Tuning Up for Wiper Season

[Slowretrieve]

Today is 18 Feb 2007 and there are just 31 days until offical Spring. Time to tune your stuff.

I think it is a good idea to make sure the boat motor is running so you aren't one of those guys you always see in the spring hanging around the ramp with your buddy with the cowling off the motor staring at a machine you know damn good an well you only half understand, scratching your head and occasionally scratching his before giving up an shore fishing for the afternoon, then going home emptyhanded. At a minimum, charge your batteries, change your plugs and your fuel filter, start the engine to be sure it runs okay, and enjoy your day.

You will also want to tune up your boat insurance policy. Check your dedctibles and change them to the lowest possible-in most areas boat insurance is relatively cheap anyway. Why not spend $6-12 a year and have a low deductible. While you're at it, check to see if your carry-on equipment is covered, namely your tackle, poles, etc. Most boat policies exclude it, but you can buy the coverage for a few dollars more. If you have one of those insurance companies that add your boat protection to your homeowners or renters insurance, consider changing to a boat-specific policy. Chances are, if you do not, you probably will not be happy with any claims made on your homeowners policy, especially when your premium jumps 15-20% for filing a homeowner claim. On the same subject, if you have a lot of fishing equipment in the garage, say 30 or more fishing pole and the tackle to go with them, take photos or videos of all that stuff and keep the photos in your desk drawer at work. If your house burned, no rational claims rep would believe a normal person would have all that gear. You want to have some way of substantiating your claim. Also check on the internal limits for sporting goods equipment on your policy. Most policies have dollar limits. If you fish much, you are probably over the limit and at risk. Ask your company to up that limit to cover what you have.
And finally, don't assume that your auto policy will cover your boat, too. It probably will cover it so long as the boat is being towed, but the moment you launch, you have no coverage. The moment you disconnect from the pickup, you have no coverage.

Just a few things to keep in mind as the 2007 fishing season approaches.