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Keeping your boat safe when you're not there

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Collection of Resources on the Importance of Maintaining Your Boat

Resource List

At YachtWatchers, we talk a lot about the risks of leaving a boat unattended at the dock. We don’t expect you to simply take our word for it.

National boating safety organizations, government agencies, major insurers, and leading marine publications all point to the same conclusion: many sinkings, serious losses, and denied insurance claims are directly linked to poor maintenance, unnoticed leaks, and a lack of regular inspections

The curated resources below come from independent, credible sources such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, BoatUS, state boating agencies, and top marine insurance providers. Together, they show how small, preventable issues like failed bilge pumps, corroded fittings, bad batteries, worn hoses, and neglected shore power can lead to catastrophic damage when no one is checking on your boat.

We’ve assembled this list so you can explore the data, stories, and expert advice for yourself and see why regular, documented inspections like those provided by YachtWatchers aren’t a luxury, they’re a smart way to protect your safety, your investment, and your peace of mind.

Use these links to learn more about the dangers of deferred maintenance and dockside neglect, and how proactive care dramatically reduces your risk of becoming another sinking or claims statistic.