BoatUS Estimates Hurricane Matthew Damage to Recreational Boats at $110M

Hurricane Matthew, which threatened four coastal states as it corkscrewed through the Atlantic in early October, caused an estimated $110 million in damage to recreational boats, according to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). The national advocacy, services and safety organization suggests that in addition to the storm remaining offshore, boaters and the marine industry had a hand in lessening the damage.

In contrast, more than 65,000 recreational boats were damaged or lost as a result of Hurricane Sandy, according to BoatUS, resulting in damage estimated around $650 million.

“The storm moved slowly, so everyone had plenty of early warning and time to prepare. We believe that helped keep boat damage down,” said BoatUS Vice President of Public Affairs Scott Croft.

In a previous statement, BoatUS reported that while there were some localized areas of dock destruction and boat losses, damage to recreational boats as a result of Hurricane Matthew was not widespread. “Damage turned out to be less than anticipated because the storm’s wall stayed offshore, but I’d also like to think boaters played a part as well in reducing damage,” said Croft.

When a boat is in the path of a NOAA-named storm and a hurricane watch or warning is posted, a BoatUS insured is eligible for 50 percent of the cost of labor, up to $1,000, to have the boat professionally hauled out, prepared and tied down by professionals. If the boat cannot be hauled, the coverage also includes hiring the services of a paid captain to move the boat to a protected “hurricane hole.”

Source: BoatUS