Category: Boats

How to Buy Boat Insurance

5/8/2018

The best place to be on a sunny summer day is on the water; fisherman would certainly agree. Though, whether you favor the power boat for fishing, the refreshing quality of sailing, or even zippy momentum of jet ski freedom, there's serenity in water-based leisure that propels its infinite popularity. All of the daily worries seem to float away with the waves - until something goes awry and you’re left wondering what to do next.

You have Auto Insurance for your car or truck in the event of accidents. As a boat owner, your boat is vulnerable to risk, just like your car or truck, so it should always be insured and there are two different options that will work for you:

Buy a Stand Alone Policy for Your Boat
1. For some power boats and sailboats of a certain size, this option is mandatory. If you are in doubt as to whether your watercraft requires its own insurance policy, we can check for you.
Add Your Boat to an Existing Homeowner's Insurance Policy
1. Generally for those with smaller engines, this option is appropriate for boat owners who have certain types of powerboats as well as for owners of jet skis and other water sport vehicles.

In the event that it’s mandatory for you to buy a stand alone policy for your boat, you’ll alse have to consider the type of policy you want - boat owners can choose from two different types:

Agreed Value Policy
1. In this case, you and your insurance provider mutually agree on your boat's value. If for example, at the time you obtain a policy, you agree that your boat is worth $50,000, you will receive up to $50,000 to cover the cost of that boat should it be damaged or stolen, even years after.
Actual Value Policy
1. Under this type of policy, when your insurance company pays actual cash value, they are only paying what your boat was worth at any given time minus any depreciation in the event of a claim. The trade off is that the premiums you pay will be somewhat lower.

Another aspect here are the three required main components that every boat insurance policy should have:

Bodily Injury Liability
1. If you were to injure a fellow boater in an accident, this would protect you from out-of-pocket expenses and lawsuits.
Property Damage Liability
1. This component handles the costs associated with physical damage to personal property, ramps, docks, and other boats.
Physical Damage
1. This type of coverage pays for any damages you may cause to your own boat.

We’ll be there for you every step of the way when you’re in the market for boat insurance. It would also be a good idea to chat with friends and fellow boaters about what types of policies they have and what their experiences with filings claims have been like. If you haven’t been able to commit to buying your own boat yet, and you’re renting a boat or water sport vehicle, be sure to verify that the owner has boat rental insurance. While it isn't a requirement, a reputable renter will carry boat rental insurance to protect both the property and the people who use it.

Harris, Reed & Seiferth Insurance Group is an Independent Agency that shops to find you the best value for your insurance dollar. No compromise in coverage or quality, and at renewal we shop again to insure our clients are still receiving the best value for their insurance dollar. If you have more questions, give us a call today to learn more and get a quote.

Harris Reed & Seiferth Insurance Group
Office: 561-768-8176
www.harrisreedandseiferthinsurancegroup.com

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How to Protect Your Boat from Summer Heat

4/30/2018

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As summer days continue to get hotter, a visit to the nearby sea or lake may be a welcome change from the heat inland. If you’ve planned for extra free time during the summer holidays, boating with your family or friends might just be a good idea to add to your list of activities to enjoy this summer. If you already own a boat, remember that boats need extra care during the summer to keep them in ship shape. Remember, a well maintained boat will make your summer trips on the sea much more enjoyable.

To help you have safer, more enjoyable, boating experiences, here are some useful tips that you can use to help you keep your boats in good condition during these scorching summer days.

1. Perform a Full-scale Cleaning
To perform a full-scale cleaning of your boat, you need to buy premium products that will maintain your boat’s surface and gel coat. You can treat and clean the interior of your boat using a vinyl cleaner and polish. It will prevent the interior material from flaking or cracking.
For recommendations on the type of products you should buy to clean your boat, you can ask other boat owners.

2. Apply Protectant
Protectant will protect the boat’s material and gel coat. It will prevent them from fading or oxidizing under the torturous heat of the sun. You should always use a heavy-duty product such as a polymer. You will need to reapply the protectant each time you take your boat out on the water.

3. Maintain Your Boat Regularly
When it comes to maintaining your boat, you should perform a general inspection of your boat on a daily basis. If you love your boat, looking after your boat will become one of your favorite things to do in the summer. You should buy cleaning products that contain polymers. Not only will it protect your boat from the harsh rays of the sun, but it will also protect your boat from harsh chemicals.

4. Always Cover Your Boat
You should always cover your boat when you are not using it. Leaving it exposed to the weather elements is a bad idea. The heat from the sun will increase the oxidation process.
When you are coming back from the water, you should clean your boat before you cover it. You need to clean your boat to remove the salt, bacteria, and grime from it.

