Do you own a boat and are you looking for insurance coverage but don't know where to start? If can seem overwhelming at first, and that's why it can be a good idea to seek advice from an insurance agent. We spoke with a marine product manager to gain some insight on boat insurance, and they recommend five important questions you may want to ask while shopping around.

1. Do I need insurance for my boat?

"Some people may think that their boat is adequately covered through an endorsement on their homeowner's policy. Worse yet, they don't carry any coverage at all. Boat owners should look for a specialized insurance policy that offers the coverages that fit their boat and lifestyle. It's better to be prepared and have it insured for peace of mind while on the water."


2. Will my personal property be covered?

"Buying life vests, water skis and fishing gear can really add up. A good policy will not only provide coverage for all of this equipment, but also for other personal property on board."


3. What discounts are available?
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"There's a variety of discounts a customer could qualify for, like a multi-policy discount if they insure more than just a boat with the same company, or a multi-unit discount if they insure more than one boat. Discounts will help a customer save money on the policy's premium."


4. Is towing and roadside assistance available?

"A day of fun in the sun could easily be ruined if the boat breaks down while on the water. This is a great coverage to add to a policy and covers either the cost of certain emergency fixes at the point where the boat broke down, or the cost of towing the boat to nearest repair shop. Towing and assistance should also apply to the trailer if it breaks down while towing the boat."
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5. Is the type of boat I have eligible for insurance coverage?

"There are many different kinds of boats — pontoons, open bow, fishing boats, cabin cruisers—and even more things to consider like speed, length, value and use of the vessels. That's why it's important to make sure your agent knows all these things up front, even how you will use your boat. Your agent can help you get the insurance coverages that are just the right fit."

Looking for boat insurance? Get a quote today by clicking here.

Source: ​https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/five-questions-to-ask-about-boat-insurance.asp

No matter how much you enjoy being on the water, suffering from nausea and fatigue on a boating excursion might make you wish your feet were planted on land. According to Montavit, about 10% of the population is extremely sensitive to motion sickness, with another 75% subject to occasional motion sickness. This travel illness can take a nice trip out at sea and turn it into a nightmare, but don't fret, I've got the answers for you. Here's some useful info on sea sickness so you can have a fun day out on the waves!

Why do I experience sea sickness?
Sea sickness is defined as motion sickness that happens on the water. The inner ear becomes unbalanced due to the rocking motion of a boat or ship and can have side effects like a cold sweat, upset stomach, fatigue, and/or nausea and vomiting.

6 Methods to Cure Sickness

1. Situate yourself in the middle of the boat. The middle of the boat has the most stability and will not feel as topsy-turvy as the back, front and sides may feel. If your boat doesn't have a place to sit in the middle, the front is the next best spot.
2. Steer the boat. Even better than sitting in the middle or front, having control of your surroundings will help control your nausea because you will be able to anticipate those major turns and wave maneuvers.
3. Find something stable to fix your eyes on. Finding something stable like the horizon to fix your eyes on will help restore some equilibrium, since your brain will recognize the stillness and calm your inner ear.
4. Talk to yourself. Although you may look silly, a study has shown that "verbal placebos" have been effective in preventing sea sickness. Telling yourself that you are not seasick has been proven to help, as well as learning breathing techniques to calm your stomach.
5. Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea, so look for foods and drinks with ginger in it to keep your nausea at bay. Ginger-ale and ginger cookies may be of help.
6. Use over-the-counter medication. Sometimes, no matter what you try, all other preventative measures don't seem to work just right. Talk to your doctor about preventing nausea from motion sickness with medications like Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or the Scopolamine Transdermal Patch, which will curb the nausea and get you back out on the water.

Above all else, try to avoid thinking about your nausea and focus on other things. Stay active to distract yourself and help pass the time. Enjoy your trip out at seas, and comment below if you have found any other remedies that help curb your motion sickness.

(Source: Wikihow)
Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/curing-sea-sickness.asp

Whether you're a "sailor" who's going out to sea on a pontoon, speed boat, or sailboat, there's something special about being behind the wheel, cutting through the waves. However, I don't want your day to be ruined by forgetting the most essential items needed for your trip out at sea.

That's why you should follow this checklist cleverly titled the Sailors Scroll for Stocking Your Seaboat and never forget another important item again:

• PFD (Personal Flotation Device or Life Jacket): You will need at least one PFD for each person on board. Children under 13 are often required by law to wear a flotation device while on a boat. See what your state has to say about these PFD requirements.
• Whistle: Blow on the whistle while wet to make sure it still works through the water!
• Water: No matter how long you intend to stay out, bring a full supply of water for each sailor on board to ensure that you'll have access to clean water in case of the unexpected.
• First Aid Kit: You never know what the waves will bring while out boating. Make sure you always have a stocked first aid kit on board to tend to the small accidents as well as the big.

