Analyzing Onboard Fire Claims
Onboard fires happen more than you’d think. Here’s what digging into the GEICO | BoatUS Marine Insurance claim files teaches us about preventing them. Fire ranked No. 5 among the causes of loss for GEICO | BoatUS Marine Insurance between 2015 and 2019. The majority of these fires started in a few very specific places […]
How Secure Is Your Boat?
Regardless of the boat you own, you want peace of mind when away. Here’s the latest and greatest in safety, security, and remote monitoring. Whether you’re talking about security and monitoring systems for homes, cars, or boats, new tech has made today’s options more numerous, easier to install and use, and far more comprehensive. Advances […]
5 Spring Claims To Avoid
Our GEICO | BoatUS Marine Insurance claim files highlight the most common springtime problems. Here’s how to avoid being one of our statistics. Last spring, a GEICO | BoatUS insured was readying his 27-foot cruiser for launch. He checked the bilge pump, fuel lines, and stuffing box and did his usual thorough inspection from bow […]
Onboard Communications Get More Effective
We review new technology that combines the functions of a VHF radio, DSC emergency signaling, MOB tracking, and an AIS system. Learn more about AIS and VHF radios through the BoatUS Foundation’s online courses. BoatUS Members save 20%. Visit BoatUS.org/Courses to access. The indispensable VHF radio (an acronym for Very High Frequency) lets boaters communicate […]
New Law Requires Skippers To Use Engine Cutoff Device
Federal safety rule, which goes into effect April 1, 2021, applies to boats less than 26 feet operating at plane or above displacement speed. Too many small powerboat operators leave the lanyard to the engine cutoff switch dangling uselessly unattached to the skipper. A new law, effective April 1, 2021, should go a long way […]
Analyzing Onboard Fire Claims
Onboard fires happen more than you’d think. Here’s what digging into the GEICO | BoatUS Marine Insurance claim files teaches us about preventing them. Fire ranked No. 5 among the causes of loss for GEICO | BoatUS Marine Insurance between 2015 and 2019. The majority of these fires started in a few very specific places […]
Streamlined Vessel Tracking Interface Launched
GOST Specter allows geo-fence control and alerts, remote arm/disarm functionality, and real-time GPS tracking of a vessel anywhere in the world. GOST (Global Ocean Security Technologies), manufacturer of marine security, tracking, monitoring, and video surveillance systems specializing in bluewater yachts, announced its next generation tracking system — the GOST Specter. The Specter interface is streamlined […]
Do I Really Need To Winterize?
If you look at the most recent GEICO | BoatUS Marine Insurance winterizing claims analysis over the last 10 years, the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. If you’re like most people, you probably think the colder states would have the most claims, but the GEICO | BoatUS Marine Insurance claims files show that the Lone […]
Outfit Your Dinghy
Taking the time to properly equip your lifeline to shore for safety will help ensure you don’t get caught short. We boat owners are generally more safety-conscious than the average Joe, particularly when it comes to planning our time on the water. From flares and life jackets to EPIRBs and radios, we outfit our vessels […]
The Importance Of Sunglasses
Sunglasses are critical gear for boaters, but with myriad types and brands, how do we nautical types make the best pick? If you want to know how important sunglasses are for boaters, just ask Anderson Cooper (yes, that Anderson Cooper). In late 2012 he went out on a boat in Portugal without sunglasses and got […]
