Heading to the Dock of the Bay (aka How to Dock Your Boat!)

Prior planning and practice will not only keep you and your passengers safe and protect your boat, but will also preserve your appearance as a skillful boater. Prior to getting underway, you should implement docking and undocking plans with the help of your passengers. You should consider the traffic in the area, the direction of wind and current and the depth of the water. Do not assume that your passengers have the same experience that you have. Be specific and give direction if you ask for their help.

When the wind or current is pushing your boat away from the dock the procedure is simple.
1. Cast off lines and pull in fenders as the wind blows you away.
2. When clear and safely away from the dock and other boats, shift to forward and depart at idle speed.
3. Be careful to make sure you have been pushed safely away and that the stern will not hit the dock as you motor forward and turn. Remember: A boat does not steer like a car, it pivots on its axis.
4. Once you are clear of the dock, stow lines and fenders so they will not be in the way or pose a tripping hazard. Be sure to control speed when leaving the dock and check for other boats, swimmers or other obstacles.

Before approaching the dock, one end of the docking lines should be secured onboard; fenders readied and speed reduced. If the wind is onshore (blowing toward the dock), the boat is brought to a position parallel to the dock and about two feet off. The wind will blow the boat in. It can then be secured by bow, stern and spring lines. If the wind is offshore (blowing away from the dock), you should approach the dock at a 20 to 30 degree angle. A bow line is passed ashore and secured. In boats with an outboard, or inboard/outboard engine, the engine is turned towards the dock and put in reverse. This will bring the stern into the dock. The boat can then be secured with the stern line. The procedure is different for boats with inboard engines. The rudder will be used to bring the stern in. To push the stern in using the rudder, attach an after bow spring to keep the boat from moving forward. With the engine idling forward, turn the wheel away from the dock as illustrated below. Since the boat cannot move forward and the rudder is pushing the stern in, the boat will pin itself against the dock while you secure the other lines. All maneuvers are more easily accomplished if the boat has twin engines, rather than a single engine.

Traveling the inland waterways can be a pleasant experience but can also bring some special challenges especially for larger boats and sailboats. Dealing with draw bridges takes some knowledge of how the system works and knowing what you are looking for. As you approach a bridge there are several thing that you should look for. You should check the right side of the bridge opening for the "clearance board". This will give you the minimum clearance, in feet, from the water level to the bridge structure. This will determine whether you can clear the bridge or will need to have it open (You should know the vertical height of your boat prior to getting to the bridge). Even if you can navigate under the bridge with plenty of clearance, always slow down and do so at idle speed. You can not see if another boater is on the other side, out of view, until the boat suddenly darts out into the bridge channel.

Boating safety courses are always recommended and most insurance companies offer discounts on your policy when you provide evidence that you've taken the course. When it comes to being on the water, you can never fully predict what could happen.

Because boats and jet skis may not be in use year round, many people forget to keep their insurance policies active on these. Is your insurance active? Be sure to check. If you don't have insurance, now is the time to purchase. In todays society this valuable coverage is extremely important for your protection and well being. For the best rates and service, be sure to contact your local agents and trusted choice for insurance at one of our 3 Southgroup Insurance coastal locations.

 

If you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,

FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

 

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Anchors Away! Boat Safety Checklist

We are now into that time of year when our water ways are a lot more active, particularly on holiday weekends. Are you prepared? Here are some items that should be on your check list before heading off to sea:

Do you have working fire extinguishers that are filled and easily accessible?


Do you have enough life vests for all of your passengers and are they all in proper working condition?


Is the fuel system properly grounded at the filter, tank, deck, pump, and is the tank free from any contaminants or leaks?


Is Engine compartment and engine clean and free of oily rags or flammable materials?


Do you have your anchor safely stored but easily accessible and do you have a back-uup anchor?


Are loose items on your boat properly secured?


Has your electrical system been checked and approved recently by a professional?


Will bilge pump(s) adequately remove water in emergency and do you have a manual backup? Do you check bilges frequently and not rely on automatic pumps?


Inspect sea valves for smooth operation and Handles are attached to valves for quick closure.


Inspect Hoses for good condition and Double hose-clamps below the waterline.


Have you made a personal checklist for your boat? Only you know what's stored on your boat. If you have a grill on your boat, for instance, you want to check this secured and if propane is used you will need to be sure it's tightly sealed.

If you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,

FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

 
Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Oh the Woes of Wind Driven Rain :(

Most insurance policies contain limitations of coverage for "wind driven rain".

It is important for consumers to be aware of this common provision in the event of a loss, but most policyholders do not understand the differences between rising water or wind driven rain when it comes to water damage. If your property has water damage, you just want resolution without needing a translator. Consumers often think that their property insurance policies should be common sense; if the interior of their insured building is damaged, it should be covered. But, insurance policies are filled with legal jargon that present challenges for the policyholder to translate.

Simply put, wind driven rain is damage caused by rain that was propelled by wind through the window seals or door seals. In other words, if the wind was not in the equation, the water would never have made it into the dwelling to cause damage. According to the National Flood Insurance Program; "When rain enters through a wind-damaged window or door, or comes through a hole in a wall or roof, the NFIP considers the resulting puddles and damage to be windstorm-related, not flood-related. Flood insurance covers overflow of inland or tidal waters and unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source." Determining if damage to your dwelling was caused by water that blew in sideways or water that seeped in via gravity is a whole new mystery. In calm weather raindrops fall vertically, but in windy weather, raindrop paths are angled. The amount of rain striking a structure at an angle can be a very damaging source of moisture.

