Safe-guarding your boat can save you thousands of dollars and keep your marine insurance premiums low.

Fire
Fires don’t only happen in the bush; they devastate many boats and marinas every year in Australia. Most boat fires are related to electrical circuit overloads, neglect, fuel leaks and aged material. Unfortunately, too many owners fail to check to see if their electrical systems are powerful enough to handle the heavy voltage of new electronics. If you want to upgrade your ship with gadgets, ensure your electrical system will cope as well. During cool months avoid leaving any portable heaters unattended on your vessel because they too can be a fire hazard.

Submerged objects
Hitting a submerged object is the second most common reason for vessel damage. Crashing into sunken items, logs, or rocks can cause huge damage to your boat’s propeller and underbody. You can prevent collisions with sunken items by staying out of shallow water (where possible) and being cautious while navigating.

Natural disaster
While we can’t prevent them, we certainly can prepare for natural disasters. Thunderstorms, cyclones and monsoons are three natural causes that wreak havoc on Australian marinas. During cyclone seasons, opt to store your boat in a warehouse or another enclosed storage space for safety. If you don’t have storage space, be sure to tape up all glass windows, strategically place sand bags, and put away items that may shift and fall during turbulent waters. Equip your boat with a proper bonding system that will guide lightening to the ground.

Rodents
Rodents will cause turmoil and distress for boat owners. They will chew on your electrical wiring, gnaw through wood and scurry through your upholstery. Save yourself trouble by remembering to put all food away securely and wiping down counters and tabletops with disinfectants to remove aromas that may entice unwanted guests. If you encounter a mouse or rat, get rid of it fast before a whole colony moves in.

Leaks and sinks
Where there’s a leak on a vessel, there’s sure to be trouble. Sometimes leaks can go unnoticed for long periods of time and cause water to pool. If you strike something underwater, be sure to have you vessel checked for any damage underneath which may cause future leaks. Remember, leaks are often the cause of most sunken ships. Replace all hoses, clamps, and out drive bellows to protect your boat from sinking.

Collisions
Careless steering and poor navigation can lead to collisions and extensive damage for boat owners. Avoid letting untrained or unlicensed drivers navigate your boat. If you are tired, simply take a nap and take over the wheel again when you feel rejuvenated. Having sensors installed may be worth the investment if they can help you predict hard-to-see objects in the water.

Implement ways you can guard your boat against damage today. Once you’ve protected your vessel, you can use your time instead to concentrate on discovering the best ways to relax, and enjoy the marine environment