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Spring Checklist: Preparing Your Boat for the Summer

4/30/2018

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Memorial Day is just a few weeks away, which means boat season is upon us! It’s now time put some work into getting your vessel ready to launch. Below we’ve compiled de-winterization steps you’ll need to take to get your boat ready, as well as more general safety and maintenance tips.

Before reading this it is important to note that there are many types and sizes of boats, as this will cover a lot of steps for preparation, you should create your own spring checklist based on the complexities of your particular vessel; just be sure to consult your Owner’s Manual if you are a do-it-yourselfer.

For starters, safety first!

Inspect your life jackets to make sure they are in good condition and do not need to be replaced.
Make sure each person that gets on the boat with you wear a life jacket that is their size and is made for their exact body weight.
Check the fire extinguishers present in your boat to determine if they are the correct class for your boat. Ensure they are charged and placed in their proper location on the boat.
Make sure the carbon monoxide detectors are installed in all enclosed and partially enclosed areas on your boat. Ensure they work properly.
If you do not have one already, you should invest in an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), as they are useful in the event you get lost at sea.

Now let’s get into some pre-launch maintenance and inspection

Ensure the shaft seal is not wet when you dock your boat.
Examine deck fittings, hatches, and portlights. You are looking for displaced caulking, dirt, water trails, and green corrosion. If you find any leak, you need to re-caulk them.
Examine the GPS and VHF antenna connections. Disconnect, spray it with a moisture displacing lubricant, and reconnect.

Docked Boat Inspection

Change the plastic fittings close to the waterline with Marelon or bronze.
Examine the outdrive, anodes on the shaft, and trim tabs, replacing any that have become worn out.
Examine the props for distortion, pitting, and dinging. Ensure the cotter pins are secure. Move the shaft by holding the prop and if it is loose, replace the cutlass bearing. Inspect the rudderstock to ensure it is not bent.

Fuel System Inspection

Check the engine, ventilation, and exhaust systems to ensure they proper functioning.
Do not pump until you fill your tank with fuel. The fuel should not contain over 10 percent ethanol because it will cause malfunctioning.
Examine the fuel system for damage or leaks. Check out the connections, tank surfaces, and fuel hoses for leaks. Brittleness, softness, and cracking are all evidence of a fuel hose that needs to be replaced.
Replace components if necessary and double check to ensure the clamps and fittings are secured.

Engine and Other Systems Inspection

Change engine oil and check the fluid levels in the transmission, coolant, and hydraulic steering fluid.
Examine belts for wear and tension.
Examine the outer jacket. You are looking for swelling and cracks. If you find cracks and swelling, you need to replace the cable. You can apply waterproof grease at the ends.
Gasoline lines should state “USCG Approved, J1527” because if they do not, replace them.
If the raw water impellers are more than a year old, you need to replace them.
Inspect freshwater and raw-water for seepage. If you find seepage, you need to replace a gasket.
Look at exhaust manifolds. You are looking for water seepage and corrosion. If you find either one of those, you have a blockage. If you find an issue with it, you need to remove the exhaust manifolds.
Replace fuel filters and clean or replace the air filter.
Replace the gaskets located at the heat exchanger. You should replace them each year, as doing so, prevents corrosion. By replacing it, you can check for gunk that clogs up the stacks.

Topsides, Hull, and Deck Inspection

Apply antifouling paint. It is not a good idea to use copper-based paint to paint your running gear without applying a barrier coat first and do not paint your transducers.
Only wash non-skid areas, not wax them.
Remove the tarp off your boat. Dry, fold, and keep it away. If you have covered your board using shrink-wrap, you can recycle it.
Apply antifouling paint. It is not a good idea to use copper-based paint to paint your running gear without applying a barrier coat first and do not paint your transducers.
You can also use an electric buffer. Examine the pad, removing debris from it. Keep moving the electric buffer because if you continue to use it on one area of the boat, it may create problems.
You need to wax your boat’s topsides with a marine paste-wax. Marine paste-wax will make your shine and protect it. Plus, in comparison to other products, it lasts longer.
You should place the drain plug before you take your boat out on the water.

Whether you are relatively new to the sea or a seasoned skipper, you need to have a game plan for getting your boat ready – from basic spring boat maintenance to tackling projects reserved for out of the water.

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How to Buy Boat Insurance

How to Protect Your Boat from Summer Heat

Spring Checklist: Preparing Your Boat for the Summer

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Harris, Reed & Seiferth​Insurance Group Blog

How to Buy Boat Insurance

How to Protect Your Boat from Summer Heat

Spring Checklist: Preparing Your Boat for the Summer

Categories

Archives

Social Media

Contact Us

Navigation

Harris, Reed & Seiferth
Insurance Group Blog