The Passion of Boating

I recently had the pleasure of speaking at a gathering of York Bassmasters .    The camaraderie in the room  was great as they exchanged friendly jabs and taunts about the past season.   From the energy in the room you would think it was the night before a big tournament, not a frosty night on the cusp of a long winter.     What brought them together was a shared passion for fishing and boating.   

York Bassmasters

This type of gathering will repeat itself hundreds of times over the winter at marinas, yacht clubs,  Power Squadron meetings,  and other boating groups.      It doesn't matter if it's sailing, fishing, antique and classic boat collectors; they gather because of their shared passion for boating.     I don't know of many golfers, skiers, cyclists or cottagers that get together unless it involves golfing, skiing, cycling or cottaging.    Yet I can lists dozens of boating groups and marinas that  have plans to get together this winter when the the boats are all laid up ashore.  This shared passion is a special part of the boating lifestyle.

As I reflect on this it reminds me that my business is not so much about insuring  property as it is about insuring your lifestyle.    There are lots of insurance brokers who can insure your "stuff" but do they really understand what boating means to you?  Can they help get your boat repaired in time for the fishing tournament, sailing regatta, or rendezvous ?  Do they know the surveyors, chandleries, repair shops, marina operators, and other people in the boating industry that can get you boating after an accident?  Are they part of boating lifestyle and support it outside of normal business hours?   This is the difference between insuring property and insuring the boating lifestyle.

There are only a small number of insurance brokers dedicated to serving the boating community in Canada.   In the New Year I am going to publish their names and contact information on this blog .  It might seem crazy listing competitors on my own blog but there is one good reason.   If you insure your boat with the wrong company there is a better chance that you will have a problem that could cause a financial loss.   One bad experience or a big loss might just  cause you to give up on boating altogether.   That would be a shame and from a selfish point of view I would never have the chance to earn your business.    Most of all I want people to enjoy hassle free boating with  peace of mind that comes from having the right insurance.

We have been insuring boaters for over 60 years and we love what we do.   At Skippers' Plan Insurance  -  We Share Your Passion. 

The Trouble with Hurricane Holes

If you are going south and your primary hurricane plan is to head to the closest hurricane hole be prepared to pay a lot for insurance .    A lot of people I speak to are surprised to discover this fact. 

A hurricane hole is a relatively safe place to run from a tropical cyclone  -  unless it is crowded with other boats.    In a crowded location there is a very high risk that another boat will drag anchor or break free.   When that occurs it wreaks havoc on the other boats, fouls other anchor lines and can take other boats with it onto the shore or coral reefs.    

The other consideration is how civilization has changed hurricane holes over the last 50 years.  Mangroves have been bulldozed to build condominiums and the natural shoreline has changed in many locations.   This can significantly reduce the safety of a hurricane hole.  

Every client who suffered a total loss or significant damage due to a hurricane was in a hurricane hole when the damage occurred.    I read about one hurricane hole in Puerto Rico  that was hit by the  eyewall of a category 4 hurricane.   In that storm over 60% of the 200 boats were severely damaged or sunk.   If you are hit with a Cat 4 or 5 storm a hurricane hole may provide very little protection.   Boats on shore are not immune to damage but it is usually much less severe.

The best choice is to simply get out of the way of an approaching hurricane.   Never attempt to move your boat unless you can make a safe harbour well ahead of the storm's forecasted arrival (24 hours minimum).   

If  moving  is not an option  the next best precaution is to haul the boat on shore in an area safe from storm surge.   Secure the boat by removing canvas, sails and other loose gear.  Hurricane tie-downs are also recommended.    If your boat has a drain plug make sure it is in.   

Only if moving or hauling out are not possible should you consider heading to  the closest hurricane hole.   Get there as early as possible and set your anchor with plenty of scope (7 to 1 minimum) and good chafing protection.   The most important consideration is that you never risk your life or that of your crew to protect the boat.   

If you tell your insurance company that your primary hurricane plan is to find the closest hurricane hole then you are going to be considered a high risk.  If you can get insurance it is going to be expensive. 

Everyone planning to head south should have a hurricane plan.  A good starting point for developing your hurricane plan is the Discover Boating Guide to Hurricane Preparation                                        

  www.discoverboating.com/resources/article.aspx?id=669

 Skippers Plan Insurance – Insuring your Boating Lifestyle