What to Do After You Hit Something With Your Boat
It happens to good boaters. A dock comes up fast, a submerged log appears out of nowhere, or another boat misjudges a pass. If you have hit something on the water, what you do next matters. Here is a clear set of steps.
1. Make sure everyone is safe
People first. Check that everyone on board is alright and accounted for. Make sure life jackets are on if there is any doubt about the boat's condition.
2. Check if you are taking on water
Right after an impact, look in the bilge and low compartments. Is water coming in? If yes, that is urgent. Get the bilge pump running, head for the nearest ramp or shore, and do not stay out hoping it holds. A slow leak can become a fast one.
3. Inspect the damage
Once you are safe, look the boat over carefully. Check both the outside and the inside of the impact area. This is important: the gelcoat can look only lightly scuffed while the fiberglass underneath is cracked or crushed. Impact damage is often worse on the inside than the outside.
4. Take photos
Photograph everything before you touch or clean anything. Wide shots and close ups. If another boat was involved, or if you plan to file an insurance claim, this documentation matters. Get the other party's information if it applies.
5. Do not keep running a damaged boat
If there is any structural damage, stop using the boat until it is inspected. Running a boat with a compromised hull or transom can turn a repairable problem into a total loss, or into a dangerous situation on the water.
6. Get a professional assessment
Have the boat looked at by a fiberglass repair shop, even if the damage seems minor. A pro can tell you whether it is a cosmetic gelcoat fix or structural work, and can spot hidden damage you would miss. This also gives you a real repair quote for an insurance claim.
Should you file an insurance claim
That depends on the size of the damage versus your deductible. For a minor gelcoat scuff, paying out of pocket may make more sense. For structural damage or a larger repair, a claim is usually the right call. A proper repair quote helps you decide, and we work with insurance jobs regularly.
Hit something and not sure how bad it is? Get it checked before you run the boat again. Call or text Sergio's Boat Spa at (209) 221-3781 or visit our fiberglass and gelcoat repair page.