Category: Blog

Boats are no joke when it comes to their cost on average, especially when moving up to larger and more powerful vessel types. Of course, that’s not everything of value regarding these investments, as boats often include state-of-the-art technologies, electronics aplenty and, in some cases, premium interior fittings and furnishings. 

Boat thieves target not only the vessel itself but also anything stored or installed onboard that could fetch a pretty penny at the pawn shop. To help you safeguard your investment and minimize the risk as best as possible, our team at Portside Marine Insurance has come up with some best practices to bear in mind. If you’re wondering how to prevent boat theft, you’ve come to the right place!

Never Store Personal Belongings Onboard Overnight

Boats come with plenty of storage, sometimes even safes, which can be tempting to use. Besides, who likes having to clear out their belongings every time they disembark? The issue here is, if you don’t do it, there’s a risk that someone else will. Jewellery, smartphones and tablets, laptops, portable video game systems, expensive fishing gear, and other similar items are all prime targets for thieves, especially if they see a beautiful and expensive-looking boat moored at the local marina.

Don’t Treat Marina Security as Guaranteed Protection

It’s easy to fall into a false sense of security if you pay for dedicated storage at a marina. Even when it’s boating season, if you dock your vessel at a marina or otherwise, know that any onsite security designed to deter thieves often won’t physically stop them from boarding. Fences can be clambered over, security cameras snuck around, and even electricity cut. It’s important to be realistic and sensible when storing your vessel; while it will likely be safer, there’s still a chance of someone trying to sneak aboard.

Get Boat Insurance that Covers Theft!

We’re sometimes asked the question, “does boat insurance cover theft?” Our answer is that, when choosing us, it certainly does, but not every marine insurance provider may offer it. While a boat insurance policy normally includes theft coverage, it may sometimes be excluded. When checking to determine whether a policy provides compensation for risks like fire or collision damage, you should take the time to ensure that theft is also listed as covered.

Avoid Making Your Vessel Attractive to Thieves

Fishing vessels, even smaller boats, are often targeted by thieves who want to make a quick getaway with expensive gear, including tackle boxes, lures, fishing rods, and specialized tools. Alternatively, speedboats and fancy cabin cruisers may be targeted for their resale value, especially if they have premium features that are easily visible on the outside, like expensive speaker systems or powerful motors. 

All these examples more or less involve displaying the vessel as an attractive option for thieves. Flashy paint jobs and extra décor elements can heighten the risk further, so be sure to minimize the attention your boat receives while using it! During the off-season period, when the boat is in storage, it’s more likely to blend in and not be as tempting among other vessels docked around it.

Avoid Showing Off on Social Media

This ties into our previous point, but it’s an important tip that too many boat owners overlook! While sharing photos of your beautiful new vessel with friends and family is fun and exciting, there’s a fine line that shouldn’t be crossed. Constantly Instagramming navigational updates or videos touring the cabin are ill-advised, as this calls attention to your vessel among strangers. Of course, a potential thief could be anyone, including those you know who may be desperate for additional money. Try to keep social media updates to a minimum.

Don’t Leave the Key in the Ignition!

Even if you’ve stopped for a quick bite to eat or to visit a friend at their cottage along your planned navigational route, you should always take your key with you whenever you dock. It’s no different than leaving a fancy car parked with the key in the ignition. On top of that, ironically, many boats don’t have tops or siding in the form of roofs, lockable doors, or cabins. Smaller vessels are often completely open without shade, meaning anyone can step aboard, turn the key, and take the boat for a spin. 

Chat with a Boat Insurance Provider About the Specifics

We can’t recommend this enough; the more you know in advance about the policy in question, the more informed a decision you’ll be able to make as to whether it’s sufficient for your needs as a boat owner. That includes knowing whether theft coverage pertains to strictly the vessel itself, onboard belongings, or both. You don’t want to find out the hard way by guessing, signing up without knowing the facts, and then learning that you aren’t covered if the unthinkable occurs!

Don’t Keep Your Papers Onboard!

You should always have your registration paperwork with you when using a boat, but that doesn’t mean it should be left onboard! If thieves get their hands on such documentation, it’s going to be difficult to get it replaced – possibly along with your vessel itself!

