Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or simply enjoy taking your boat out for a leisurely spin on the weekends, it’s critical to take proper care of your vessel to prolong its life. That includes making sure it’s thoroughly protected when not in use. Failing to do so could result in severe damage to your boat. Keep reading to learn a few ways to ensure your investment is always in peak condition.
Maintain Your Dock Fenders
Dock fenders are crucial in preventing scratches and dents on your boat and damage to your dock. However, they can only be effective if they’re in full working order. Therefore, you need to do proper maintenance to ensure each of your fenders is working correctly.
Regular maintenance includes checking each dock fender for cracks, scrapes, and standard wear and tear. Regularly examining your fenders and boat for damage will help prolong the life of your dock fenders. If you notice any issues, repair the damage or replace the fender immediately.
Use a Proper Line System
The line system that’s so crucial to holding your boat in place can often come loose, which is why it’s essential to have more than one line securing your vessel. That way, if one line breaks loose, the other lines will keep your boat in place until you can get the damaged ropes sorted out.
In addition to multiple tie points, you must check your lines regularly to make sure they haven’t come loose or frayed over time. Regular line inspections are particularly vital if you live in an area with severe weather conditions that could put additional stress on the systems holding your boat in place.
Perform Regular Inspections
Performing regular inspections of your vessel and dock is the best way to avoid getting caught off guard by damage. An inspection should include your boat, the rigging, the fenders, and the dock’s structure to ensure its integrity is intact.
For example, frayed or weak lines could snap at inopportune moments, so it’s important to inspect them frequently and replace them as needed. In addition, damage to pilings or boards on your dock could affect its structural integrity. Finally, look for rust spots or dents on your boat, as they could lead to leaks or other troubles in the future.
Invest in Proper Security
Proper security measures will help protect your boat from theft or damage. Fortunately, security doesn’t need to involve extreme measures. Instead, you can do a few simple, common-sense things to ensure your boat is well-protected even when you’re not there.
First, lock all your boat’s doors and windows. Locking up might seem intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to lock up their boats when they’re not using them. Second, consider a security system that will deter thieves and notify you if someone breaks in. Finally, choose a marina with round-the-clock security and sufficient lighting.
Be Prepared for Bad Weather
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, there is always a chance that bad weather could cause damage to your dock or boat. Be prepared for extreme weather by having a plan in place for what you will do if a severe storm moves into the area. Being proactive can minimize storm damage to your boat, avoid insurance claims, and get you back to business as quickly as possible.
For example, you can have someone trusted to ensure your boat is tied down and locked up properly. In addition, confirm all entry points to your vessel are sealed, and make sure your dock fenders are securely in place. Finally, alert dock staff if you notice any boats that look like they might slip loose.
Get Boater Insurance
Boater insurance might seem like a logical step in protecting your boat, but many owners opt out of it. Unfortunately, a lack of insurance will leave some owners high and dry if they get stranded on the water or suffer storm damage.
A comprehensive boat insurance policy will protect you against the worst-case boating scenarios. Towing services, storm salvage coverage, and uninsured boater coverage are just a few ways boat insurance can save your vessel from the scrap yard. Even if you go years without using your insurance, one bad storm could make it worth the cost.
Final Words of Protecting Your Boat
Protecting your boat when it’s not in use is just as important as maintaining it while it’s in the water. Taking simple precautions, including those listed here, can help keep your boat safe from theft and damage when it’s docked.