Towing a Tender from your Boat

Towing a Tender

By Randy Troutman On January 20, 2014 ·

Tenders are indispensable to boaters once they get to an anchorage or mooring. But they can also be bothersome while under way if you don’t have a davit system and you tow the tender behind your boat. Not to worry! Here are our tips for safely tying off your tender.

1. First, you need the right equipment. Make sure you have a long length of braided nylon line; this is the preferred line for towing because it has some stretch and will act as a “shock absorber” between the two vessels. It’s also very helpful if your tender has a reinforced tow eye or a bow cleat to which you can secure the line.

2. Next, take any loose articles out of your tender — oars, fishing gear, life preservers, seat cushions — and remove the outboard motor. These articles can come loose during transit and end up in the drink.

3. The most common method for towing a tender is to use a bridle. A bridle is a separate piece of nylon line that’s attached to both of the rear cleats of the towing boat. Leave enough slack so that the bridle becomes a “V” shape when the tow line is attached to its center. Make sure to attach your tow line to the bridle with a loop, or use a “D” ring, so that it can shift as the towing boat changes heading.

4. The opposite end of the line should be secured to the tow eye or bow cleat(s) of your tender. Run the line so that it comes directly off the craft’s bow. The tender should be towed a short distance from your boat. If you’re inland or entering a harbor, keep the line short so it won’t obstruct traffic. On the other hand, if you’re on open water, some extra distance is preferable as it will reduce tension on the line and splashes from choppy waters.

5. Tying buoys to the tow line will prevent it from sinking into the water and possibly fouling on your props or other debris, and will also help make it more visible to other boaters. The number of buoys needed will depend on the length of the line and size of the flotation devices, so test out your rig before you tow, tow, tow your boat.

Florida Approves Electronic ID Card for Auto Insurance

Florida is joining the ranks of 29 other states and allow drivers to show law enforcement officers their proof of automobile insurance through their cell phone and other electronic means.

In December, Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet signed-off on an administrative rule change implementing a law enacted in 2013 that allows drivers to show their proof of insurance electronically.

Although the law went into effect in July 2013, a previous administrative rule still required drivers to carry and display a printed insurance card.

Under the new rule, drivers will be allowed to display their insurance information via their cell phone, laptop, tablet or other device.

The Florida Uniform Traffic Citation Statistics Bureau reported that in 2012 drivers were issued 326,000 tickets for driving without proof of insurance. However, more than 250,000 of those tickets were later dismissed when the driver later produced proof of coverage.

According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, the 30 states that have adopted e-card laws and/or regulations are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

From Insurance Journal

FEMA Flood Insurance Update

To much dismay Congress has yet to vote on amending the Biggert-Waters Flood Act.  Currently new home purchases in pre-firm areas are feeling the full premium affect of the act.  Premiums that used to be $1200 a year on a $250,000 home are now $3000 plus. Existing   homeowners that were getting rate relief are now seeing  25% rate increase that will continue for the next four years.   Coastal states are pushing for private flood insurance . While it sounds promising I wouldn't hold my breath.   LLoyds of London does offer a private market flood insurance policy. The rates are bit lower than the FEMA rates with comparable coverage. For more information on  a private market flood insurance policy visit our website or email us at
matt@lehnandvogt.com

www.lehnandvogt.com

Flood Insurance Update

It looks like the hope of  a rollback of flood rates is quickly dying.  Congress has yet to put forth a Bill .

 

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Efforts to delay implementation of changes in the federal flood insurance program have run into roadblocks on both sides of Capitol Hill.
The leaders of the House Financial Services Committee say they are standing behind last year’s bipartisan legislation to put the flood insurance program on sounder financial footing even as the implementation of the law has sparked a chorus of complaints from constituents fearing spikes in premiums and plummeting home values.

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Flood Insruance and Real Estate

There has been alot of press and news about flood insurance rates and the negative impact on the real estate market.  The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 authorized the National Flood Insurance Program for 5 years until Septemeber 2017.  The Act itself is quite extensive.  In summary the major changes  affecting Florida properties are  as follows;
1. removal of subsidized rates(pre-FIRM Rates) Built Before Decemebr 31, 1974 by 25% a year until actuarial rates are acheived.
a.any residential property that is not the primary residence of the individual
b. any property with severe repetitive losses
c. any business property
d.any new policy or lapsed policy

2. Increase the limit of annual rate increases from 10 to 20 percent.

3. New flood mapping

The residential properties we are seeing being severly affected are those that are built before 1975 that are below the base flood elevation.  On average we are seeing homes in areas with a base flood elevation of 10 feet that are actually built 1- 1.5 feet below the base elevation. Premiums are increasing from $1500 a year to $3500 plus a year.  (Loss of subsidies and base flood requirement)

Many coastal and beach front homes built prior to 1975 are on average 1-2 feet below the base flood elevation. In addition to alot of these properties being used as secondary and rental homes property owners are being hit with a double whammy.

