Big freeze sinks or ruins many yachts
- Fri, 5 Feb 2010
- Comments (3)
The numbers of yachtsmen claiming for damage caused by split or fractured pipes is 'alarmingly high' report insurers Navigators & General.
N&G fear it could be an indication of worse to come as owners start to return to inspect their boats after the thaw. Some boats will be damaged catastrophically others will have sunk.
Frost damage is not automatically covered by all insurance companies, and gradual incursion of water is a common exclusion.
If frost damage is covered insurance polices normally insist that "machinery is winterised according to manufacturers recommendations" If not available than the advice of a qualified engineer should be sought, but taking no precautions is just asking for trouble.
For heating systems and fresh water tanks these should be drained and where possible taps left in an open position to allow for expansion.
Just like cars any "closed loop" cooling system needs to have antifreeze added and replaced (per manufacturers guidelines) Not only will this minimise the risk of splits or fractures associated with freezing water, but it will also improve the cooling efficiency and minimise corrosion risk to the engine.
Where raw water (drawn from the river) cooling systems are in place these should be properly drained down by briefly running the engine when out of the water to ensure the system is empty.
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Latest comments
February 12 17:47
Stephen Foxall.
Are these claims but another case of people not being responsible for their own actions? If a boat is to be laid up, or left for a period of time, over the winter period there are preparatins to be made. Most boating mags run advice articles each year. If an owner chooses not to look after his/her boat properly why should insureres pay for the lowners lack of reasonable care?
February 15 17:47
Simon Holmes
Quite, however yacht insurance is the only insurance which does not cover these eventualities. I am responsible for my actions - I pay a huge amount of money to insure my boat( far more than either house or car) and given the Standard Yacht Clauses which all companies use, apart from Pantainious, one is entitlted to wonder what they will pay out for. Surely if you forget to leave a tap open and the pipe bursts the company should pay up why else be insured.
February 16 17:50
steve hunt
I agree with Stephen Foxall.....but do remember that it is the policy holders in general who pay for stupidity.we can all make mistakes or get caught in exceptional circumstances but...come on, take some reponsibility and look after your property. Why should anyone pay out for stupidity of others?