As I have been talking about the low water levels, spring gives hope to rains and melting snow and floods. On a side note, I watched a program recently on the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Wow, and I thought our reservoir was low. It is sad to see how much water they have lost. I feel sorry for the boaters living in that area. It might be time for them to change hobbies. Can you say “land sailing?”
But back to the marina. Now that spring is here and being a flood control lake, our reservoir gets the runoffs from fields and upstream melting. Our lake is often filled with debris. As I talked about last month, a few major insurance claims are grounding and prop strikes. Now with the added increase in flood debris, it includes hitting submerged, unseen objects.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) estimates somewhere around 34 percent of all boat sales in 2021 were first-time boat owners. That’s a huge amount of new inexperienced boaters on the lake.
New owners, new boats and low experience could combine and be the perfect storm when it comes to flooded lakes, low lakes or other unusual situations. So I started looking into popular claims again so see what’s been happening in the insurance world. Turns out, it doesn’t appear much has changed.
A couple of additional top claims (besides grounding and hitting things) are problems for experienced and inexperienced boaters alike which I feel are worth mentioning again.
Theft is still big. You thought your catalytic converter was at risk? So are your boat parts. It doesn’t matter if they are attached or portable, things can still go missing. Not a surprise that things such as electronics (radios, fish finders, etc.) because of their size and often ease of removal, are probably first. Fishing gear and water toys are also easy to grab. Surprisingly, even outboard engines have been a target! If they can’t get the complete engine, the lower unit or propellers become the next removable booty.
Grabbing the whole boat is another big claim. Usually, it’s those boats stored on a trailer in an unsecured parking area and without locks on the trailer coupler. Boats, similar to cars, are often stripped and the parts get sold a piece at a time. With the recent supply chain issues, good used parts have become extremely valuable. It’s not only a problem in the marine world, but also in the automotive, motorcycle and aviation industries. When it takes six months or longer to get a part, used prices go up. Also, it’s easier to sell and harder to track parts than a complete boat package.
And not just boats, but trailer theft is also a major issue, including not only boat trailers, but car trailers and construction trailers too. Simply back up, grab the trailer and drive off. Leaving the trailer unattended in the parking lot or the cockpit uncovered is an invitation for a thief. Be sure to check your policy and make sure they will cover your stored trailer in a different location. Also ask if items stolen are covered, even if they’re not permanently attached or in a locked compartment. Sometimes there is no coverage for “loose” stuff.
My point is that spring is a time for changing water levels, springtime debris and new inexperienced boaters. If that’s you (or you know of a less than seasoned skipper), make sure you remind them to watch for objects they might hit in the water and be sure to never leave their boat or trailers in unsecured areas.
