Oil Spill

[pjaudon]

Looks like we're in for a nasty bit of oil in our area (Pass Christian, MS). Have any of you folks experienced this before? What can I expect damage wise to the boat and how do insurance companies handle this?
Thanks.

P Jaudon
1986 Catalina 27
Diamondhead, MS

[knothead]

I was in a marina in Panama once that had a lot of oil floating on the surface. It stained the gel coat but eventually it faded.
I can't imagine that insurance would cover something like this, but since I've never had insurance on my boat, what do I know.

I hope someone figures out how to deal with this and quick. I live on the Gulf coast of Florida and I can easily imagine how this could end up being a major catastrophe.

BTW, Jimmy Johnson, my favorite cartoonist, also a sailor, lives in Pass Christian.

[k1vsk]

The responsible party typically includes boat cleaning as part of the general cleanup and sets up cleaning stations in strategic locations at the appropriate time to take care of this for you. Cleanup usually involved pressure washing around the waterline and chemical dispersant if necessary to remove any residual staining.
Insurance will also cover this and subrogate the claim later.

[pdqaltair]

Originally Posted by pjaudon

Looks like we're in for a nasty bit of oil in our area (Pass Christian, MS). Have any of you folks experienced this before? What can I expect damage wise to the boat and how do insurance companies handle this?
Thanks.

P Jaudon
1986 Catalina 27
Diamondhead, MS

We face freezing weather in the north every year and we know what to do; pull your boat out for a few months, don't leave it in and then make a claim that increases everyone's rates.

This is either important to you, or not. Act, or face it yourself. I have very little sympathy for those that do not labor to avoid damages that are 100% preventable.

[sailingdog]

I'll bet your insurance company will help pay for a haulout.

[KeelHaulin]

Don't go sailing in it. The bunker fuel spill here on SF Bay 2.5 years ago was awful for the boats that got the heavy oil on their hulls. They required hazmat cleanup and some boats had to have the topsides repainted.

If you do have damage I'd say you need to contact the Coast Guard and find out what the claim process is for getting the boat cleaned/repaired by BP (Beyond Pollution).

[MARC2012]

I have not been to the pass since Katrina but if in the harbor should be able to place booms at entrance & any pipes.marc

[pjaudon]

I realize that hauling out would be the best damage prevention action, however, it's not an option at this time. The harbor has containment booms, but the waves and wind conditions are making them ineffective.

[seabreeze_97]

It's not an option down here EVER to haul out. Since we do not have to haul out for winter, you can count on one hand how many cradles there are for that sort of thing. No "sympathy" required.

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by seabreeze_97

It's not an option down here EVER to haul out. Since we do not have to haul out for winter, you can count on one hand how many cradles there are for that sort of thing.

That's interesting. How do you apply bottom paint, do repairs, etc.? Nobody in your area ever does long term storage?