A lay-up period is the time a boat is out of the water, usually for the winter season, ie. it’s laid up on jack stands or a cradle. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this is typically between October and May. Most insurance carriers require a lay-up in Canada meaning you are required to either remove your boat from the water or if it is staying in water have a bubbler system installed.
Remember, though, even with a bubbler system the peril of freezing while the watercraft is afloat or during any lay-up period is always excluded. For a full discussion on your watercraft policy reach out to your Account Manager.
Courtesy: Deice Air Canada
Boat Winterization Tips
To help prepare yourself for winterization, consider these tips from Discover Boating:
- Start by prepping your engine; ensure all water has been drained and removed.
- Apply corrosion protection to your engine.
- Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions, and complete fogging, if needed.
- Add a fuel-stabilizing additive to your fuel system; then run the engine.
- Change your engine’s fuel filters and any fuel/water separators in the system.
- Drain your boat’s freshwater plumbing systems (sinks, tanks, and heads).
- Add antifreeze to your plumbing systems.
- Ensure water is removed from all additional systems (raw water washdowns, livewells, bilge pump, etc.).
- Remove drain plugs.
- Cover your boat or place it into winter storage.
Expert Advice from Wedgwood Insurance
There’s more to insurance than the price of the policy and Wedgwood goes above and beyond for our clients with expert advice you can trust, but don’t take our word for it. There’s a reason we’re Newfoundland & Labrador’s most trusted insurance broker.
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