By Mark Dawson

Boat-owners may be advised to ensure a lack of insurance does not leave their finances sunk, following the results of a new study.

In research carried out by Saga it was revealed that hitting an underwater object while out in the water will set the average boat-owning consumer back by 2,419 pounds. Additionally, it was indicated that some three per cent of insurance claims on a boat have resulted from a craft sinking. Other popular claims on a boat insurance policy were indicated as including incurring accidental damage while cruising, a vessel flooding while in a moored position and wind damage.

Following on from a lack of insurance, those consumers who find that their vessel has been the target of theft or has been struck while at sea may find that they have to dip into their own pockets to pay for repairs and to replace items. In turn, this might have an impact upon their capacity to meet other areas of financial demand such as personal loans, credit and store cards, mortgage repayments and household bills.

The threat of criminals was also advised as another consideration for boating Brits to take into account. According to Saga theft is the second most frequent event that consumers will claim for. Overall, the typical claim for a burglary costs 1,820 pounds. However, to help protect against this seafarers were advised to ensure that outboard motors and life rafts are secured to the main vessel with good quality chains and locks. Meanwhile, not leaving items loose on deck or in the cockpit was also recommended. In addition, consumers were advised that the boat trailers which are attached to cars are often a target for thieves and that to protect their vehicles they should fit a trailer lock to the hitch and purchase a wheel clamp.

Furthermore, the financial services provider pointed to police reports claiming that items made from bronze and copper are becoming increasingly sought after by criminals. This was attributed to the rising value of such materials in recent years. Consequently, Saga reminded consumers that boats often contain features such as plaques, bells and statues which can be made from hard-wearing bronze and are often in open view. “Whilst it’’s not feasible to remove or store these items without difficulty, it’’s worth being aware that trying to mask them from view may make the opportune thief look elsewhere for easier pickings,” the firm asserted.

With the warmer months beginning to arrive, those Britons looking to take to the water and buy a boat might wish to consider getting a low-rate secured loan. By selecting a loan, borrowers may be able to purchase the vessel of their dreams quickly, leaving them with an affordable level of repayments to make. In addition, the financial assistance that a secured loan provides could help budding boatsmen and women to take out a comprehensive boat insurance policy. A secured loan could also be of help to those buying a car, after a moneysupermarket survey revealed that if the approximate 425,000 new cars bought last month were paid for via a loan instead of a forecourt finance deal then drivers could avoid paying an additional 420 million pounds in interest.

About The Author

Mark Dawson writes for Loan-Arrangers .co.uk where visitors can compare loans online. Then apply for the best secured loans and bad credit loans available.