Secure Your Vessel Properly to the Dock

Lastly, think about how you moor your boat. Ropes can be cut far more easily than steel cables or chains. Also, have you thought of removing batteries or shutting down fuel lines, making the boat inoperable until you want to use it? These are just some examples of ways to proactively secure your boat to the dock.

Interested in more boating tips and best practices? If you’re wondering how to prevent boat theft, protect your belongings and safeguard your complete investment, we’re happy to help here at Portside Marine Insurance. Reach out to us today to discuss your boat insurance and theft coverage needs. 

British Colombia is dotted with picturesque lakes and rivers, not to mention the Pacific Ocean, with inviting waters just waiting for you to launch your vessel. As the owner, you should ensure that you know how your specific boat works, inside and out. However, if you don’t have a sufficiently informed perspective on what you need when it comes to your watercraft, you could be in hot water. Let’s look at the cost of owning a boat in B.C. more extensively.

Licensing and Registration

A Pleasure Craft Licence is required if you intend to operate a boat in B.C. It is required in all except for certain conditions. You can apply online or via mail with your licence application, which is free and, once received, must be kept in the vessel at all times. You will need to register your boat if you plan on international travel, like docking in the states, which will run you $250. 

The Safety of Passengers

Keeping up-to-date with federal government-required safety gear is vital to not only you as the owner, but also to anyone else who climbs aboard. Personal floatation devices (PFDs) can become costly, ranging from $30 to $80, and must be available for everyone on board at all times. If you are unsure what to do in case of an emergency, a boating course can help. It will likely cost around $50 or so, depending on the provider of the programming, and such education will improve your knowledge of precautions and skills when it comes to your watercraft. You should also schedule routine maintenance checks to ensure it is kept in good, working order, which will vary in cost.

Storage and Winterizing

Depending on the location and size of your boat, winterizing and storage are typically necessary for the off-season to ensure it does not receive any unforeseen damage. You might consider a boat trailer, storage rack, a boathouse or yacht club, or in-water moorage. You should weigh the options available to you with regard to your watercraft, its requirements, and your budget, as some solutions will charge by the foot. 

Boat Insurance

Without boating insurance, you will likely be left paying for part replacements and possible damages out of pocket. This can be costly, which is why owning a boat should also come with a tailored insurance policy for it. Working with a comprehensive insurer, such as our own highly dedicated team at Portside Insurance, allows you to customize your policy to suit your needs and greatly reduces overall costs. 

We have years of experience helping watercraft owners ensure their investment is protected. The true cost of owning a boat in B.C. cannot be decided until you are covered by the right insurer, and perhaps that’s us! Reach out to our team today to explore our policy options. 

Sunny skies and calm waters are a boater’s dream. As spring transitions to summer, you’re likely itching to launch your vessel so you can enjoy it for as much of the season as possible. As a boat owner, you have the responsibility to ensure your watercraft is not only safe for you, but also for passengers who might come aboard. You likely know your vessel inside and out, so performing a routine inspection should be relatively easy to uncover any details that might be overlooked. 

Thinking about getting your boat ready for the season? Here’s how to ensure it is prepared for the water.

Examine the Hull and Propeller

The outside of your boat serves an important purpose. The hull is exposed to most of the water and external elements, so look for cracks or blisters that could lead to leaks or internal damage if not repaired. Find your drain plug, and check it for wear and tear before putting it back in place. Your propeller will get you where you want to go, so it only makes sense that it should be in good working order. Look for any bends or cracks in the metal that could cause performance issues; the last thing you want is to throw a propeller blade! If it seems like it’s good to go, ensure the propeller is secured tightly in place.

Inspect the Boat’s Onboard Systems

Winterization ensures that nothing in your vessel’s onboard systems will freeze and cause damage over the colder months. However, these parts are vital when it comes to getting it ready for warmer weather. You will need to look over your fuel and electrical systems before you launch, for instance. If any hoses or plugs were removed, ensure they are put back in the right place. Check that fittings, clamps, connections, belts, and cables are secure. You should consider turning on your vessel in the driveway while connected to the hose, just to see if your battery needs charging. Also be sure to check that the navigation system, ventilation, and exhaust are all working well. 

