Gale warning

Published: Thursday, 03 February 2011
MANY narrowboats in addition to cruisers have canopies, and with gale force winds and gusts approaching 100mph forecast in parts of the UK this weekend, boaters are being warned.

Pleasure craft Insurers Navigators & General (N&G) are warning boat owners to be prepared, Pam Pickett tells us.

Midlands and North of England

Meteorological reports made available to N&G are indicating that gusts close to 92mph and sustained wind speed of 57mph across much of the Midlands and North of England, Scotland and Ireland mean there is considerable risk of damage to ill prepared boats that will not necessarily be covered by insurance.

Most policies exclude damage to canopies and covers or sails split by the wind because of the high frequency of such incidents so this is a particular area where owners should take precautions.

Advice

N&G offers the following advice in the main areas that can be effected:

  • Whatever mooring type you have, ensure that you have the correct size and type of lines fitted for your boat and 'double up lines' in preparation for strong winds. You should regularly be checking for wear and replace lines if in any doubt.
  • Inland boats should also check mooring points ashore to ensure they are adequate, and consider using additional points.
  • Any boat moored (or stored) under a tree could be at risk if the tree is rotten or badly kept. If possible move your boat.
  • Ensure that your fenders are at the correct height and are well secured. Attach more fenders if you can.
  • If possible, (and safe) remove sails, spray hoods, dodgers and canopies.
  • If you cannot get to your boat then it would not hurt to contact your yard or marina and ask them to check your boat and adjacent boats during the gales
  • It is always better to have more notice of strong winds, but short notice is better than no notice at all. Without putting yourself at risk N&G hope that some quick checks (or a call to the yard) and some preventative action will prevent damage and claims if the forecast strong winds come in.