It is my recommendation that you consult with a licensed insurance agent prior to purchasing a property in Florida.

Their are alot of good deals on older properties.   While you may pay less for an older property at time of purchase..the insurancecost could kill you later. 

Matt Lehn
Lehn and Vogt Insurance Group
2980 S Mccall Rd
Englewood, FL 34224
941 698 8876

New Flood Insurance Rules

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpeqSQr3ngY&list=UUHMck7Qh7gAf7o4qnPu84IA&index=2

Good video on history of flood insurance and upcoming changes.

Rates are going up!

Home Insurance Exclusions

Home Insurance Exclusions:  

It’s important for every homeowner to know the ins and outs of his or her home insurance policy, but sometimes knowing what isn’t covered can be just as important as knowing what is.  

1. Mold Damage

Most home insurance companies exclude mold damage from their policies. Unlike a fire or tornado, insurers see mold damage as a problem that grows over time, and homeowners are expected to take preventive measures to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the home. If left unchecked, mold can cause structural damage to the home as well as serious health issues for residents.

2. Floods, Earthquakes, Landslides

As many homeowners found out in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, flood insurance is not covered under a standard home insurance policy. For protection against flood damage, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.

Earthquake and landslide damage are also notable home insurance exclusions. You will need separate coverage for damage caused by these perils.

3. Aggressive Dog Breeds

If your pet is a poodle or a Chihuahua, your home insurance company probably won’t bat an eye. Owning a pit bull, Rottweiler or other dangerous breed, however, may make it difficult—in some cases, impossible—to find home insurance coverage. Depending on your location, insurer and other factors, home insurance exlusions may apply to the following dog breeds:

 •Pit bulls

•Staffordshire Terriers

•Doberman Pinschers

•Rottweilers

•Chows

•Akitas

•Presa Canarios

•Wolf-hybrids

If you own a "blacklisted" breed, you may be charged more for coverage or denied a policy altogether; you can ask your insurer to exclude your dog, in which case you’ll be financially responsible for any damage it causes.

4. Neglect

Insurers expect homeowners to care for their homes and repair minor problems. This includes sealing cracks, minimizing water damage, fixing damaged pipes, scheduling regular inspections and more.

For example, if a storm causes your tree to fall onto your home, you’re probably covered. However, if your tree collapses onto your home because of a termite infection that went unchecked, you may be responsible for the resulting damage.

5. Sewage Backup

Infamous home insurance exclusions include sewer damage. For instance, if a toilet overflows and you have to hire a professional crew to mop up the mess, you’ll probably be left footing the bill. Sewage backup usually isn’t covered by home insurance unless you’ve purchased a separate rider.

6. Luxury Items

If you keep especially valuable items in your home, you probably need to purchase additional theft liability coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, most standard home insurance policies only cover up to $1,500 for damage or theft. Items that may require additional coverage include:

•Jewelry

•Antiques

•High-end electronics

•Collectibles

Contact your home insurance agent if you have items that requires additional coverage.

7. Power Outages

The most common and expensive damage occurs when power is restored and a surge of electricity floods the home’s circuits. These blasts of electricity can cause computers to lose information, electronic devices to overheat and large appliances to malfunction. In addition to making use of surge protectors, home insurance companies expect homeowners to unplug all sensitive electronic appliances and leave them unplugged until power is restored.

8. Intentional Damage by a Resident

Intentional damage caused by a resident of the home is not covered by home insurance. For instance, if your teenage daughter purposely sets fire to your home after a heated argument, you’re on your own to cover the losses.

9. War, Terrorism, Nuclear Attacks

If your home is destroyed in a riot, you’re probably covered for the damages. But if a foreign army, terrorist attack or nuclear meltdown damages or destroys your home, your home insurance policy won’t cover you.

10. Trampolines

Insurance companies consider trampolines to be an extreme risk to personal safety—and a lawsuit waiting to happen if a neighbor is injured while jumping on your trampoline. That’s why many home insurance companies refuse to extend coverage to trampolines, and your current insurer may threaten to cancel your policy if you purchase one.

11. Maintenance and Inherent Vice Exclusions

Termite or rodent damage, rust and rot, mold, general wear and tear and other property damage caused by neglect or improper maintenance is not covered under your standard homeowners policy. Damage from power outages, such as spoiled food, is also excluded. Poorly made or defective products are not covered, based on the inherent vice exclusion, which means external factors did not cause the loss.