And don’t forget these other items:

• Boat registration
• Anchor
• Jumper cables
• Signal horn
• Fire Extinguisher
• Rope
• Bucket
• Spare clothes

• Razor blade or Swiss knife
• Flashlight
• Blanket
• Toliet Paper
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Food

Enjoy your day out at sea! Did we miss anything on our list? Comment below!

Warm weather has come early in some parts of the country, making boat owners itching to get out on the water. I speak from experience, since I inherited a boat and will be putting it on the water this summer. It has been unseasonably warm in my part of the country and I can't wait for it to become the appropriate time to ride the waves. However, our marine product manager, Brad Seeley, has reminded me that there are many things I need to do in order to get that beauty ready for the season.

If you are struggling with the pre-launch boat preparation, here are some great tips from Discover Boating to help get that ride out as soon as possible.

• Inspect the fuel system for any leaks or damage. Ensure the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are all functioning properly. (You may want to run the motor out of the water first.) Also, it's recommended to change the oil before your first run of the year.
• Check the belts, cables and hoses. They can become brittle and may crack or swell during the winter.
• Inspect electrical connections for cleanliness or tightness. Charge your battery and have it tested to ensure it can hold a charge. Electrical systems should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician.
• Check all fluid levels; change the engine oil, oil filter, and drive lubricants, if these tasks were not done prior to winterizing your boat.
• Inspect propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion. Be sure to clean the hull, deck and topsides and make sure the drain plug is securely in place before every launch.
• Check your safety gear! Make sure your life jackets are in good condition and that there are enough on board for all potential passengers. Be sure on board fire extinguishers are the correct class and are fully charged.

A couple hours before your summer launch could save you huge headaches later. After researching this topic, I picked up a couple of my own tips. A lot of boat owners say to have extra plugs on hand, just in case. Also, brushing up on a boater's safety class is always a good idea and if you have a Foremost policy, you may be eligible for a discount.

Get prepared to enjoy this boating season and leave the rest to the water.

In colder weather, it's important to remember that you must be careful of the dangers of hypothermia when boating or riding a personal watercraft.

Spring and fall are prime times to become a victim of hypothermia.
There are days the air may feel warm and the thrill of being out on the water is greater than the fear of how cold the water actually is and what could happen if you were to fall overboard or capsize.

Off-season (or early- or late-season) ventures on the water pose special circumstances.
There are fewer boaters on the water so the likelihood of a prompt rescue is greatly reduced. Also, people don't anticipate falling into the cold water and therefore don't prepare for it. But there are things you can do to prevent the risks associated with hypothermia — things that could save your life.

Hypothermia facts
Hypothermia is a condition that exists when body temperature drops below 95 degrees. This can be caused by water or air exposure. And the body can cool down 25 times faster in cold water than air. Factors such as water temperature, body fat, body size and movement all play a part in how quickly the body's temperature drops.

PFDs for protection
The number one thing you can do to protect yourself against the results of hypothermia is to wear a life jacket. A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) can help in many ways. A PFD can prevent you from having to exert energy and body heat to try to stay afloat. It can help keep your head above water and reduce the chances of you inhaling water due to the immersion gasping reflex caused by cold water. And it can also help hold in body heat.

When in cold water
When boating in cold water, it is a good idea to wear a wet suit or some type of neoprene undergarment to hold in body heat. Even with a wet suit on, hands can get cold quickly, so gloves can be an important layer. As most of your body heat is lost through your head, it's important to try to keep your head as dry as possible. A hat is a good idea.

 Conserving heat: Goal Number One
Conservation of heat is the number one objective for a person who has fallen into cold water. You should try to pull yourself as far out of the water as possible to reduce heat loss. If you can climb on top of an upturned boat or anything that floats, it can increase your survival time. 

Assume the H.E.L.P.
If you can't get out of the water, you should assume a Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.) – commonly referred to as the fetal position, it helps you float effortlessly and helps protect those areas most susceptible to heat loss. If there are others in the water, huddle to share body heat and conserve the energy of the group.

