You may be in a rush to get your vessel put away for the winter.  But rushing now could very well mean trouble next spring and could even delay that much-anticipated  first-of-the-season cruise.

Some things to fix now:

• That wire that’s been hanging loose for the past month
• That bulb that keeps blinking on and off but doesn’t bother you now.
• That patch of rust on the deck that you keep thinking should be primed and painted.
• That one instrument that you’ve not relied on because it keeps acting up.
• That bilge pump that won’t come on when you flip the switch.
• That loose cleat that you think may not break just yet.
• The microwave oven in the galley that burns everything unless you watch it.
• That spotlight that blinks off when you turn it a certain way.
• Those steps where the non-skid has pulled away.
• That companionway entrance that you nearly trip through -- every time.
• That pad eye on deck that your new crew trips over -- every time.
• Those hoses that never seem to get coiled and hung out of the way.

Take the time now to get out the wire ties and fix those loose wires. Paint out those areas that need attention plus make contrasting colors where there’s a step in the deck or companionway. Put padding above that bulkhead entrance hatchway. Find where that instrument is shorting out or replace it, someday it may save your vessel and your life.

Source: Gene McKeever, Allen Insurance and Financial.

Always feel free to call your insurance agent with questions.  

Allen Insurance and Financial is an employee-owned insurance, employee benefits, and financial services company with offices in Camden, Rockland and Southwest Harbor. Call 800-439-4311.