The waters around Long Island are spectacular and each offers boaters, their friends, and family many opportunities this summer to get out on our waterways and recreate. The Long Island Sound offers protected yet deep channels that are ideal for a lazy day on the water. Cast a line and go fishing for stripers and blues. Or go kayaking along the Carman River and travel the route of indigenous people from centuries gone by as they made their way across the Island by canoe. Of course, the Great South Bay, like the ‘Sound, provides a fine escape from the workweek, and it, too, is a protected waterway, with the barrier island, Fire Island offering protection from the rougher waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, for larger craft, the Ocean provides a great boating experience, where the fishing can be spectacular (tuna and swordfish), and the scenic vistas include viewing much larger craft making their way along the shipping lanes. Wherever your summer boating excursions take you, do not cast off until you have checked and possibly updated your boat insurance. Long Island’s top insurance agency, Grillo & Associates, provides these tips to take before you set off on this season’s boating adventures.
When you take your boat out of dry dock for the summer season, tear off that shrink wrap and follow these tips to get your boat seaworthy for the season. Have your marine technician perform the following inspections:
- Like your car, a pre-season engine tune up can work wonders in the form of fuel economy and fewer equipment breakdowns on the water.
- Perform an impeller check: Look for signs of wear or cracking on your rotors. If you find any, have them replaced.
- Perform a propeller check: A quick visual scan will determine if there are any parts, surface damage, bent blades or even plastic fishing lines wrapped around the shaft that can cause damage to the seal. If there is any damage, have the part replaced before using your craft.
- Perform a bilge pump check:. Avoid switch failures and pump damage by checking the bilge circuit, pump and automatic switch.
- Check the oil: Ensure there is the proper amount of oil in your fuel or oil tank. Be sure to check the lower-end oil levels and the power trim. If the oil hasn’t been changed for the year, change the oil before the boating season starts.
Boaters Take Note:
- Life Jackets: Everyone on board needs to have one in their proper size that is US Coast Guard approved, and wear it while boating. Not to throw a horror story into this post about summer fun, but according to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, over half of the boating fatalities could have been prevented if the victim had been wearing a life jacket.
- Safety equipment: Your boat class determines what items you may be required to carry onboard at all times. These include a fire extinguisher, a backfire flame arrestor, or flares or other visual distress signal equipment. Review the New York State Vessel Equipment Guide for a complete list and examples of other recommended equipment.
As we said earlier in this post. Contact Grillo & Associates to have us review your boat insurance. Long Islanders have trusted the Grillo team for the right policy to help pay for damage to your craft from what is known as ‘covered perils’. It also offers liability claim coverage should you be held responsible for causing third-party property damage (i.e. colliding with another boat) or injury to another person. There is a lot to consider, and our team will gladly assist you to make sure that you have sufficient yet affordable coverage.
Providing boat insurance for Long Islanders is one of Grillo & Associates specialties. Speak with us about this type of coverage as well as homeowners, property, and commercial policies. You’ll be glad you did!
