Boating is a pastime for many residents in Virginia. However, no one boats all the time. There are a lot of times when residents may put their boats in storage.
You might store your boat for a season, when you leave town, or during certain weather conditions. It takes a lot of work to store your boat. You will likely shut down a lot of vital systems, and store different materials in various ways.
Taking a Boat Out of Storage 
When you take the boat out of storage, you likely have to prepare the boat for the water once more. Your boat might have deteriorated slightly or sustained damage while stored. This is a common part of the boat’s normal wear and tear.
Boat owners should expect to make some small repairs after taking a boat out of storage. One important part of your boat to inspect is the hull.
Before you hit the water, inspect your boat’s hull for any deterioration. By doing so, you can protect your boat, passengers and other boaters from the risk of damages. Repairing any wear and tear reduces your boat insurance liabilities.
Tips for Inspecting Your Boat’s Hull
- Be aware of the materials used to construct your hull. Boats can have hulls made of fiberglass, wood, metal, or even plastics. Each of these materials presents a unique maintenance risk.
- Inspect the boat for any signs of cracks or weakening of the hull. By repairing these damages, you can ensure that water doesn’t breach the hull and flood the boat.
- Look for signs of mold growth or damages caused by insects or other vermin. Any infestations could weaken your hull’s integrity.
- Check any electrical or navigational systems attached to the hull. If any wiring or antennae have broken, they could cause breakdowns and fire risks.
- Make sure that your boat’s rudder is securely attached to the hull. If the rudder corrodes, rusts or breaks down, you could experience navigational problems.
- Check your lighting systems on the hull. Make sure that running lights, navigational beacons and other systems still work. Replace bulbs and frames as needed.
- Ensure that your mooring and anchoring apparatuses securely attach to the boat.
- Check that your engine and electrical systems are safely insulated within the hull. Seal these systems to avoid exposure to water other damaging materials.
Most importantly, make sure that you keep your passengers safe within the boat. Don’t allow them into off-limits areas. Keep your safety materials in a safe place within the hull.
Huffman Insurance Agencies can help you protect your vessel. Call us for a free boat insurance quote now.