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Owning a motorboat, sailboat, or another recreational vessel, allows you to enjoy endless adventures on the water and make memories that last a lifetime. As fun as maritime experiences are, safety must remain a priority. Use the helpful tips below to keep you and your passengers safe and avoid boat insurance premium increases.

Do:

Check the forecast.

Review the weather forecast in the days leading up to your excursion and the day of. Reschedule to avoid bad weather since storms can produce dangerous waves. Create a plan to follow if the weather suddenly turns while you are out at sea. The plan should include letting people on land know when you plan to leave and return.

Ensure your boat is seaworthy.

boat insuranceMake certain your vessel is ready for adventure by always checking the engine, fuel level, steering system, and electrical system before you leave. Open the hatches after refueling to see if you smell fumes, as this could be a sign of a hazardous carbon monoxide leak.

Obey marine traffic laws.

Review marine traffic laws for your area and follow them closely, such as navigating slowly through no-wake and speed limit zones. Stay out of protected wildlife areas, watch for other boaters, swimmers, and surfers, and check that everyone on board has a secure life jacket. Always maneuver slowly through docking areas and follow procedures specific to your watercraft.

Don’t:

Drink or use drugs.

Never operate your boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol since they can impair your vision, reaction time, and decision-making processes. In Florida, it is illegal to use a vessel while drinking or using drugs. A blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher is a violation.

Neglect insurance.

Review your boat insurance policy before the season starts to see if you need additional protection. Boat insurance provides liability coverage if you accidentally damage another person’s property. Boat policies also cover medical expenses incurred by you or your passengers, no matter who was at fault. Insurance can also pay for damage to your vessel, such as damage to the hull and motor. 

Forget a safety kit.

Create a boating safety kit for emergencies that includes a first aid kit, spare parts, a flashlight, batteries, extra life vests, a radio, rope, extra fuel, duct tape, a bucket, and a fire extinguisher. Also include garbage bags to serve as makeshift rain ponchos and to provide protection for exposed items, as well as a whistle and mirror to signal for help.

 

Discuss your boat insurance needs with Family First Insurance Services. This full-service insurance company has been serving the Tampa Bay Area and surrounding Florida counties since 2000. Their helpful agents have over 70 years of combined experience assisting clients with all of their coverage needs. Call (813) 994-3900 for a free quote or learn more about boat insurance options online

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