Top Up the Fluids

Just like anything motorized, your watercraft needs the right kinds of fluid to keep everything working properly. Check the engine oil, power steering fluid, and coolant. Fill up as needed, and ensure you have some extra on hand if you are a frequent boater, as you will likely need to do this again before the season is over. If you didn’t change your oil before winterizing, now is the time to do so. There’s nothing worse than preparing for a boat day and climbing aboard, only to find an empty tank, so don’t forget to fill up on gas before or on your way to the water.

Give it a Thorough Cleaning

Depending on where you store your vessel in the off-season, it might not need too much cleaning, especially if it was wrapped well or stored inside. Some heavy-duty soap and a pressure washer work great for the hull, and some boat owners choose to apply an oiled coating to further protect it from wear and tear. A soft cloth with a multipurpose cleaner can be used to wipe down the inside, including the cushions and vinyl pieces. You might opt to apply a UV protectant on these surfaces if you often leave your watercraft uncovered and exposed to the sun. 

Stock Your Safety Equipment

In Canada, the laws surrounding safety equipment and boats are governed by the Ministry of Transportation. Specifics depend on the size of your vessel, but most need similar supplies. For motorized crafts up to six feet in length, the mandatory requirements are:

• A government-approved personal floatation device (PFD) for everyone on board. These should be free of holes and rips. Have everyone try on their life jacket before heading out to ensure they still fit. 
• A 15-metre long buoyant heaving line.
• A paddle. 
• An anchor with 15 metres of rope or chain length.
• A bailer or hand pump.
• An air horn or whistle.
• Some navigation lights if driving during dark or foggy conditions.
• A class 5BC fire extinguisher. You might also consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in enclosed areas.
• A waterproof flashlight or flares.

As a boat owner, you should always ensure these items are on board before heading out. You might even consider adding a toolkit and first aid kit to this list, as these essentials can come in handy in the event of an emergency. Beyond these requirements, you should also verify that your fenders and dock lines are intact and capable of lasting you the full season.

Perform a Trailer Check

You might find yourself overlooking this part when you are getting your vessel ready for the season. However, trailer checks are almost as important as examining your watercraft itself. Check the pressure in each of the tires, including the spare, and top off with air as needed. Hook up the trailer to your vehicle and have someone sit in the driver’s seat while you check the turning, brake, and reverse lights. Assess the winch and transom straps for any frays or rips, as these are key to holding the boat in place while it is on the trailer.

Stay Up-to-Date on Your Paperwork

Before setting sail, so to speak, ensure you have taken care of any registration and licensing requirements for your specific area. Although some provinces’ specifications differ, you should be aware of vessel licensing and registration wherever you are taking your watercraft. Working with an experienced marine insurance broker like Portside Insurance means we can help if you have questions regarding the process and policies you need.

All in all, there’s a lot of work that goes into getting your boat water-ready for the upcoming season, but it’s well worth it. You give it the time, care, and attention it needs so that each voyage can be carefree and fun. Part of your peace of mind should come from an active insurance policy. Boat insurance is a crucial part of keeping you, your passengers, and your vessel safe. To learn more about our coverage options, Including seadoos, or to get a quote, please contact us. 

For many, boating is more than a passion – it often feels more like an essential part of their lives. When so deeply invested in such a hobby, both in terms of personal interest and from a financial perspective, it’s best to look out for your vessel at all times. This is especially important in the colder months of the year here in Canada, which can be brutal and unrelenting at times, meaning an increased risk of damage to your boat of choice. 

Today, let’s help you look after your investment. Here are several tips for protecting your boat from winter weather, howling winds, and the bitter cold. Some of these will apply specifically to when your vessel is stored in the water, such as those focusing on pumping and bilge systems.

Close the Seacocks (But Not All of Them)

Seacocks are among the most important components on a boat, and they can be found on most vessels. This is a small valve below the waterline that allows for water to flow inside in a tightly controlled manner, which can be useful for cooling down the engine. It also consists of extremely meticulously arranged internal threads that can lead to excess water ingress if compromised or left open indefinitely. You’ll want to close all onboard seacocks except for the one in the cockpit area. Verify that this is done before storing your boat away for the winter, as you won’t need their functionality when the vessel isn’t in use. Also, for the cockpit, it’s a good idea for the cockpit to ensure the scuppers aren’t full of debris such as leaves, twigs, or seaweed. 

