Boat owners in Florida face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their vessels from damage. While rivers and lakes are plenty, easy access to the ocean means that hundreds of thousands of boaters take to the seas each year. The corrosive nature of ocean saltwater can cause significant harm to boats, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards. Today, we will explore the causes and effects of saltwater damage on boats in Florida, as well as provide valuable tips for preventing such damage.
How Saltwater Can Damage Florida Boats
Salt water damage can have significant and costly effects on boats. Its’ corrosive nature (caused by, you guessed it, salt) can cause metal components to deteriorate much faster than exposure to freshwater. If left untreated, structural damage, such as weakened hulls and rusted parts, is not uncommon, springing up and hampering the boat’s performance and stability. Additionally, saltwater can also damage electrical systems and equipment on board.
Saltwater damage and corrosion will likely occur after exposure to saltwater for extended periods – either docked in the water or near a large body of saltwater. Even on dry land, saltwater can find its way through the air and land on nearby surfaces, boats included.
Preventing Saltwater Damage To Florida Boats
To protect your boat from this type of damage, you can take several proactive steps. First, make sure to rinse your boat thoroughly with fresh water after each use in saltwater. This will help remove the dangerous salt residue and slow or eliminate corrosion entirely. You should also maintain a thorough coat of protective wax on the exterior of your boat to provide an extra layer of defense against saltwater.
Just because you take the proper steps doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be vigilant. Regularly inspect and maintain your boat’s hull, propellers, and other metal components to identify and address any signs of corrosion or damage. Once repairs are complete, store your boat in a dry and covered area when not in use to minimize exposure to seawater and other environmental elements.
Does My Boat Insurance Cover Saltwater Corrosion?
Despite saltwater being a regular part of boating, saltwater corrosion is not generally covered in basic Florida boat insurance plans. Commonly, boat insurance policies cover physical damage to the vessel, collision or sinking, theft and vandalism, bodily injury or death, and liability loss.
However, many other issues arising from age or maintenance are not covered. These include general wear and tear, corrosion, weathering, mechanical, electrical, and structural breakdowns, mold, mildew, or intentional damages. If you think about it, it does make sense – car insurance policies are unlikely to cover damages to your car directly caused by a lack of maintenance and cleaning.
Does this mean you are out of luck when it comes to saltwater corrosion and damage to your boat? Of course not! As we talked about, your first line of defense is proper care. However, in the realm of insurance, it is possible to find policies that include saltwater corrosion coverage. The downside? Higher premiums. In addition, they may place requirements on maintenance, such as regular coating applications.
Just like any other type of insurance, the perfect policy for your situation might not be the one that has every single type of coverage possible. It is all about weighing the risks, costs, and peace of mind you get from a policy. If you need help deciding what type of boat insurance is perfect for you, contact the team at Anderson and Associates Insurance Group today.
