Getting Your Boat Out of Storage and into the Water

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boating safety

Spring is here, and you’re ready to get out on the water. But is your boat ready?

Even if you’ve kept it properly stored for the winter and protected from the elements, there are still a number of things you need to do before hitting the local lakes and rivers.

While much of your focus will be on the boat itself, don’t forget other important things, such as your trailer, your vessel registration and, of course, your insurance coverage. We can help you with that. As far as the boat and trailer, check out these tips from Discover Boating, which provides boating information and public outreach on behalf of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Engine and Electric

Your boat’s been sitting for a few months, so it’s not ready to zip across the water just yet. Here are a few things to check before firing up the ignition:

  • Make sure fuel hoses are not soft, brittle or cracked and check the system for leaks or damage. Also verify that fittings and clamps are secure.
  • Check all other belts, hoses and cables as well. Replace them if needed.
  • Inspect electrical connections for corrosion and verify your battery is holding a charge.
  • Check all fluid levels and change or top off as needed.
  • Test for proper ventilation.

Propellers and Hulls

Damage to your propeller or hull can make for an unpleasant day on the water. Here are some things to look for:

  • Propellers that have dings or distortion. This can lead to not only an unpleasant ride due to vibration but can also damage your drive train. While securing your propeller, check that the bearings are not worn out.
  • Hulls with blisters or cracks. Cleaning the hull (use an environmentally safe solution) gives you a good opportunity to check for damage. While you’re at in, clean above deck, too.

Trailer

You should treat your trailer with as much care as your boat. After all, you can’t go boating if you can’t get your boat to the water.

  • Inspect the grease fittings on the hubs and reapply grease as needed.
  • Test the lights on your trailer each time before you get out on the road.
  • Rinse thoroughly after exposure to salt water.
  • Ensure your car jack will work to lift the trailer and that you will be able to loosen and tighten the lug nuts. You don’t want to be surprised when you’re on the side of the road.
  • Look over the trailer bunks once your boat is in the water to ensure the padding isn’t worn.

Safety Equipment

No matter how well your boat runs, you should never run it without the proper safety equipment. So take inventory of what’s on board to be sure you have:

  • Enough life jackets for all potential passengers. Make sure they’re in good condition, too.
  • Fire extinguisher. Be sure it’s the correct classification for your boat and is in working order.
  • Emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) so you can be found if you get lost.
  • Carbon-monoxide detector if there’s an enclosed area on your boat.
  • Working navigation lights.

Proper preparation can mean the difference between a great day on the boat and a disastrous one. So take a little time to make this boating season a happy and safe one.

Contact us today for a free boat insurance quote, and talk to one of our trusted agents. Hope to see you out on the water!

4 Important Driving Tips to Share with Your Teen

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auto insurance

Getting a license to drive is a huge and thrilling milestone in a teen’s life! For parents, adding a new driver to their auto insurance policy is usually less thrilling and more anxiety-inducing. You want your teen to feel confident out on the road and you want to know they’re making smart choices, so what can you do to stress less and help them drive better?

Here are some useful tips to share with your teen to help them make safe driving choices.

Encourage healthy cellphone habits

While it is illegal to text while driving in Florida, it’s not illegal to talk on the phone. The Florida DMV does, however, urge drivers to limit phone use to emergencies and to invest in a hands-free device. They recommend knowing the features of your phone and using speed dial so the eyes stay on the road and not on the phone.

You might really want to reach your teen, but you don’t want them to risk their safety answering your, “Are you coming home for dinner?” text. Talk to them about the importance of waiting until they are parked before answering any phone or text messages. Your tech savvy teen might even already know how to set up an auto-response feature on their phone, but if not you can show them this.

Also, remind your teen to save those emotional or stressful phone conversations with friends for another time and to never talk on the phone when the weather and road conditions are hazardous.

This is not a circus. The vehicle is not a clown car

Now that your teen is reveling in his or her newfound freedom, it’s likely they’re eager to cruise around with friends and give rides to everyone they know. While they can probably fit a lot of bodies in one vehicle, overcrowding a car is a recipe for distraction. It’s also unlawful.

Remind your teen that they can legally only transport as many passengers as they have seatbelts for in their car and that limiting passengers to just one or two friends reduces distractions.

Plan and don’t rush

Nudge your new driver toward advance trip planning. Leaving even ten minutes early lets drivers reach their destination without speeding and allows for any traffic surprises. Depending on your teen’s age, there are certain times at night when they can’t be on the road. Check out this link and discuss night time curfews where applicable.

It’s important for your teen to understand they fall in the highest risk group for auto accidents.

Even a minor fender bender can send their monthly car insurance premium skyrocketing and keep it high for years to come. Let them know if they plan ahead and don’t rush, they not only reduce their risk of a car accident but also the cost of auto insurance.

Be a defensive driver not an aggressive one

We all know someone who claims they suffer from “road rage”, right? Warn your teen about potential road situations that could lead to frustration and rage. Remind your teen to never follow another vehicle too closely. If they get tailgated, they should remain calm and try to move into another lane as soon as it is safe to do so. This is a good time to also review how to properly use the car horn as a defensive tool (i.e. when another car doesn’t see you and is about to merge into your lane and hit you).

You can help your teen stay safe from predators by making sure they know to drive to the nearest police station, instead of driving home, if they ever fear they’re being followed.

 

auto insuranceYou want your new driver protected against whatever comes their way out there and Synergy Insurance wants to help. Call us today to speak with one of our friendly and helpful agents for more information about car insurance or go here for a Free Quote.

Would your teen know what to do if they were involved in a car accident? Make sure they’re prepared for the worst by downloading our Auto Accident Workbook! This free guide easily folds to fit into any car compartment, meaning they’ll have it on hand if they ever need it.