Tips and advice - Motor cruiser insurance

Towergate Mardon has been providing boat insurance for over a quarter of a century, so we are well placed to advise on how to help reduce the risk of claims and provide tips for trouble free boating.

Here are some key tips:

General tips for Motor cruisers

• Check your Motor cruiser engine and fuel before every trip
• Tell others where you are going
• Carry communication equipment – regularly check that the equipment is working
• Make regular checks on tides and weather. Conditions can change rapidly
• Carry buoyancy aids on your Motor cruiser
• Make sure your craft is well maintained and its’ engine is serviced regularly
• Carry flares and notify someone of your expected return time when putting out to sea
• Mark your possessions on board your motor cruiser, preferably with electronic system such as Datatag
• During laid up periods remove all covers and spray hoods. Where possible use a suitable cradle for the Motor Cruiser

Ropes and rigging tips for Motor cruisers

• Ensure that tape is not covering stainless steel to avoid corrosion
• Change worn ropes especially at points of contact and friction
• Green ropes can easily be washed
• Replace worn splices especially those caused by stainless shackles
• Check for signs of any UV degradation especially if the core of the rope is exposed

Guardwines tips for Motor cruisers

• Check the wires are not damaged at the ends or at the top of the stanchions
• Replace plastic covered galvanised guardwires for plastic covered stainless steel as you cannot be sure what corrosion is taking place under the plastic

Hull and deck fittings for Motor cruisers

• Where possible replace mild hose clips with stainless steel and regular check the tightness. Double clips are preferable
• Regularly check and unblock the anchor and cockpit locker drains and the loose hoses and clips especially during the autumn and winter or after long periods of use
• Ensure that deck fittings have adequate backing plates on load bearing components and clevis pins are regular checked, tightened and secured

Machinery & Engine controls tips for Motor cruisers

• Regular check the stern gland for gaiter failure as this gradually waters so the packing and gaiter clips should be doubled up
• Ensure that the propeller locking pin is not corroded by ensuring that adequate cathodic protection is provided which also needs routine maintenance
• Inspect and replace stiff, worn and corroded engine and steering controls as part of routine maintenance. Lubricate and ensure free running
• During laid up periods safeguard the engine as per the manufactures instructions and drain down cooling systems

Anchoring tips for Motor cruisers

• Check that the anchor is the right size and weight for the Motor Cruiser. Also check the length, weight and condition of the warp chain shackles. As a general guide the chain needs to be 3 to 4 times the depth of water and the warp 6 to 8 times. With tidal waters in the UK this should be based on the maximum possible depth. Also consider the conditions, rough weather or increased windage which will require more length. If it doubt let it out
• The measuring of chain and warp can be done with paint, tags with the respective motor cruiser length between each marking
• To stop the “snubbing” of the warp considering lowering a weight or “chum” down the chain to help dampen the snatching
• Consider the anchoring location and conditions such as offshore wind, the sea bed type and the location of any obstructions. Also allow for a 360 degree swing and other boats lines

For more information on this motor cruiser insurance policy please go to the details and documents section.