Inadequate Boat Maintenance

Keeping a vessel in good working order is just as important as ensuring the operator of the vessel does so with abundant care and sufficient knowledge.

In order for a vessel to be safe, the boat and all its systems and equipment have to be maintained so they can perform as designed. Failure to do this is will lead to an unsafe boating experience with potential for disaster, and it’s unquestionably a form of negligence.

At Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, our boating injury attorneys know boats are expensive to buy and expensive to maintain. Regardless, a boat owner who provides inadequate boat maintenance should not allow that vessel to be taken to sea.

Inadequate boat maintenance leads to a host of serious and potentially fatal problems aboard boats in Florida.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports at least 108 of the reported 736 boating accidents in Florida in a recent year (about 15 percent) were related to some type of problem with the vessel parts or systems itself, including:

  • Machinery failure (cited in 60 accidents)
  • Hull failure (cited in 22 accidents)
  • Equipment failure (cited in 21 accidents)
  • Lack of proper lights (cited in 4 accidents)
  • Lack of vessel floatation (cited in 1 accident)

Just one example of how such a case could result in injury and subsequent litigation is that of Pankratz v. International Risk Management, Ltd. A couple was seated on a 46-foot sports boat when the back of the seat used by the husband suddenly broke and he fell backward, causing him to suffer serious injury. The boat, owned by defendant, was under supervision of a full-time captain, who later testified a hinge in the back of the seat was corroded and broken. Expert witness testimony at trial indicated that type of corrosion could only be caused by use of improper cleaning materials and failure to wash those chemicals fully off the hinge. The seat manufacturer’s owner manual indicates the seat hinges should be regularly inspected and all cleaning materials rinsed off with fresh water. Ultimately, jury awarded plaintiff $350,000 in damages from one defendant, while two other defendants settled for a total sum of $75,000.

Insurance Coverage

While insurance is not required for boat owners in Florida, it’s a good idea for a number of reasons. Not the least of these reasons is it can cover your liability for injuries to others if you are involved in a boat collision. Plus, a good policy can help protect your investment by covering the cost of necessary repairs.

However, boat operators who lag on routine maintenance could find themselves in deep trouble. Many policies will not extend coverage for repairs or liability if the damage is caused by improper maintenance or neglect of the vessel or its parts.

Other typical maintenance exclusions in policies are:

  • Gradual deterioration
  • Normal wear-and-tear
  • Mold, infestation damage from pests
  • Denting/chipping/scratching/marring/weathering
  • Corrosion or rust
  • Overheating of engines

Items or conditions that typically are included in most boat insurance policies are:

  • Lights
  • Batteries
  • Boat furniture
  • Deck chairs
  • Depth finders
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fuel Tanks
  • Horns
  • Life preservers
  • Boat and motor covers
  • Bilge pumps
  • Anchors
  • Fittings
  • Emergency signaling devices
  • Masts
  • Seat cushions
  • Motors
  • Oars
  • Spars
  • Tarpaulins
  • Mooring cleat & lines

Of course, the exact coverage will depend on the language of each individual policy.

Regardless of whether a piece of equipment or condition is covered for repair by an insurance company, it is ultimately the responsibility of the boat owner to ensure a vessel is seaworthy before allowing it to leave the dock.

Some general maintenance advice from boating industry insiders include:

  • Keep hull and decks clean and properly waxed. Fiberglass should be cleaned with freshwater and soap that is non-abrasive.
  • Aluminum and stainless parts should be cleaned and polished with a high-quality metal wax. Failure to do so can result in metals corroding quickly, particularly in salt water.
  • Make sure all bolts, screws and other fittings are secure.
  • Keep boat under cover in a garage, carport or storage unit if at all possible.
  • Change the oil regularly, adhering to minimum recommendations as outlined by the manufacturer.
  • Flush engine with freshwater after each saltwater operation.
  • Watch for the early stages of corrosion and take action to halt it as soon as possible.
  • Keep shafts and props clean and in proper working order.
  • Check all hull fittings and make sure the valves work and can be opened and closed.
  • Check pumps and impellers and be prepared for a failure.
  • Check for water and/or oil leaks before every single trip.
  • Look for and replace any hoses or belts that seem to be degrading.

Contact Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. There are no fees or costs unless we win. Offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples and Port Charlotte.

Call 800-646-1210 for a Free Consultation

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Bruce L. Scheiner and his team were the most friendly people I've ever met they genuinely cared about me... I highly recommend them Brooke Krause
★★★★★
I was really satisfied with services I received. Bruce is not only an attorney, but like family. He got me three times what I thought I would receive and was always there when I needed an answer on something. I'd say he is the best attorney I have dealt with in my 68 years. Harry Zulauf
★★★★★
I found working with the BLS firm to be a very good experience. They kept me informed on my case, answered all my questions, and were prompt when I needed assistance. Wendy Walker
★★★★★
I was in an accident and BLS was very helpful and gave a lot of support. If I had any questions, it was just a phone call away. Everyone in the office is very nice and helpful. Celeste Thompson
★★★★★
We had a wonderful experience with everyone here. The staff and attorneys were friendly, knowledgeable, and compassionate. They inquired about our injuries and our recovery. I would highly recommend their services! Heather Bair Daniels
★★★★★
I have nothing but good things to say about this law firm. I can honestly say that I am very satisfied with their work and my end results. I would absolutely recommend these set of attorneys to anyone. Thank you guys for all the hard work! Merida McDonald
★★★★★
BLS was incredibly helpful with my case, even during the hard challenging periods of my case Bruce & PJ were always just a call away. Even though they couldn't answer my call at that direct moment, they ALWAYS made a point to call me back. The staff at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner were always helpful and friendly, if they didn't have the answer they would always call me back with what I needed to know. Robert Drawdy
★★★★★
I was in a car accident and I seen his Advertisement on TV and I was very impressed of how kind and caring he really is to others and I called them and they took my case and they were very caring and understanding .. they were right on top of everything from being to end and the staff that works in the Fort Myers office were very friendly I would recommend them to a friend or family member if in need of a attorney... Thank you for your services and you made me feel like part of your family. Christina Mauro