Boating is a great adventure that many of us enjoy. However, owning and operating a boat is a great responsibility. There are many reasons to become informed about the rules of the water, and it is always a good idea to take a boating safety course.
While cruising the water in your boat, the last thing you want to worry about is insurance. That is why we are here. We are always happy to answer any questions and take care of your boating insurance needs. We have policies for most types of boats, including bass boats, cruisers, fishing boats, pontoons, runabouts, sailboats, catamarans, and utility boats.
We have several insurance carriers who provide for local navigation and extended navigational territories. Availability varies by state, type of vessel and by experience.
Marine Insurance can cover damage to your boat, motor, trailer, and personal effects in the boat. Available coverage includes liability, medical payments, injury to a water skier and damage to the boat itself, sometimes called hull coverage. Availability varies by state and by insurance company. Even though boat insurance premiums are low, shopping your rate can sometimes save a substantial amount.
Boating Safety Courses
A boating safety course will teach you about safety equipment, and what equipment you are required to have on your boat before you undertake any boating excursion. This is very important because if you do not have the proper equipment with you, you could find yourself in a situation you are unable to handle.
You will learn that driving a boat is vastly different from driving a car, because you are dealing with air and water currents. If you have never docked a boat, you may think that it is easy until the current pulls you in the opposite direction. Understanding air and water currents will help you learn how to maneuver and dock your boat.
Knowing how to work with lines and tying knots is part of boating. You have to be able to secure a boat properly. If your boat gets loose, it is amazing how quickly the current will take it out of your reach, and you will probably require the assistance of another boater to help you get to it. So, learn your knots.
You will learn what the channel markers mean. Many first time boaters learn the hard way when their boats run aground outside the markers.
There are speed limits on certain waterways, but unlike the roads, they may or may not be posted. Ignorance may not be enough to get you out of a ticket.
Just like on the roads, there is the right of way. In a boating course, you will learn who has the right of way, and why.
There are boating regulations and laws that must be followed by all boaters. For example, you are not allowed to sit on the bow of the boat with your feet hanging overboard. There are many more regulations to learn, and not knowing them can cost you.
Anchoring a boat is not just a matter of plopping the anchor down to the sand. There is a mathematical technique applied to anchoring that has to do with the size and length of your boat. Knowing how to do this correctly will give you that extra assurance of knowing your boat is going nowhere until you want to move it.
We are Independent Agents, free to choose the best carrier for your insurance needs. We do not work for an insurance company; we work for you. We work on your side when you have a loss and follow through to see that you get fair, prompt payment and service. Allen & Furr Insurance & Wealth Management represents a carefully selected group of financially strong, reputable insurance companies, therefore, we are able to offer you the best coverage at the most competitive price.