Boating and Sailing

The same rules apply to boating as to driving a car: know the rules and drive defensively. Here are some common sense tips for people who own boats or rent them:

General Tips

• Take a course in boating safety. Make sure it is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Know who has the right of way. Sailboats and working boats such as ferries, freighters and fishing boats, always have the right of way in a seaway. All of these boats are much less maneuverable than powerboats.
• Know how to read channel markers and how to pass oncoming boats.
• Make sure you have enough appropriate safety gear on board at all times such as life jackets for all occupants, including juniors and adults. Also, have a hand-held VHF radio on board in case the battery dies. Channels 9 and 16 are usually used for emergencies.
• Keep fire extinguishers and emergency rations, particularly fresh water, on board at all times. Do not forget to have flares, blankets and a raft, if room allows. Know how to fill the raft before you leave the harbor.
• Designate a driver who will not drink. The combination of sun exposure and alcohol is a dangerous mix.
• For boat owners, check to make sure that you have adequate insurance

Insurance Tips
Most homeowners insurance policies have coverage for both physical damage and personal liability coverage for watercraft. Your company may limit the size or horsepower of the covered watercraft. Be certain to verify the limitations on your policy before setting out to sea. Most insurance companies limit 'covered' watercraft by their size. For motorboats, most commonly covered watercraft are limited to 25 horsepower or less. Sailboats are generally limited to 26 feet overall length and less.

If your boat does not fit within your homeowners policies limitations you can obtain coverage by purchasing a separate ocean marine policy either from your homeowners insurance carrier or through a specialty carrier such as Boats U.S. Keep in mind any excess or umbrella policies you may have in force which might require the underlying liability limit to be $300,000 or more.

Learn more about Homesite's homeowners policies .