As we head into the warmer months and Tasmanians get ready to hit the high seas, RACT
Insurance is urging people to ensure their outboard motors are safe and secure.
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said in the last year there had been a spike in theft
claims data for boating equipment, revealing outboard motors as the number one item most
likely to be stolen.
“Outboard motors are arguably one of the most expensive pieces of equipment besides the
boat itself, so it is important that people across the State have them properly secured or
stored,” Mr Sayers said.
“Other popular theft items include lifejackets, flares, UHF radios, anchors, chains, spare fuel
tanks as well as trailers and boats.”
Mr Sayers said while many Tasmanians owned boats and used them frequently over
summer, during winter they often fell off the radar.
“It’s really disheartening when you go to take your boat out only to find items have been
stolen, potentially leaving you out of pocket and unable to enjoy a day out on the water with
the family,” he said.
“Tasmanians should take this opportunity to re-evaluate the storage security of their boats
and equipment and make sure they are properly covered for theft or damage.”
Mr Sayers said this was also an opportune time for boat owners to review the safety
equipment on their boats and ensure all their licenses were up-to-date.
“Boat owners should see this as the perfect time of year to ensure their boat licenses are
valid, as well as any fishing licenses,” he said.
“It is also important to check maritime safety equipment, such as life jackets, flares and
EPIRB emergency beacons ahead of what will hopefully be another great summer.”
RACT Insurance will have an information tent set up at the Margate Marina from 5pm
TOMORROW (Thursday, 10 October) as part of Marine and Safety Tasmania’s (MaST)
safety briefing provided by Peter Hopkins and Ian Ross.
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers
