Your yacht’s purpose is to be outside. And it is a recreational device. Therefore, you can expect the yacht to be a durable vessel. It should be able to withstand a lot of different environments.
In severe weather, you still face an increased insurance risk, no matter how strong the vessel. Often, your yacht insurance covers damages the boat might sustain during severe weather. In the event of hail, lightning and severe wind, you might be able to use your boat’s insurance policy to make repairs.
However, your yacht insurance won’t cover you in every situation.
Yacht policies may exclude certain weather coverage. A common exclusion is hurricane damages. Keeping your boat in the water when a hurricane threatens means exposing it to very severe risks. This lack of preparation may show that you didn’t take proper precautions to get the boat to safety. Therefore, most policies deny coverage for boats left on the water during hurricanes.
Policies usually assume you need to take proper precautions before severe weather strikes. If you have advanced warning of severe weather, take time to secure your boat beforehand.
However, sometimes you don't have advance warning of weather. The best way to prepare your boat for potential weather is to secure it after every use. That way, it will have protection in the meantime.
- Many boaters place their vessels in dry dock or storage when they don’t use them. Dry docks remove the boat from the water, and many also keep the boat within a covered, sheltered area.
- If you don’t have a dry dock, properly moor your boat to the shore after you finish use. Make sure you keep your moorings tight, and use strong, durable ropes and anchors.
- Shut down your boat’s critical systems completely after use. It is often a good idea to inspect your engine or oil systems for leaks or corrosion after use.
- Put away any accessories you have on the boat. These may include sails, ropes and leisure items.
- Consider investing in a boat cover. Using one on your vessel will help keep the interiors and vital systems clean. A cover can also serve as a valuable shield in case weather or debris hits your boat.
- Watch the weather before taking your boat out. If there is a chance of storms, it is best not to use your boat.
- If severe weather arrives while you are using your boat, immediately make for the shore. Lightning, wind and rain all pose threats to you and your passengers.
Proper attention to weather can help you protect your boat from extensive damages. It can also help you take steps to make sure your boat insurance can aid you in the event of damages.
We are here for you. We can get you a Dallas boat insurance quote at a price you can afford. For more information, call us at 800.342.4444 for more information.