The 'rain-bomb', extreme weather event which impacted much of the country this week causing flooding and destruction has left many devastated with significant losses of property and livelihoods. For boat owners in general, it may have brought to 'top of mind' the importance of preparing your boat for extreme weather conditions when not in use. As we move into winter and for those that leave their boat on a marina or mooring while not in use, there are steps you can take to mitigate some of the potential risks.
We've sourced some tips and suggestions from various sources as a general guide and 'food for thought' for existing boat owners. For those considering buying their first boat, perhaps heading to a boat show, our suggestions offer a few things to keep in mind when arranging your boat loan for that purchase.
Insurance Coverage
When taking out a loan to purchase your boat through Jade Boat Loans or another source, lenders will require you to also take out insurance coverage for the duration of the loan term. Marine insurance policies can have a range of inclusions and exclusions. Engaging with a specialist marine insurer such as Club Marine, can be beneficial in ensuring you fully understand what is available and that you secure the policy that meets your requirements. If you’ve arranged boat/trailer/engine under the one loan, all items should be covered by the insurance policy.
Contents of the vessel may not be included so if this is important to you, speak with your insurance broker or insurer about this issue. Don’t forget to add items to your policy as you purchase them. Boat owners often purchase new electronics such as fish-finders etc after purchase. If you want these covered by your insurance policy you may have to itemise them on the policy.
Deterring Birds
Birds can be a real pain for boat owners. They can make a real mess which can not only be difficult and time-consuming to clean up but if left for a long period, such as over winter, bird messes can cause damage to the materials. Damage which may be expensive to repair.
What can be done to keep birds away from boats is a constantly asked questions by boat owners. And not necessarily an easy question to answer. Suggestions we have sourced include:
- Decoys such as imitation cats and owls. But birds are not totally stupid and over time, many will realise that your attempts are fake. But if you change it up regularly, you may have some success keeping those peskies off your railings, masts, and decking.
- Bird repeller devices are available through boating supply stores and apparently can be quite successful. They are spider-like devices which can be easily installed and have prongs that move around in the breeze and can cover a large area.
- Audio devices are also available which emit noises that scare birds away. Check out what is available to suit your vessel at your boat supply store or chandlery.
- Covers are of course the most suitable to protect your boat but the birds will of course still potential leave their mark on the cover. But this should be much easier to clean and less expensive to repair than your boat decking.
Security
If you leave your boat un-used for extended periods, security should be a high priority. Whether it’s on a mooring or marina or on a trailer parked at your home or on a street, there are a number of aspects of security to consider.
To minimise theft, ensure expensive items are locked away as much as possible and if appropriate, install an alarm system.
To protect your boat in bad weather and storms, ensure there are no loose items left exposed on the decks. Secure everything properly, take them off the boat or stow in storage compartments. Items can move around or blow around in strong weather and damage both your boat, other adjacent boats or blow away and become hazards in the waterways.
If your boat is on a mooring, check it is well-secured and during winter when you’re using your boat less often, still take the time to check the mooring.
Invest in Covers and Protection Measures
Covers are seen as the best way to protect your boat when not in use. While covers are not always appropriate or available to cover the entire length of larger boats, they are available for most trailer boats. Boat covers can be custom-made to suit the vessel, often available from the boat builder for that particular model and generic covers are available from boating equipment suppliers.
When purchasing a new boat, why not get yourself and your boat sorted at the outset. Purchase the covers when buying the boat and speak with your Jade consultant about including this expense in your boat loan. This will save your cash for other purposes and ensure you have the appropriate protection for your valued asset from day one.
Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 for a quote for your boat loan including covers and other protective measures you may require.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
