Going boating in the autumn can be a delight, and it is essential to follow all the safety tips to sail with no issues. You’re likely to see beautiful fall colors while also enjoying less traffic and noise pollution. A few unique safety issues may emerge during this time of year, though, and safety should always be a boater’s first priority. If you’re planning to set sail this fall, you need to invest in a yacht insurance policy that’s suited to your boat, and you also need to follow these four safety tips.
Revisit Your Yacht Insurance Coverage and Update Your Charts
Before you embark on your next nautical journey, you should revisit your charts and your insurance coverage to ensure that both are up-to-date. For charts, verify any channel markers or buoys to ensure your route is safe. In some areas, maritime authorities may remove these features in October or even before. Remember that dark will arrive sooner in the fall, so you need reliable navigation charts. Similarly, you should review your Mariner marine insurance and see whether you need to update it. If you need more coverage or your boat has changed, update your policy.
Check Your Flares and Navigation Lights
You should also check your flares to ensure that you have them in case of an emergency. Many people don’t realize that flares expire, but most only have a shelf life of four years after their manufacture date. Check your flares to verify that they are not expired. Also, check the bulbs in your navigation lights and confirm that they work correctly. Finally, invest in a few waterproof flashlights just in case the aforementioned tools fail.
Make Sure You Have Enough Gas
Setting sail without enough gas might seem like a rookie mistake, but it could happen to anybody. It’s easy to forget when you’re preoccupied with the journey ahead. It’s essential to avoid this, though, and fill up your yacht tank before you embark on your expedition. It’s imperative during winter because many fuel docks will close for the season. You should never assume that you’ll have the opportunity to fill up again after you depart, and you should avoid any trips that may require more than a tank of gas.
Invest in Full Coverage Yacht Insurance
Even with fewer boats in the water in autumn, the risk of a boating accident is present. Accidents aren’t the only potential cause of boat damage too. You could run ashore or collide with an object obstructing the water. It’s important not to dismiss the possibility of risks like these. Invest in yacht insurance to keep your boat safe and shield yourself from the cost of potential damages.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
