The effect of travel restrictions on your clients getting to their vessels

Whether your clients spend most of their spare time on their vessel or it is only used occasionally in fine weather, their boat will still require regular visits to ensure it is safeguarded. Most owners will keep their vessel at a different location from where they live, therefore the impact of Covid-19 and the travel restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the virus, would have caused significant issues for people who needed to carry out boat maintenance or ensure it was not getting damaged during past lockdowns. 

Leaving a boat unattended for long periods of time, increases the chance that it will incur damage. Simple things such as checking the self draining holes are not getting blocked by debris, ensuring protective covers are in place and effective (particularly over the wet and windy season), checking the vessel is not taking on any water etc form part of regular checks. When laying the vessel up for winter in colder climates, it is important to follow manufacturers recommendations around removing liquids from engines to avoid damage caused by freezing.

Most insurance policies will cover your clients' boat for theft and accidental damage. However, it’s important to note that insurance policies will exclude claims related to non-maintenance or wear and tear. It is therefore essential that your clients look after their boat all year round with regular visits. If an owner is unable to attend in person, they should arrange for a competent person to check on the vessel for them and take any remedial action to ensure the vessel is safe.   

Top boat maintenance tips to help ensure plain sailing

Damage to boats and equipment could cause a significant financial loss of thousands of pounds if boats are not kept in the safest condition possible. With that in mind, here are our top tips for securing your clients' boat from damage: 

1. Knot on my watch. If your clients can’t travel to their boat in person, they should arrange for someone to look after it on their behalf and always keep the boat in a safe place 
2. Making a splash. If your clients' vessel has an engine, they must ensure it gets drained and all liquids removed as per manufacturers recommendations over winter
3. ‘Sea’-sonal maintenance. Again, if your clients' vessel has an engine, they must ensure all parts of machinery are serviced in line with manufacturers recommendations 
4. Pier pressure. Due to condensation in a vessel, particularly over the cooler seasons, items that could attract mould, such as scatter cushions, bedding, curtains and sails should be removed from the vessel and stored in a dry place if the vessel is to be closed up for a period of time. Regular interior inspections should still take place
5. It’s salt good. Owners should make sure that their mooring lines are not being chaffed or damaged in any way. The vessel should be inspected at least once a month to ensure it is protected
6. Missed the boat. If the owner is responsible for maintaining the mooring, your clients must check that chains and sinkers are in good order. Shackles on chains should have the pin tight and seized with wire 
7. Tide up at the moment. It is also best practice to close off any seacocks when the vessel is not in use
8. A boat time. Automatic bilge pumps should be inspected to check they are working and that there is sufficient battery reserve to power the pump when activated. An owner should not rely on a powered bilge pump to keep their vessel afloat as if it fails for any reason, the vessel may sink
9. Is everything ship shape? Your clients must check their boat’s hatch covers are secure, watertight and are not leaking 
10. Nervous wreck. Your client must lock their vessel when they’re not on-board. Store loose components, such as oars and paddles inside the locked boat when moored or store them elsewhere in a safe location
11. Be pacific. Your clients must make a note at home of all outboard engine serial numbers and keep this list somewhere safe - your clients' insurance company may require these in the event of a claim 

Further information 

The steps above will help to mitigate the chance of damage happening to your clients' vessel - by investing some time and care. For more information about boats insurance, please speak to your Zurich representative or contact us on the below details :

Website: https://www.zurich.co.uk/navigators-and-general

Telephone: 01273 863420

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