Winterizing your boat is an effective strategy to preserve your vessel for springtime and avoid significant issues down the line. With cold weather approaching, many boat owners are preparing for off-season storage. It means updating your yacht insurance for off-season storage and winterizing the boat. These steps ensure your boat is ready for the water when the weather warms again.
Adjusting Yacht Insurance for Winter
You should never suspend the coverage entirely, even when your boat is in storage. Most marine insurance providers allow you to suspend your liability coverage, maintaining comprehensive and collision protection in case of theft or accidents.
Preparing a Strategy for Winterizing Your Boat
When ready to put the boat into storage, careful preparation protects its condition for the next season.
Change the Oil
A fresh oil change ensures that the oil is free of contaminants and particles that could cause damage to the engine components during the winter season. It eliminates any potential risk of particles settling in the filter as well.
Drain the Water
Flush the water system on the boat and drain it completely. Remember that water expands when it freezes. It could cause severe damage to your boat’s water lines and engine, leading to costly yacht insurance claims. Drain the water out of all of the lines to reduce this risk.
Protect the Fuel
Add a fuel-stabilizing solution to the fuel tank to protect against varnishing or deterioration of the fuel supply during storage.
Treat the Engine
Spray the engine with fogging oil to protect the cylinders and other delicate components from scuffing on startup in the spring.
Flush the Gears
Replace the old gear oil completely with fresh oil to protect the gears from contaminant exposure through the winter.
Lubricate the Fittings
Treat all grease fittings with proper lubrication to protect them for the winter. Adequate lubrication keeps moisture at bay and prevents corrosion.
Remove Your Valuables
Removing anything of value on your boat before storage is noteworthy to reduce watercraft liability exposure. Removing valuables minimizes the risk of break-ins and the damage that often results.
Clean the Boat
Clean and wax your boat before storage. It eliminates any residue that could deteriorate the paint.
Cover the Boat
Put a cover on your boat for the winter season to protect it from the elements.
Completing an Annual Yacht Insurance Review
After putting your boat in storage, call your insurance provider to review your coverage for the upcoming year. Make sure you account for any modifications you made this year for in value and ask about any other yacht insurance services you should consider. An annual review ensures you start the new boating season with sufficient coverage for your boat and anticipated use.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