The windstorm coverage, according to Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association, covers "direct physical loss(es) to the property covered caused by windstorm and/or hail" but "does not cover loss to the inside of a building caused by rain, water, unless the direct fore or wind or hail damages the building", so if there is no damage to the building, then there is not coverage for the damage. This is why so many claims were denied following Hurricane Isaac, because the adjusters and engineers determined that the wind caused the rain to seep in through the seals of the windows, which is a maintenance issue or may indicate that the windows were not installed properly. Either way, this is not a covered peril under the policy.

Quantification of wind driven rain began in the 1950's using measurements with rain gauges and observing relation between droplet size, precipitation intensity and drop speed. The results determined that each environment and each individual building differ. In the 70's studies focused on calculating wind driven rain distribution on buildings using predictions based on wind tunnel measurement and raindrop trajectory tracing (using Newton's law for force equilibrium between gravity, wind drag and inertia). With each major catastrophe in the U.S., studies on wind driven rain are re-vamped and changes are made. Builders have benefited from the research in many ways including assembling walls constructed to avoid wind driven rain damage.

When you have water damage to your property, adjusters must determine whether there was damage (an opening) to the roof or walls through which the rain entered and, if so, was the damage caused by a covered peril under your insurance contract. Inherent in the first question is the issue of whether any opening identified was of sufficient size to permit entry of enough water to cause the damage claimed. Flood insurance covers overflow of inland or tidal waters and unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source. Although flood insurance specifically excludes wind and hail damage, the good news is that your Trusted Choice Agent can provide the coverage you need to protect you in the event of wind damage to your property.

More than 60 percent of the United States is vulnerable to damage from high-wind events such as hurricanes, straight-line winds and severe thunderstorms that can produce high winds and heavy rains. With hurricane season lurking around the corner, we recommend inspecting your property for possible issues that may invite damage from wind driven rain, which is not covered under your wind policy. Here are some key points to investigate;

Check for leaks
• around your windows and doors, especially near the corners.


Check for peeling paint, it can be a sign of water getting into the wood.


Inspect for discolorations in paint or caulking, swelling of the window or doorframe or surrounding materials. Flashing, which is typically a thin metal strip found around doors, windows, thresholds, chimneys, and roofs, is designed to prevent water intrusion in spaces where two different building surfaces meet.


All vents, including gable vents, roof vents, and exhaust vents should be well anchored to the roof, flashed and sealed to prevent leaks
Replace wood siding and sheathing if it appears to have water damage.


Inspect wood-sided walls to ensure there is at least 8 inches between any wood and landscaping materials or dirt.


Exterior walls should be kept well painted and sealed.


Use a high quality silicone caulk around outside wall openings such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets and locations where cables or pipes go through the wall. Just before a storm, close restroom and any other vents with duct tape (but remove it after a storm and before using the vents.)


Check the roof for signs of deterioration or leaks. Make sure all drains and gutters are clear.


Shutter and seal gable end vents to prevent wind driven rain
from entering attic space.


Landscape features should not include soil or other bedding material mounded up against walls.


Keep trees trimmed so that branches are at least 7 feet away
from any exterior building surface. This will help prolong the life of your siding and roof and prevent moisture and insects from entering the building.


Vines should be kept off all exterior walls
because they can help open cracks in the siding, which allows moisture to enter the building. – Inspect and adjust the spray pattern of the irrigation heads to minimize the water sprayed directly onto the building to avoid excessive water near the foundation.

Now is the time to meet with your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent and review your policies. Ask questions! Make sure you have the proper amount of coverage. Be prepared!

Schedule your insurance review with SouthGroup Insurance - Gulf Coast today. We have 3 convenient locations to serve you, and we look forward to helping you translate the language of your insurance policies.

 

If you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,

FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. 

 

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Dude! Don't Steal My Identity!

I wish some people would use their skills for good instead of evil!  It never ceases to amaze me how low some people will stoop to steal from others.  One of the most valuable things you have is your identity – and now there are people stealing even that.

By stealing your identity, a thief can impersonate you and steal money from your bank account.  They can set up phone insurance policies and place fraudulent claims.  Thieves can open credit cards or get bank loans using your name.  Some have even used other people’s identities to get a job or take out a home loan.

Usually your identity can be stolen if your wallet is lost or stolen or the thief gets access to your personal information.  By digging through your trash, they may gain access to account numbers and personal data.  Some online stores create an exposure for you to lose your identity.  Stolen credit card numbers is the most common, but you may also be tricked through a “phishing” website, that looks like a legitimate site, and it requests that you enter personal information.

After your identity is stolen, it can take a great deal of time to sort through the damage and get all of the records corrected.  You could be left with a bad credit score and have problems in the future if you need to take out a loan.

Many good home and renter’s policies now offer identity theft coverage for a very reasonable rate ($12-$40/year).  The coverage can help you with the costs of restoring  your identity.  Costs you will incur could include lost wages, notary and mailing, phone and possible attorneys.

The Insurance Information Institute offers some good advice for avoiding Identity Theft:

+ Minimize the amount of personal information and credit cards that you keep in your purse and wallet

+ Protect your codes and credit card numbers shielded from nosey neighbors.

+ Always take your receipts and don’t throw them in public trashcans.

+ Only make online purchases from websites that start with https:// or check for the “locked padlock” on your browser’s status bar.

+ Don’t click links in emails, even if it looks legitimate, and don’t fill in any personal information.  Access the website directly from your browser so you are not hijacked.

+ Use firewalls and anti-virus software on your computer.  There are many FREE sources available.

+ Monitor your credit reports and your accounts.  There are 3 major credit bureaus – Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.

+ Use complex passwords with a combination of Upper-lower case and a special character (#, $, etc), and change your password periodically.

+ Shred all documents that have personal information.

If you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net  , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,

FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast  , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel  ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.