Plain sailing to secure and maintain boats
29 July 2008
As Cowes Week sets sail this weekend, both skilled and amateur sailors across the country will be taking to the water to revive their passion for boating. However few pastimes come with the security, maintenance and safety issues of sailing. To help new and existing boat owners, Saga Boat Insurance has produced a 24 page ‘Guide to protecting your boat'.

The free booklet, available online at saga.co.uk/boat covers everything from buying a new or second hand boat, maintenance of a vessel, security and safety issues and selling a boat.

Marine crime is on the increase in every area of the country so the guide contains useful tips to protect your belongings via security devices and precautions, plus advice on what to do if your boat is stolen.

As well as being at risk of crime, moored boats can also fall victim to floods or high winds that can carry a boat away from its moorings or cause serious damage. The guide includes recommendations to prevent such issues for boats moored in marinas and riverbanks.

Investing in a boat is more akin to buying a house than a car so Saga guides readers through the process of commissioning the building of a new boat, to ensuring that a second hand investment is viable. After the initial outlay, the maintenance of boats is also not cheap, so expert technical advice is included on maintaining all parts of a vessel, from the hull and superstructure, to fixtures and fittings, sails and the engine.

To request a guide or to discuss insuring your boat with a Saga expert please visit saga.co.uk/boat or call 0800 559 3194.

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