Examine the Bilge Pump

Next, you’ll want to ensure your bilge pumping system is capable of operating throughout the winter. It should be able to function correctly even if the built-in battery switch is set to the off position. Double-check to ensure that it works as it should, as this system is designed to eject excess water from the hull in the event of a penetration. It’s not a guarantee that the boat will remain afloat, especially if the hull has been gashed open severely, but it should provide a little peace of mind.

Proper Ventilation is Key

Of course, damage from snow and ice storms isn’t the only risk; protecting your boat from winter weather also means safeguarding it against mould and mildew. This can be caused by excess water or moisture accumulation onboard, such in conditions with high humidity leading to condensation buildup over several months in indoor storage. Wherever you’re planning on storing the vessel for the winter, ensure it is fully ventilated and cycles the air thoroughly, as this will help to prevent the buildup of excess moisture and stagnant air.

Remove All Valuables

Not only can electronics be inadvertently damaged by temperature fluctuations or moisture, but if someone happens to take a fancy to your vessel and target it for a robbery, they won’t be stolen. The same goes for any highly valuable items that can be removed easily, such as irreplaceable documents, valuables stored in a compartment, and watersports equipment stored onboard.

Winterize Your Boat from Bow to Stern

There are several sub-steps associated with winterization. For starters, fill your vessel’s onboard fuel tanks and add a stabilizer to help look after the engine while inactive. Don’t forget to drain water from the engine as well. You should also change the engine oil, replace any fuel filters, and ensure that your coolant levels are ideal for months in storage. Lastly, for added protection of your engine if it uses gasoline, you might want to consider fogging your cylinders so moisture doesn’t accumulate.

Now that the “dirtier” work is out of the way, it’s a good idea to winterize the rest of your boat’s deck and interior spaces. Examples include removing all perishables like food, draining your water heater and onboard holding tanks, ensuring no water is pooling on-deck where it could otherwise freeze and cause damage, and turning off all heating systems, including propane tanks. The only thing that should be left on is your bilge pump, which should, again, be cleaned out and dry prior to saying goodbye to your vessel for the winter. 

Cover Your Boat and Lock it Up!

We can’t emphasize this step enough. Covering your vessel with a properly fitting tarp that isn’t too loose or tight can prevent snow, ice, and water from getting on the deck, into navigation equipment, and elsewhere including in the cabin or head (if applicable). This also protects the hull itself, which is especially important if yours is made of fibreglass and/or has a coating applied to it. 

Of course, no matter where you plan on storing your boat, it’s just good practice to lock everything up before storing it for the winter. If storing at a secure marina, hand over an extra set of keys so your boat can be looked after without you having to stop by. 

Locking doesn’t only apply to doors, storage cabinets, and other similar areas; it also extends to the navigational equipment. Tying down your steering wheel or tiller is one such example, which prevents the rudder from moving about and getting damaged. It can also apply to tying up the boat in a manner that centres it in the slip, a crucial step that must be done properly. Lines should be able to hold indefinitely without excess slack as the vessel may otherwise shift, snap one or more of them, and subsequently break free.

Secure a Boat Insurance Policy with Storage and Year-Round Coverage

Lastly and most importantly, you should always be prepared for the unexpected, especially when it comes to owning, operating, and storing a boat of any size. Customized boat insurance coverage options are typically the optimal approach, such as ours offering increased coverage for personal effects, recovery costs, and agreed value. We’ll also provide new parts for any repairs needed from winter storm damage, and without any frustrating betterment fees. Additionally, boat insurance policies like ours offer 12-month-a-year coverage, including when being transported on the road, taking to the water, and stored, meaning your investment is always financially safeguarded. Generally, filing a claim should be easy and straightforward, and you should look for a reputable provider specializing in boating insurance as they tend to offer more comprehensive coverage. 

If you’re seeking peace of mind when it comes to protecting your boat in the winter months or any other time of the year, we’re happy to assist here at Portside Marine Insurance. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our comprehensive and personalized policy coverage options.