More considerations
Some other tips to consider when going out on the water early-, late- or off-season include:

• Pack an extra set of clothes and keep them in a sealed plastic bag.
• Evaluate the ability of your boat to keep water out or your PWC to stay afloat.
• If you're boating, tie something to your boat to bail water with.
• Wear a wet suit and a life jacket EVERY TIME.
• Attach a whistle or something else that makes noise to your PFD so you can get attention if you fall in the water.
• Have a float plan and tell someone where you're going and when you plan to be back.
• Check the weather forecast before you leave home.
• Watch for boaters or people on shore. In the event that you fall in the water, you're going to want to get attention as quickly as possible.

Following these tips could mean the difference between life and death whether you're the victim or rescuer in a cold water situation.

Every boater and personal watercraft operator should know the signs of hypothermia, prepare against cold water immersion and know how to respond in the event that it does happen. Most importantly, a PFD should be worn each and every time out on the water. You never know when it could save your life or the life of someone you know.

Stages of Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a gradual process and happens over a period of time. There are stages of hypothermia that the body goes through before lapsing into an unconscious state.
The extent of hypothermia and treatment vary. Consult the following:

The most common type of boating accident is a collision with another vessel, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. To avoid this and other issues on the water, here are some responsible boating tips that will help keep your family and your boat safe.

First, it is the responsibility of all boaters to know the rules of the water. Make sure you take a boating safety course to learn more about navigation rules. Some states have requirements in addition to the federal requirements, so it's good to check the laws in your specific state to learn more.

The most common type of boating accident is a collision with another vessel, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

In addition, you should also:

• Have a lookout who can watch for other boats, people or hazards.
• Comply with all signs and respect barriers, including speed limits, no-wake zones and underwater obstructions.
• Drive at a safe speed.
• Keep a safe distance and speed when passing, meeting or overtaking another vessel.
• Be aware of the wake you make. Certain laws make you responsible for damage it may create.
• Enter anchoring or mooring areas at a slow speed.
• Remember the phrase "Red right returning"—when returning inland, keep red navigational aides (buoys, daymarks, lights) on your right when passing them.
• Power-driven vessels must give way to sailboats and fishing boats unless in smaller spaces, where it's harder for larger boats to maneuver.
• Radar is not required; but if you have it, you should use it.
• Be sure to anchor a safe distance from other boats to avoid tangling anchor lines.
• Have a designated driver—Boating Under the Influence (BUI) offenses are handled much like those for driving a car while intoxicated.

The U.S. Coast Guard has certain requirements you must follow, which may change depending on the size of your boat:

• Carry a personal flotation device for each person who is on board or towed. Personal flotation device laws for children vary by state.
• Be sure you have a sound-producing device, such as a bell, horn or whistle.
• Have at least one approved fire extinguisher on board.
• Carry approved visual distress signals.
• Equip your boat with backfire flame control.
• Use appropriate navigation lights at night.

Stay safe both on the shore and on your boat. Your safety is number one to us.

​Looking for boat insurance? Click here. 




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Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/boating-tips-learn-how-to-be-safe-on-the-water.asp

Some people make boat launching look easy. But it's a touchy, tricky business, especially for new boaters. If you've struggled in the past, don't give up in frustration. Practice makes progress! And with a little more experience, you’ll soon be the Captain Jack Sparrow of the boat launch.
Here are eight tips for getting your boat back to its natural habitat!
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1. Practice, practice, practice With experience comes confidence. Instead of getting this experience at a crowded boat ramp with an overabundance of impatient, opinionated spectators, consider going to an empty parking lot—you can practice by backing the trailer into a parking space.
2. Nonverbal communication is key Sometimes the sounds of engines, stereos and other noises drown out verbal directions from your co-captain. Avoid this frustration by agreeing on a few common hand signals for "stop," "left," "right," "start over" and "perfect."
3. Slow and steady's the way to go Take a deep breath and disregard the pressure to move fast. This will only lead to mistakes. Take it slow—there isn't a time limit—and control the majority of vehicle movement with your brake pedal.
4. More brake, less gas Backing down a ramp requires only a little gas. Instead, focus on using your brakes and checking your mirrors. For optimum maneuverability, make adjustments with your brake applied—hold the brake, turn the wheel to where you want it and then release.
5. Consider 8-4 instead of 10-2 Backing up with your hands in the traditional 10-2 position is OK, but many prefer switching to 8-4 instead. With hands at the bottom of the wheel, you push in the direction that the trailer moves, which can feel more natural.
6. Get used to different trailer sizes Recognize that not all trailers and boats behave the same when being towed. Generally, a longer boat trailer is easier to back up and harder in forward turns; a shorter boat trailer is the opposite.
7. Try correcting a jackknife before restarting While holding the brakes, turn your steering wheel all the way in the opposite direction of the jackknife. Then pull forward slowly—if effective, your tow vehicle and trailer will realign.
8. Don't forget the guide poles Placing guide poles on your trailer will increase visibility, making it easier to maneuver. Try using them and see if they give you the confidence of a boat-launching pro!

