by Dick Werner, ACBS Director

I thought it would be interesting to find out what types of boating accidents commonly occur and what common denominators contribute to these unfortunate experiences with our boats. Then the obvious is to figure out what we can do to prevent them.

What better place to find this information than through a marine insurance company. I put a call into Carla Gernhofer and Christopher Schmaltz at Hagerty Classic Marine Insurance. Two days later I received the information I was looking for.

Before you turn the page I assure you I’m not going to bore you with a bunch of statistics.

Better than a third of the claims last year were within the first 12 months and two-thirds were within in the first 24 months of purchasing the policy. Most of these policies were owned by first time policyholders that were new to our wonderful world of antique and classic boating. The majority of these new policy claims were not for collisions with another boat out in the open water, but rather for hitting another boat or dock coming or going in a marina.

By now you have the picture. The novice boat owner who either just acquired the boat or recently finished its restoration and is looking forward to the first ride in their boat that is probably still smelling of its last coat of varnish or paint. Most of us can remember our maiden voyage with all of our excitement, enthusiasm – maybe a little over-confident with our first piece of floating mahogany that oftentimes seems to have a mind of its own. We give it the throttle as we cast off and unfortunately leave a little varnish or paint on the dock, or worse yet, some of our cherished wood. If the new owner is lucky enough to leave the dock without a scratch, just watch out when they return. They may come into the marina with the throttle set too high, and don’t yet know how the shifting lever can be your friend or your foe when docking.
Fortunately most of these accidents don’t result in human fatalities. They sure can create some discouragement with newcomers to our wonderful hobby when they end up with a few side planks that have been forced into a different position and a new vent hole in the hull that wasn’t originally there.

These newcomers need help. The chapters, if they don’t already have one in place, need some type of in-water classes on safely docking that include maneuvering boats in the close quarters of a marina. At least have a buddy system where experienced boaters can team up with the new member and help them on their maiden voyage. We want them to look back on the experience as memorable fun instead of a memorable disaster.

This in-their-boat driving course is not to take the place of a Coast Guard or Power Squadron safety course. That is a separate but very important part of our overall boating safety, especially for new members.

We know that there will be those new wooden boat owners who do not feel that they need help because they also own or have owned a plastic boat with an out-drive. We all know there is a big difference between driving with an out-drive versus one of our older in-boards. You may have to use a little diplomacy, but extend out that hand of help. In the end they will be appreciative, but probably will never totally realize how you kept them from having an abrupt end to their boating season.

Not nearly as frequent, but also significant, are trailer accidents. Louise and I have participated in quite a few boat shows and are amazed at the number of beautifully restored boats brought in on trailers that are one step away from the junk yard. The weakest part of the older trailers, and consequently the part that contributes to many of the wrecks, is the old worn out trailer hitch. In addition there are worn out or too lightweight safety chains and fasteners. Most of us take care of the brakes, bearings, lights, and tires but figure that the hitch will last as long as the rest of the trailer. Take your older trailer into a trailer shop and have the hitch inspected and replaced if necessary.

In closing, extend your experienced boating hand to the new boat owners and help them on their maiden voyage. Before you hit the road this spring with your older trailer, do a close inspection of the hitch and consider replacing it if you have any doubts. And dig out last spring’s Rudder and go over the safety checklist before you put the boat in the water this season.

My appreciation to Hagerty Marine Insurance for some of the information used in this article.