Preparing Your Boat for Spring with the Right Insurance 

What if you could take a few easy steps today to ensure smooth sailing in the future? 

If you own a boat then you most likely protect it with reliable boating insurance, so if something happens, you are financially protected. Whenever possible, however, you want to take the necessary precautions that reduce the chances of you ever having to file a claim. 

For example, when the weather is still cold, you can complete a thorough boat maintenance checklist ahead of the warmer months. Sure, this may not be as fun as sailing the high seas in the spring. But if you do not take the right precautions now, you may be stuck making pricey repairs when you would rather be on the water later. 

Ready to put in some elbow grease so you can have fun in the sun? Keep reading to discover our top tips for spring boat maintenance. 

Setting Sail into Spring with Safety: Why Preparation Is Key 

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to prepare your boat for spring. However, it can be hard to think about sailing during the winter, much less making inspections. Therefore, it is important to touch on these winter preparation tips to help you enjoy your time on the water in spring and beyond. 

The short answer is that a little bit of inspection and preparation now can save you some expensive and time-consuming mistakes. You might not realize your vessel needs a new battery unless you check, and skipping the winter inspection now means that your spring plans may come crashing to a halt in a month or two.  

You never know what tomorrow may bring. But if you go ahead and do some spring maintenance today, you can better prepare yourself and your vessel for the unknown. 

Insurance Basics for Your Vessel 

The simple fact is that everyone with a boat should purchase insurance. Contrary to popular belief, you still need this coverage even if you have homeowners insurance. Remember, you can get a policy custom-made for vessels of any size, allowing you to protect everything from some sporty jet skis all the way up to a luxury yacht. 

What kind of protection do you get by insuring a boat, though? Depending on the custom policy you create with your carrier, you can get the full replacement cost of the vessel covered, as well as the cost to replace any items inside that may get damaged on the water. You can also get protection against wrecks and fuel spills as well as an on-water towing service in the event your vessel is completely dead. 

Ultimately, there is perfect boat insurance for different types of vessels, and it is important to discover what works best for your needs. 

Inspection from Engine to Hull: A Comprehensive Checklist 

Are you ready to prepare your boat for spring? The bad news is that the list of things you need to do is long and will require a bit of time and energy. The good news is that completing this boat maintenance checklist will help ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and the vessel itself once you head out this spring. 

For maximum safety, be sure to follow this comprehensive spring boat maintenance checklist in order to properly prepare your boat: 

• Paperwork: Keep your boat registration, insurance, and any necessary fishing licenses and trailer tags in an easily accessible location. 

• Safety basics: Be sure to have enough life jackets and fire extinguishers, all of which must abide by state standards, and a flare kit. 

• Batteries: Check charge levels and inspect physical condition. Clean terminals as needed and check for frayed connections. Tighten connections as needed. 

• Electrical connections: After the battery is charged and installed (or reinstalled), inspect all electronics (including GPS, radios, running lights, and more). 

• Hull: Inspect the hull for any cracks or other distortions. Free any blockages and ensure the drain plugs fit fine and that the seals are in good condition. Make sure the intake aerator live well inlets and your bilge pump water outlets are in good working order. 

• Propeller: Ensure your propeller is free of cracks and distortions and the grip is secure. 

• Motors: Inspect the fuel line for damage and rot, and ensure clamp connections are firm. Inspect for fuel leaks and replace fuel filters as needed. 

• Fluids: Top off your motor oil, power steering, power trim, and tilt reservoirs. 

• Cables, hoses, clamps, and spark plugs: Inspect cables, clamps, and hoses for cracks, clamps, and other irregularities. 

Maintenance Tasks to Keep You Afloat 

In addition to the above tips, there are other spring boat maintenance steps you can take to keep yourself afloat (perhaps literally). For example, you should take the time to inspect and maintain your trailer. It is easy to overlook, but this is vital if you will be towing your boat to a launch point. 

Additionally, it is a good idea to hire a technician or mechanic certified by the American Boat and Yacht Council to inspect your vessel. They can show you the ropes of basic inspection, and if they find anything, they can go ahead and fix it. Whether you simply learn from them or need their repair services for spring, you will not regret getting professional assistance. 

Launching Your Boat with Confidence This Spring 

What else do you need to launch your boat with confidence? Before you set sail, this is the perfect time to review your boat insurance. In addition to refamiliarizing yourself with what is and is not covered, this gives you a chance to determine whether you are still satisfied with your policy. 

In most cases, you can change your policy at any time. Whether you are looking for better protection, better premiums, or both, now is the perfect time to find the best insurance in your area. 

Get the Best Boat Coverage 

Now you know all about spring boat maintenance. This includes insurance basics and a basic checklist to help you de-winterize your boat. Collectively, these tips will help you enjoy your time on the water in spring and beyond. But to make the most of your time, you need to know who is here to help protect both you and your vessel. 

At InsureOne, we specialize in protecting all boats, large and small. Are you ready to give your vessel the protection it deserves while giving yourself the gift of thoughtful, dedicated customer service? 

If so, be sure to get a quote online. Additionally, you can also pick up the phone and give us a quick call at 800-836-2240. Finally, feel free to find an InsureOne office near you.