Now that you’ve brushed up on boat launching, jump into another refresher with our blog about boat trailering.


Source: https://blog.foremost.com/boat-launching-tips.asp

If you're new to hauling a boat, these tips will help you build confidence and get comfortable with towing a boat from point A to point B. If you're already an experienced boat-trailering captain, this will serve as a helpful refresher course before your next outing.

Without further ado, here are eight tips for a trouble-free trip to the boat ramp!

1. Experience leads to confidence.
Practice so you can get comfortable with trailering. Find a large, open space—like an empty parking lot—and put down some orange cones or life jackets. Then spend time learning to back up, make turns and avoid obstacles.

2. Backing up takes extra practice.
Most people find driving in reverse while towing a boat to be the toughest, so work on honing this skill. Remember that backing up in a straight line is almost impossible. Instead, focus on moving in the right direction with slow, slight turns.

3. Level-up your mirrors. 
Big, extended side-view mirrors are definitely a great idea for trailering, especially when you tow on busy roads. Attachable side-view mirrors are available for purchase when you need to increase visibility.

4. Swing wide when tackling turns.
To ensure you don’t hit curbs or other vehicles with your boat, take turns extra-wide. If you can, try to prepare for turns by staying in the outside lane to give yourself more room.

5. Keep it roomy with stopping distance.
Extra distance between your vehicle and those ahead of you is crucial. You don't want to slam on the breaks with a boat in tow—that could cause jackknifing. So slow down and be alert… patience you must have, my young Padawan.

6. Be conscience of large vehicles. 
If semi-trucks and other big vehicles pass you, briefly lift your foot off the accelerator. This little trick will help reduce buffeting by the truck's wind and keep your rig from swaying. If you notice swaying, take your foot off the gas to minimize it.

7. If swaying—stop, inspect and adjust.
Taking your foot off the gas will minimize swaying, but if it seems to be a constant problem, get out and examine your rig. Try adjusting the trailer's tongue weight—it should be between 10 and 15 percent of the rig's overall weight.

8. Conduct a post-arrival check-up.
When you reach your destination, feel your trailer's wheel hubs. They should be cool or slightly warm. If they're hot, there may be problems with your bearings; get them serviced as soon as possible!

Ready for the next step? Read our blog about boat launching so you know what to do when you reach the ramp!




Source: https://blog.foremost.com/boat-trailering-tips.asp

The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the open water in front of you. Sound appealing? Then you might want to join the ranks of boat owners all over the country. But before you cut through that clear blue, there are some things to keep in mind. Whether you're buying a fishing boat, cabin cruiser, pontoon or speed boat, different components like cost, horsepower, weight capacity or onboard storage may prove to be more important to you than others.


Answer these questions before going boat shopping:

• Use What are you hoping to use your boat for? All boat styles have a different design tailored to the use. Speed boats may be better for tubing and water skiing, but wouldn't hold as many people or be as fish-accessible as a pontoon or fishing boat. Maybe you're in the market for a sailboat, or leaning towards a houseboat. There are so many different varieties of boats, so make an informed decision on which one is right for you (information provided by Discover Boating).
• Cost What's your budget? This may help decide whether to purchase a pre-owned boat. According to Discover Boating, new boats depreciate anywhere between 25%-33% immediately after leaving the dealer's lot. So if you buy a pre-owned boat, someone else has already paid that depreciation cost - more boat for fewer dollars! However, buying a new boat will offer a warranty, the newest technology, and that nice shiny look as you move across the water - the choice is up to you! Don't forget boat insurance!
• Capacity How many people are you hoping to go on your boating excursions with? The capacity on personal fishing boats is generally smaller than a pontoon boat, which are made to hold anywhere between 8-15 adults comfortably.
• Equipment What type of equipment will you want onboard? Here's some suggestions:
  • Trolling Motor
  • Lights
  • Depth finder
  • Live well
  • GPS
  • Canopy/bimini
  • Stereo
  • Tables
  • Emergency survival kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  
  
  
• Towing Will your car be able to tow the new boat? According to Auto Bytel, the average 21-foot boat trailer weighs between 500 and 1,000 pounds, while most boats in this size range hover in the 4,000-5,000 pound range. This means that you'll want an SUV or truck that is rated to tow between 4,500-6,000 pounds in total.
• Storage Limitations Will your new boat fit in your garage during the off season? Alongside your garage? In a separate storage space?

