Never try to enter a storm-affected marina or boat storage facility without
permission. This photo from the BoatUS Catastrophe Team shows Cove Harbor
Marina and Drystack in Rockport, Texas, which took a direct hit from Harvey
(credit: BoatUS).
How to Take Care of the Boat After Harvey
Aransas
Pass, Port Aransas, and Rockport hit hard; Salvage operations begun
With Hurricane
Harvey finally headed inland, the storm has left behind damaged recreational
boats in its wake. The BoatUS Catastrophe Team now on the ground in Texas
reports that Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, and Rockport are the hardest hit areas
for recreational boats and salvage operations have begun. To help affected boat
owners with the recovery effort, BoatUS has these tips to get
the salvage process started quickly to protect and preserve the value of any
boat harmed by the storm:
Remove
valuables. If your boat has washed ashore, remove as much equipment as possible and move
it to a safe place to protect it from looters and vandals. It’s a good idea to
put your contact information somewhere conspicuously on the boat – along with a
“No Trespassing” sign. However, for your safety, never climb in or on boats
that have piled up together or are dangling precariously from dock pilings or
other obstructions. And never try to enter a storm-affected marina or boat
storage facility without permission.
Minimize
further damage. Protect your boat from further water damage resulting from exposure to the
weather. This could include covering it with a tarp or boarding up broken
windows or hatches. As soon as possible, start drying out the boat, either by
taking advantage of sunny weather or using electric air handlers. All wet
materials, such as cushions, must be removed and saved for a potential
insurance claim. The storm may be gone, but the clock is ticking on mold
growth.
“Pickle”
wet machinery. Engines and other machinery that were submerged or have gotten wet should be
"pickled" by flushing with freshwater and then filled with diesel
fuel or kerosene. To learn how to pickle a boat motor, go to: BoatUS.com/hurricanes/pickle.
Consult
your insurance provider. If your boat is sunk or must be moved by a
salvage company, BoatUS recommends that boat owners should not sign any salvage
or wreck-removal contract without first getting approval from their insurance
company. That’s because proceeding without your insurer’s knowledge may
jeopardize your coverage.
The BoatUS Marine
Insurance Catastrophe Team is currently operating in the affected areas. All
BoatUS insurance customers have assistance available for post-storm recovery
and are urged to call the BoatUS Claims department at 800- 937-1937 as soon as
practical, or they may file a claim using the new BoatUS app or online at www.BoatUS.com/claims.