How to Prepare Your Boat for the Upcoming Season
Ontario boaters are gearing up to get back on the water as the long weekend approaches. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to the world of watercraft, prepping your vessel before launch is essential for a safe and enjoyable season.
From routine maintenance to reviewing your watercraft insurance, here’s a guide to help you get set for smooth sailing this year.
Pre-Season Boat Maintenance
A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding headaches down the line. Before your first launch, take the time to inspect and maintain these key areas:
Hull & Exterior: Walk around your boat and look for cracks, blisters, dents, or signs of wear. Clean off any marine growth or debris left over from last season.
Engine & Mechanical Systems: Inspect the engine, propeller, fuel lines, and filters. Replace worn parts, top up fluids, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Safety Equipment: Ensure your fire extinguisher is in working order, distress signals and flares are up to date, and all navigation lights and horns are functioning. Most importantly, ensure there is a properly fitted lifejacket or PFD for everyone on board. For guidance, visit Transport Canada's Choosing Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) page.
Navigation Tools: Double-check that your GPS, charts, and compasses are current and in working order.
Electrical Systems: Test your onboard electronics, battery connections, and wiring to prevent electrical issues on the water.
Why Watercraft Insurance Matters
Once your boat is ready to launch, don’t forget one of the most important steps: reviewing your watercraft insurance. While boat insurance isn’t mandatory in Ontario, it’s often required by marinas, lenders, and storage facilities—and it provides essential peace of mind.
Boating accidents, weather damage, theft, or liability claims can lead to costly repairs and legal expenses. The right insurance coverage protects you, your vessel, your passengers, and your wallet.
R.K. Mooney’s Watercraft Insurance Solutions
At R.K. Mooney Insurance Brokers, we’ve been helping boaters across Barrie, Simcoe County, and surrounding areas protect their watercraft for over 40 years. Whether you own a jet ski, fishing boat, sailboat, or yacht—if it floats, it should be insured.
We partner with trusted insurance providers to find you comprehensive coverage at competitive rates. Your policy can include:
Third-Party Liability: This coverage is for if you are found responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property while operating your watercraft. It typically covers legal fees, medical expenses, and property damage claims.
Physical Damage: This component covers repairing or replacing your personal watercraft if it's damaged or destroyed due to covered perils such as collisions, storms, or theft.
Wreck Removal: In the event of a covered loss, this coverage helps pay for removing your sunken or damaged watercraft from the water.
Emergency Services & Towing: This coverage assists with the cost of towing your disabled watercraft to the nearest repair facility and covers emergency services like fuel delivery or jump-starts.
Personal Property: This optional coverage protects your personal belongings on the watercraft, such as fishing equipment, clothing, or other personal items.
Uninsured Watercraft: If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured boater, this coverage helps pay for your medical expenses and property damage.
Ready to Launch? Let’s Talk Insurance.
Before you set sail this season, take a moment to review your marine insurance policy. Does it still meet your needs? Are you covered for all the activities you plan to enjoy?
Our team at R.K. Mooney Insurance Brokers is here to help you navigate your options and make sure you're protected every step of the way. If you have questions or need a quote, contact us at 705-726-9941 or info@mooneyinsurance.ca. You can also visit our Watercraft Insurance page for more details.
For more information on boating safety, visit Transport Canada’s official boating safety page. You can also download the Discover Boating app on your smartphone for key boating rules, guidelines and best practices to help you and your family stay safe on the water.