You’re required to have insurance to cover your home and car from damage and liability, but not your boat. So does that mean you shouldn’t purchase boat insurance? Over the course of these five essential reasons why boat insurance is still worth getting, we’ll reveal the importance of financially protecting yourself and your aquatic assets.

Why Get Boat Insurance?

Boat insurance may not be required by law but it’s an absolute necessity. An accident could not only destroy your boat, but it might also cause bodily injury and damage to other property. Without insurance, you would be on the hook to pay for all the repairs, medical bills, funeral expenses, lawyer fees, and any other costs associated with the incident. Considering the average boat insurance claim is in the five-figure range, it quite literally pays to have insurance to protect you and your investment.  

Let’s look a little closer at some of the main reasons why you need boat insurance in Canada.

To Protect Your Investment

A boat is an expensive vehicle, often costlier than the average car on the road today. Similar to your car and home, your vessel is an investment that is worth protecting. And the only way to protect your boat and the people who ride inside it is through insurance. 

Similar to how car and home insurance will cover any damages that occur to your vehicle and property, boat insurance will provide damage coverage for the loss of your vessel and equipment. Property coverage is designed to kick in for the boat on land and water, not to mention reimbursement for theft or vandalism. 

When choosing a policy, you’ll need to decide between actual cash value or agreed value coverage if the boat is stolen or destroyed in an accident. The agreed value coverage will come with a higher premium because it does not factor in the depreciation of the boat over time. With this type of coverage, you will be reimbursed for the amount of money it would take to replace your vessel with a similar model, or to restore it to the same condition it was in before the accident. With the actual cash value of your boat, depreciation is factored in, and the insurance company will determine the current value and pay you based on that amount. 

You should also look at the coverage and how it pertains to the boat while it’s being trailered. If yours is damaged when being transported, you will need to understand what the insurance will cover versus your auto insurance, and whether all damage costs can be reimbursed.

Other things to consider include the personal items you had on your boat. If it is severely damaged and needs to be towed, is the cost included and will the insurance provide you with a rental boat until it’s repaired? Or, if the vessel sinks or leaks fuel, will the policy cover for wreck removal and/or environmental liability?

To Protect Other Property

Most boating accidents involve another boat or property. In the event that yours damages someone else’s property, such as their vessel or dock, the liability coverage in the insurance policy would pay for those damages. That said, you’ll also want a guarantee that it will cover those damages if your boat is out of water and in transport. 

To Protect Your Financial Health

Liability coverage will also pay for any bodily injury that results from an accident. This includes any swimmers, water skiers, or other boaters. In addition, it will compensate for any legal fees you incur if you are sued.

You’ll need to consider exactly how much liability coverage you will need. The policy will come with a standard liability insurance amount, but we recommend having at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage. For those with more expensive vessels that have bigger engines and can carry more people, you might want to consider purchasing up to $2,000,000 in liability insurance to financially protect you and all your passengers.

If you are docking your boat at a marina or you are leasing or financing a vessel, you may be required to have a certain amount of liability insurance as part of your agreement. Be sure to read the fine print before you settle on a policy to ensure you have all the coverage you need.

To Pay for Medical Expenses

Medical payments coverage can pertain to a range of medical services, medications, and treatment plans. It’s always important to look at the fine print to determine exactly what is taken care of by the policy and up to what amount. Not all insurance companies provide the same amount of medical payments coverage; some will offer better options than others. 

To Cover You if the Person at Fault is Uninsured

Not everyone on the water has boat insurance, which can put you at risk. If you do not have any and are hit by another boater who also does not have insurance, you would only be eligible for compensation if you were to sue that person. And without insurance, you could only sue them for what they are worth. The rest of your medical bills, damages, and otherwise would have to come out of your own pocket including expensive legal fees. 

Our recommendation is to double-check that your policy includes uninsured boater coverage. This will ensure that, if you are involved in an accident and the other person is uninsured, you will be eligible to receive the maximum amount as stated within it.

So, why get boat insurance in the first place? Because it’s the only way to protect your investment and finances, all while giving you peace of mind that your passengers and others in the water are also looked after financially. Let us help you get the ideal coverage for your boating needs at the lowest rates available. Contact us today at Portside Insurance for further details or assistance.