss out on other benefits with an agent who is unfamiliar with boats.
- Navigation – Where you plan to use your boat greatly affects your insurance rate. If you live in coastal regions like Florida, you are well aware of this stipulation. Areas with coastal exposure are considered high risk and therefore have higher rates. Since inland boaters are considered low risk insurers, lower rates apply.
Navigation limits are another variable that varies from company to company; size and power of the boat is also a factor. Some companies use very broad navigation limits such as “Inland and Coastal Regions of the United States,” while others have very specific limits. A separate one-trip or yearly “rider” can also be applied for those wishing to temporarily extend their navigation limits and travel to places such as the Bahamas and Mexico.
- New Boat Discount – Your new expense can actually save you money. The newer the boat, the higher the discount.
- No Prior Claims – Having a safe boating record is also important in getting the best possible rate. Some companies do not differentiate at-fault and no-fault claims, so be sure to ask your agent to point out which companies do.
- Outboard Motors – Because they are easier to maintain and repair, outboard motors generally warrant discounts. This does, however, depend on the number of motors.
- Owner’s Age – Who says getting old doesn’t have its advantages? With boat insurance, the older you are the better your rate!
- Owning a Home – Home ownership can also be a positive factor and result in lower rates.
- Previous Boats Owned – Being able to operate a 20 foot bow rider does not mean you can safely operate a 45 foot yacht. All boating experience aside, many companies actually require comparable boat ownership history before insuring your newest vessel. This is particularly applicable with larger vessels.
- Speed of Vessel – While many companies surcharge or refuse to insure a boat that is too fast, others may give a credit for boats with the maximum speed of 25 to 35 mph.
- Years of Boating Experience – Along with age, the years of actual boating experience you have can have a positive effect on your rate.
As you can see, there are numerous factors that go into rating a boat insurance policy. Furthermore, each carrier uses their own combination of these variables to calculate your rate. With so many options available, it is wise to seek an insurance quote from a company that understands this market. With over 80 years of combined experience in the marine insurance field, the insurance agents at NBOA can ensure you’re getting the exact coverage you need, with the right carrier, at the best price – whether it’s a cruiser, trawler, pontoon, yacht, or sailboat.
As always, our main priority is educating our boat owners. For a free, no-hassle quote, speak directly to one of our agents at 1-800-248-3512 or submit your quote online at www.nboat.com.
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