Boating Season Prep: Maintenance and Insurance Tips
As the weather warms up, boaters eagerly anticipate hitting the water. Whether you're a seasoned captain or a first-time boat owner, preparing your vessel is key to ensuring a smooth and safe boating season.
From routine maintenance to reviewing your marine insurance, there are several steps you should take before setting sail.
Pre-Season Boat Maintenance Checklist
Regular upkeep is essential to keeping your boat in top shape and avoiding unexpected breakdowns once the season begins. Before launching, take the time to inspect and service key components:
Hull and Exterior Inspection: Look for cracks, dents, or signs of corrosion. Ensure the hull is clean and free of marine growth or debris.
Engine and Mechanical Systems: Check the engine, fuel lines, and other mechanical components for any wear or damage. Perform necessary maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.
Safety Equipment Check: Confirm that essential safety gear, such as fire extinguishers, distress signals, and flares, are on board and in working condition. Navigation lights, horns, and other required safety devices should also be tested. Remember, each person on board must have a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device. For tips on choosing the right one for adults and children, visit Transport Canada's Choosing Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) page.
Navigation Aids Review: Ensure GPS systems, charts, and compasses are up to date and fully operational.
Electrical System Inspection: Check wiring, batteries, and lights to verify function correctly.
Why Marine Insurance is Essential
Once your boat is prepped for the season, it’s important to safeguard your investment with the right marine insurance coverage. While not legally required in Ontario, marine insurance is often necessary for docking at marinas, using storage facilities, or financing a boat purchase.
Beyond these requirements, having a policy provides valuable financial protection in the event of accidents, storms, theft, or liability claims. Repairs or replacements can be costly, and insurance ensures you're covered against unexpected losses, giving you peace of mind every time you hit the water.
Doner-Horsley’s Marine Expertise
At Doner-Horsley Insurance Brokers, we provide tailored coverage to protect your fishing boat, personal watercraft, sailboat, or motorboat from unexpected events like accidents, theft, or weather damage. Our expert team works with top insurers to find you the best protection at competitive rates. Set sail knowing you're covered—because peace of mind is the best companion on the water. Marine insurance can cover:
Third-Party Liability: This covers legal fees, medical expenses, and property damage claims if you are found responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property with your watercraft.
Physical Damage: This covers repairing or replacing your personal watercraft if it's damaged or destroyed due to covered perils such as collisions, storms, or theft.
Wreck Removal: In the event of a covered loss, this coverage helps pay for removing your sunken or damaged watercraft from the water.
Emergency Services & Towing: This coverage assists with the cost of towing your disabled watercraft to the nearest repair facility and covers emergency services such as fuel delivery or jump-starts.
Personal Property: This optional coverage protects your personal belongings on the watercraft, including fishing equipment, clothing, and other personal items.
Uninsured Watercraft: If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured boater, this coverage helps pay for your medical expenses and property damage.
As you get ready for the season, take the time to review your coverage and make sure your policy aligns with your boating needs.
For more information on boating safety, visit Transport Canada’s official boating safety page. You can also download the Discover Boating app on your smartphone for key boating rules, guidelines and best practices to help you and your family stay safe on the water.
At Doner-Horsley Insurance Brokers, we help safeguard what matters most. If you have questions about marine insurance, contact us at 705-435-3891 or info@donerhorsley.ca. You can also visit our Marine Insurance page for more details. Safe travels and happy boating!