And a few other components to consider...

• Horsepower
• Engine Type
• Hull (Deep V, Modified V, Pontoon, etc.)
• Storage Onboard

No matter what you decide, get out there, matey, and enjoy the open seas!


Source: https://blog.foremost.com/what-to-consider-when-purchasing-a-boat.asp

A cracked engine from lack of winterization can be very costly. Even more, if you didn't take the time to winterize your boat, those damages may not be covered under your boat insurance policy. That's why it's so important to take some time to winterize your boat. An hour of prevention could save you thousands of dollars and one big headache.

Best Time To Winterize A Boat
The best time to winterize your boat is when you've decided your boating season is over. For locations that have timely seasons it may be easy to figure out what time of year that is. In the Great Lakes region, for example, many boaters target Labor Day weekend as the right time to take their boat out of the water before the cold weather hits. For states like Texas, California or Florida that don't have a typical winter season, deciding when to winterize your boat can be a little harder. In fact, it's in these states that damage due to lack of winterization occurs the most.

How can you winterize if there is no winter?
Winterization is really nothing more that following proper storage procedures. Whether a location has a typical winter or not, you should know how to properly store your boat because even a state like Texas can be hit with cold weather.

Who Is Typically Affected?
According to Glenn Sladek, general claims adjuster for Farmers Insurance, boaters that live in a region that doesn't have a typical winter are the ones that need to be informed of proper boat winterization techniques. "The people that typically get burned are the people that don't have consistent winters. The weatherman says there's going to be a freeze, and unfortunately some people don't take any action to protect their boat. By the time the freeze occurs, the damage is done," says Sladek.

With 21 years of marine claim experience under his belt he has seen a plethora of damages associated with not winterizing boats. Sladek continues, "Winterization should only take an hour for boats under 26 feet and towed on a trailer. If you don't know how, any marine facility or dealer should be able to help you, but it's really not that hard to do."

Follow The Steps Below To Winterize A Boat

1. The biggest step in boat winterization is to make sure ALL water is drained from the vessel. Any water left in pipes, plumbing lines, holding lines, sewage tanks, the lower unit or the engine has the potential to freeze and expand. Damage due to a freeze generally is not covered by your insurance policy, so if you don't know how to extract all the water properly get help from a professional to winterize your vessel.
2. Today's modern fuel doesn't have a good shelf life and it will turn into a unusable gummy substance if you don't get it out of the system. Drain all the fuel from within the engine. Run the engine to get it out of the system making sure that cooling water is circulating through the engine. Once it's out of the system, fill up the fuel tanks so it doesn't develop condensation. Add a fuel preservative to the tank to keep the fuel from vaporizing and protect it from being exposed to the air.
3. To minimize the effects of rust and corrosion, spray a petroleum-based or wax-based spray (like WD40) into the engine. Spray the cylinders and any of the metals that need to be protected.
4. A simple, but often overlooked step is to remove the drain plug if the vessel is being stored ashore for storage. Sitting water in the boat not only has the potential to freeze and cause damage, but the weight of the water could be enough to pop the tires on a trailer and sink it into the ground or damage trailer axles. Remember to unplug the drain to allow any water that gets in-to get out. Just remember to plug it back in before you launch your boat back in the water. Tie the plug on the steering wheel if you need a reminder. It's also a good idea to regularly check the drain plug during the storage period to ensure it's not obstructed.
5. Take down any sunshades, canvases or appendages that could be caught by the wind.
6. Use a good tarp that's waterproof, covers the entire open area of the boat and can hold the weight of snow build-up. Make sure it's tight fitting so rodents can't get into the vessel. Like the drain plug, check the tarp regularly, especially after storms. Brush off snow build-up to alleviate the weight and make sure that rodents or insects haven't made your boat their winter home.
7. If you are storing your boat on a trailer, remove the wheels and block the hubs so they sit off the ground. Cover the hubs with plastic so moisture is kept out. Park your trailer on level ground and out from under trees or limbs. Store the vessel at a slight angle, with the bow of your boat raised slightly. This will allow for proper drainage. While it's stored be sure to check it from time to time to make sure it hasn't tilted or shifted.

Looking For Boat Insurance?
In addition to following the proper steps to winterize your boat, make sure you have a good boat insurance policy in case the unexpected happens. Learn about our Marine Choice® packages.



Source: Foremost Insurance - On The Water - Winterizing Your Boat