Weather Proofing Your Boat is Key:
Insurance Policies Do Not Cover All
Winter-Related Damages.

If you store your boat on water during the winter months and your boat is not properly winterized, it could very easily incur significant weather damage. “Leaks, corrosion, frozen pumps, interior damage and fuel degradation are some common examples of damage caused by icy conditions,” states Jay Kopp, Vice President of NIA National Marine. “These damages could be extremely expensive and are often not covered by your insurance policy. That’s why winterizing your boat is key.”

Tips for Winterizing Wisely:

Kopp provides the following advice to ensure your boat will be in peak condition come next spring:

• Check all shore power connections. Carefully inspect both ends of your power connections. Slight discoloration is a sign of some overheating. Failure to replace the ends at the first indication of this problem could result in serious shock, or a fire hazard.
• Examine mooring lines, fenders and boat covers.  Make sure they are in good shape and the correct size.
• Open the bilges and cycle bilge pumps to ensure proper functioning next year.
• Check rudder shafts and stuffing boxes for leaks and make needed repairs.
• Make sure that the battery is fully charged and the charging system is working.
• If the water your boat is moored in can freeze, put a de-icing device or bubbling system around your boat.
• Routinely check on your boat several times throughout the winter. If you fail to check on it and your bilge pump jams, your boat could sink.

Need More Advice?
If you have questions on winterizing your boat, please contact Jay Kopp at 609.884.8431 x5051 or jkopp@niagroup.com.

Jay Kopp