Longer nights and tougher times financially always raise the risk of crime, theft of gear and equipment is N&G’s second most common claim. The UK has already seen a steady rise in the number of outboard motor thefts since 2009, and more recently well documented metal thefts. Sub zero temperatures can also cause thousands of pounds worth damage.
For all those reasons N&G advises owners to allow time to prepare their boats, seriously consider security, and be vigilant to minimise exposure to crime and damage.
It is very important not to let cover lapse over the winter period, as there are no days of grace in marine insurance so if you do not renew your policy in good time your cover lapses. Claims resulting from incidents such as theft, fire, vandalism, damage by vehicles, storm damage, frost damage, and much more besides are arguably more likely to occur during the longer nights and harsher weather.
If a trip by road is required, it is important to check that your policy provides this cover, If not, you will need to request an extension. N&G’s yacht & motorboat policy automatically includes transit for craft up to 30 feet, but not all policies will be the same. If the trailer has been left standing it should be thoroughly checked and serviced if necessary, there may be a policy condition that the trailer is kept in a roadworthy condition.
Removing sails, dodgers and canopies not only dramatically reduces windage, (one of the main reason boats blow over) but will significantly extend their life. Winter gales make short work of any fabric left on deck (especially furled headsails), and UV exposure with mould/mildew speeds their deterioration further. Why not use the opportunity to have them laundered and serviced, it will extend their lifespan considerably, and insurance policies do not generally cover sails, canopies or covers split by the wind
Once ashore removing all valuable equipment and leaving drawers or cupboards open should reduce the temptation to thieves. Any soft furnishings will fair far better in a warm dry environment and also further add to the impression that the boat has been stripped for the Winter.
Metal theft has made the headlines quite a bit this year, so owners may be more at risk this winter. Easily accessible brass or bronze propellers will make an attractive target, as will copper sheeting. If easily removable owners should do just that and store securely. It is not only the cost but the difficulty in matching the stolen part. If you cannot remove the vulnerable metal try to cover or disguise it and ensure you have the best possible security.
Outboard motor thefts have been steadily rising since 2009, so this is an area where owners really need to take action. If an engine can easily be removed do just that, and consider a service at the same time. If the engine is so large and so well secured as to be very hard to remove N&G suggests that you remove the engine cover (taking care to fit alternative weather protection) to deter thieves. Distributors and yards are suspicious about selling covers only for that very reason and it may be enough to prevent you being a target. Otherwise mark all separate engine components, fit the best possible anti theft devices and think very carefully about the security your boat has over the winter. Outboard thieves are not put off by the size of an engine and will cut them out of boats if the opportunity is there.
Remember to properly winterise engines and machinery and drain down water systems. An unexpected sharp drop in temperatures can catch boat owners unawares and result in engine blocks cracking, pipes or heating systems splitting or causing a problem that manifests itself for years after. Not all policies cover this type of claim and they can be particularly expensive. Yards or engineers should know how to winterise machinery on your boat, but don’t leave it too late.
Particular care should be taken if leaving battery chargers or de humidifiers running over the winter period. There have been a number of devastating fires on boats as a result of electrical faults on shore powered devices. Keeping your boat dry through the winter is the right thing to do, but you need to be sure that any de humidifier being used is well secured, has clean filters and adequate drainage facilities.
If you plan to have a heater running as well, be sure that you are not overloading the circuits and that you have the right sort of heater as this could significantly increase the risk of fire. Check with your local yard or boat surveyor to make sure. Concerned owners could consider temporarily mounting an automatic fire extinguisher next to such equipment
Remember that you should still check on the boat periodically or pay someone to do this for you. Winter maintenance is an essential part of boat ownership and necessary for enjoyable trouble free boating over throughout the season. It also prolongs the life of the boat and helps reduce depreciation. But following a few basic tips can help prevent a worthwhile exercise becoming a potential disaster.
- Remove all expensive equipment such as radios, GPS, navigation and electronic equipment, TV’s, CD players etc and store them in a safe place.
- Remove the outboard, tender and life-raft.
- leave empty lockers and drawers ajar to ventilate and deter thieves
- Drain down water and heating systems.
- Have engines professionally winterised or ensure that you carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid frost damage.
- Remove berth cushions to a dry environment.
- Remove furled headsails, mainsails, covers, dodgers and spray hoods.
- Take out halyards leaving a mouse line and thoroughly wash and check for wear.
- Check all backstays for wear at top batten point.
- Check all standing rigging for broken strands and rigging screws for wear.
- Ensure the yard use cross bracing if using wooden shores, for extra safety.
- Ensure that whilst ashore the trim of the craft is correct, to allow cockpit drains to be effective, and avoid rainwater building up on decks or within the craft.
- Do not tie covers or tarpaulins to wooden shores or cross bracing.
- Preferably use only close fitting covers, to avoid additional windage.
- Place tie-on labels on the wheel and engine controls to remind you to check all skin fittings, impellers, seacocks and transducers prior to launching/starting the engine.
- Disconnect batteries and leave them fully charged.
- Do check the craft periodically during the winter months, unless you have made a specific arrangement for this to be done on your behalf. Do not assume that the rental of space will include this service.
- avoid running fuel tanks too low due to risk of sucking dirt into filters or condensation in the tank space
