Before venturing onto the open sea in January or February, you need a boat insurance guide to understand the risks. Few experiences can parallel the appeal of a leisurely boat ride. Likewise, this excursion is even more enjoyable if you can schedule it when cool temperatures. The risks remain high whether you are on the frigid east coast or the moderately cooler areas of Orange County. If the temperature dips too low, cold weather can present a safety hazard for your trip. Still, if you prepare adequately, it is certainly possible to safely embark on a boat ride, even in cold weather.
The Boat Insurance Guide You Need For Adjusting to Winter Boating
Read on to learn what you need for a winter boat ride — and why yacht insurance is at the top of that list.
Get Yacht Insurance Before You Set Sail
Mariners yacht insurance is the best way to protect against sailing’s many liabilities. It is true in any weather, but it’s imperative when colder weather can impose unique risks. You may assume that cold weather means fewer boats on the water, so the risk is lower. It’s likely true that there won’t be many other vessels, but it doesn’t always mean less risk. Indeed, there are plenty of hazards unique to boating in cold weather.
Assess the Overall Risk of Your Trip
One of the most significant risks you face when boating in cold weather is the possibility of submersion in extremely cold water. Remember that water will be considerably colder than air and land because evaporation causes heat to escape. If you capsize or fall overboard for any other reason, this could put you at risk of cardiac arrest, hypothermia, or drowning. It’s best to assess these risks and weigh whether they are worth the potential enjoyment you may derive from your boat ride.
Carry Emergency Equipment With You
If you venture out on a winter day, you must bring emergency equipment with you in case something goes wrong. Safety supplies such as lifejackets and flotation devices are essential. Still, you should also bring along communication equipment such as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and a VHF radio. These tools can help you stay in contact with people at the shore and indicate your exact location if you need to emit a distress signal.
Keep Your Yacht Insurance Up-to-Date
In addition to the safety risks that cold weather may impose, you must also remember the liability that other boaters cause. Even if there aren’t many other skippers on the water, it only takes one to cause an accident that brings about thousands of dollars in damage. A yacht insurance policy can spare you from covering these expenses out-of-pocket and shield you from liability if you happen to be at fault for an accident or property damage.
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.
