Everyone should have insurance to help them through those unexpected things that come up. But insurance doesn't replace good old fashioned preparation.
Here's some information based on an article in BoatUS about getting ready this spring.
Overlooking small things during spring commissioning can translate to big problems.
It's spring — when all our plans for the boating season ahead are positive and hopeful. This is an important time; statistics show over and over that it's the little things missed during spring commissioning that can lead to serious problems that will not only lighten your wallet but also rob your family of precious time on the water.
Check Thru-Hulls
Springtime is the right time to check each of your composite (plastic) thru-hulls for cracks and deterioration. Degradation due to ultraviolet light is the main culprit; however, stress caused by an unsupported hose bouncing around inside also can be a factor. Failure typically begins as a crack where the body of the thru-hull fitting joins the outer flange, often progressing until the flange simply falls off. Once that occurs, there's nothing left to keep the thru-hull in place, meaning that it will eventually be pulled inboard, leaving a gaping hole. The thru-hull shown here was located near the waterline; the resulting hole reduced the vessel's effective freeboard from feet to inches.
Inspect your hose clamps
The devil is in the details. Don't forget to refit the hose clamps for the engine's raw-water intake hose (which often is removed while winterizing the engine in the fall). A Loose hose can slip off after launch,and result in a partially sinking vessel. Nothing helps more to reduce slipups than a detailed checklist
Continually check for corrosion and get rid of it
Routine maintenance not only prolongs the service life of your equipment but can also keep you out of trouble. The corrosion on a battery post can get so bad that it prevents the battery from charging, which keeps the engine from starting and results all too often with the owner to call for a tow