Storm preparedness is something that we talk about a lot at Wren Insurance Agency, and also something that we as Floridians tend to have on all our minds this time of year; however, something that we do not talk about as often is how to storm prep for a boat. Although being a boat owner is one of the most prized privileges of Floridians, it is also one of the biggest responsibilities. Although all of us are aware of the storms that the coasts of our State often bring us this time of year, we often allow our consistent exposure to such storms to enable our underestimation of them – it is so important that we all take these weather events into serious consideration and realize the detrimental damage that they can ultimately cause, especially to our boats!! Here are some tips for protecting your boat for this year’s storms ahead:

• Remove Your Boat
  • Whenever storms are on the way, it is always the best idea to take your boat off the water if you are in a position to do so. Removing your boat from the water completely can protect your boat from damages caused by items in the water that can harm the boat, the dock itself, or even other vessels in the water that are not properly secured. Remember if you decide to store your boat out of the water but in an open environment it is a good idea to remove the drain plug in order to stop the vessel from collecting any storm water. If you do not currently have a storage area available to you to store your boat in, then use some research to find some local spots that may be available to you. Here is a helpful article to get you started:
  • https://www.extraspace.com/blog/self-storage/vehicle-storage/where-to-store-a-boat/

• Secure Your Boat
  • Sometimes removing your boat from the water completely is not always an option, and this is when taking further action to ensure that your boat is completely secure on the water is your safest move. Consider the flooding and tidal surges that may occur when placing your boat further out into a body of water. Perhaps consider moving your boat more inland and towards/on higher ground. This is something that you should do well before a storm is on its way/actually arrives, as many other boat owners will probably be trying to do the same just before the storm breaks landfall. 

• Protect Your Boat
  •  The most important piece of protection that you can have in place for your watercraft is insurance (and no we are not just saying that because we are an insurance agency). Your boat is an extremely valuable asset, and we want to help you protect it in the best way that you can! Here are some things that you’ll need to consider when shopping for boat insurance:
    • Navigational Area
    • Agreed Value Coverage
    • Liability
    • Medical Payments
    • Physical Damage Coverage
    • Uninsured/Underinsured Watercraft Bodily Injury
    • Fuel Spill Liability and Wreckage Removal
    • Personal Effects
    • Unattached Equipment Coverage
    • Emergency Assistance
  • Our website explains each of these items in more detail, as well as provides more resources that can help you in protecting your boat. Click here to find out more!