With boats being such a large and important investment, it is imperative that boat owners treat their vessels with care year-round, but particularly during the harsh winter months. For first-time boat owners, recognizing the need to care for your boat properly is the first step, while putting in the time, effort, and money to actually do the work is second. Although snow is not common in North Carolina, it isn’t practical to use your boat during the winter months, so knowing how to store it and prepare it for the next season is key.
When winterizing your boat, start by deciding where to store it. Depending on whether you use a marina to dock your boat when it is in use, you may be able to winterize it at the same site. When choosing a storage facility, start by finding ones that specialize in boats and talk to other owners by asking for their recommendations. Depending on your level of expertise and knowledge, you may be able to winterize the boat yourself instead of hiring a professional. Start by cleaning the boat from top to bottom to ensure that dirt, grime, sand, and salt are removed from the hull to prevent deterioration. For the engine, start by topping off your tanks, replacing the engine oil, and checking the filters. Additionally, visually inspect every hose, belt, and clamp on the boat to ensure they are properly working.
When it comes to protecting your boat, the best thing you can do is to have insurance. Given the sizable investment that you have made in the purchase, having adequate insurance to protect from damage and also to minimize liability is important. Give Brevard Insurance Agency Inc. in Brevard, NC a call, and one of our friendly team members will help you find the perfect boat insurance policy.
