Springtime is almost here! The weather is beautiful, the water is inviting, and your boat is looking better now than when you first laid eyes on it. The only thing that would make your marine beauty even better is a gorgeous body of water underneath it. But not so fast…

Before you take your watercraft out on the water, complete the actions on this de-winterizing checklist-created for you by Foremost® Insurance.*

1. Check engine and fluid levels.
   To keep your boat running smoothly, remember to check engine and fluid levels. This includes engine oil, oil filters, power steering, coolant, and transmission fluid. If you didn't change your engine oil, oil filter, and drive lubricants before winter, you can do this now. For everything else, check for any leaks and repair the source first. Once this is addressed, refill the fluids.
2. Inspect your battery.
   If your vessel has been idle for a long period of time, it's likely the battery is dead and will need to be recharged. Additionally, the water in the battery can freeze in the winter. When this happens, the water can expand and cause cracks in the battery creating irreversible damage. If there are no issues here, ensure that your battery is filled with the proper amount of water. Be certain to use distilled water and not tap water, which can diminish performance. Next, check for any corrosion and clean the battery with a mix of baking soda/distilled water. If you discover your battery is damaged beyond repair, replace it.
3. Examine the boat's exterior.
   When checking the exterior of your seagoing machine, look closely for any cracks and holes. Check all around the hull and underneath it. If you notice any damage, repair them immediately. Always remember: "boats don't sink because of water around them, boats sink because of water that gets into them."
4. Check the belts.
   Lack of use during winter can cause belts to crack and break. This happens because of the stress and tension placed on the belts. If any belts are cracked, replace them. You will also need to replace your belt if it's loose or if you notice black soot around the pulley.
5. Examine fuel lines.
   The cold winter weather can cause damage to your watercraft's fuel line. Damage to your fuel line can stop fuel from reaching the engine, and your boat won't run. Be sure to check this when you pull your watercraft out in the spring. Pay close attention to your fuel hoses and replace them if you see any leaks. Replace any section of your fuel system that show any leaks, cracks, or structural damage.
6. Inspect the sails (if applicable).
   Winter weather can cause considerable damage to your sails. Take note of the shape of your sails. If your sails don't maintain proper form, you could have issues when boating in strong wind. Lookout for wear, chafing, and other structural damage. Inspect your bolt rope and replace it if it is fraying or weak. If your sails are damaged, replace them.

It is important that you perform each action in this checklist with as much attention to detail as possible. Properly de-winterizing your watercraft is crucial to your performance and safety out on the water.

*Please note: You should also follow the manufacturer's recommendations for any other maintenance requirements not mentioned in this article.
 
Looking for marine insurance? Get a quote today by calling 936-327-4364 to speak with a licensed agent

Content courtesy of Foremost.com.

Ah, summer. We dream about in February, and it seems so far away in the cold! A few of these places can be seen in Winter, but summer might be best for them all.

It's the time of year the whole country comes alive and beckons us to get on the road and experience it. That's why I've put together this list of what I consider the five coolest places to visit in the U.S. If you've never been to these places, now is the time to pack those bags, explore and enjoy your  travels!

New York City
You have to experience the "Big Apple" at least once. It has everything you could ever want from a big city—museums, Broadway shows, restaurants with every type of food you can imagine, specialty boutiques and high-end shops. Plus, you need to see the Statue of Liberty in person and check out those neon lights of Times Square. Make Central Park one of your main destinations. Remember to see the amazing works of art at the Met and the Guggenheim. This is a city that never sleeps with endless things to try and taste.

San Francisco
The home of the Golden Gate Bridge offers gorgeous sights across its renowned hilly landscape and so many fun things to do, like riding cable cars, checking out Alcatraz Island, strolling along Fisherman's Wharf and driving up the famously steep and crooked Lombard Street. Just a few miles north, you can leave the hustle and bustle behind to visit the towering Redwood trees in Muir Woods. Or for some tranquility within the city, plan a picnic to Golden Gate Park and see lakes, museums, monuments and the Steinhart Aquarium. For another great view of the city, check out Strawberry Hill in the middle of the park.

If you've never been to these places, now is the time to explore! If you're traveling by car, motorcycle or RV, contact your local Foremost agency to get the right coverage for your ride!

Grand Canyon
If it's natural beauty you're looking for, you'll definitely find it at the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. If you weren't seeing it with your own eyes, you'd swear it was a painting in glorious shades of red and orange. Nothing can top the magnificent views as you gaze through the canyon over the Colorado River. Visit the South Rim where you'll find Grand Canyon Village and the Bright Angel Trail. And if you're into roughing it in the wilderness, you'll want to head to the North Rim for backcountry camping and some serious hiking.

Yellowstone
Yellowstone has 2.2 million acres of paradise for you to explore—crystal blue lakes, tumbling water falls, majestic mountains, hot springs, abundant forests, open meadows and active geysers. There are so many trails, it could take weeks to travel them all. Be sure to check out everyone's favorite spots like Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot springs. Then visit lesser known areas like the West Thumb Geyser Basin, the Lewis River Channel and the Dogshead Loop. You will likely be treated to sights of wildlife during your journey since over 60 types of mammals call the park their home. You could see buffalo, elk, coyotes, badgers and perhaps a few bears along the way.

Washington D.C.
Our country's capital has earned its place on the list of exciting East Coast vacation destinations. Not only can you soak up loads of our country's history by checking out the classic attractions like the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, you can also enjoy the many hip restaurants, cafes, clubs and boutiques. Endless opportunities abound to learn about our past at museums like the Smithsonian, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum , the Newseum, and the Mount Vernon Estate. It's impossible to leave the city without feeling a deeper connection to our roots and pride in the country we call home.
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Now that you know where to go, get those bags packed and enjoy your travels!

If you're a music lover, you rejoice in the summertime. That's because it's a spectacular concert season! Music festivals and outdoor concerts abound, offering some of the best opportunities to experience your favorite music live. But this is no secret. In fact, according to Billboard.com 32 million people attend at least one U.S. music festival every year, and most of these festivals are in the summer.

If you're planning on attending music festivals this summer, you probably don't want to think about safety when you're dancing and singing along to your favorite songs. That's why it's important to plan ahead and be prepared. Here are some ways you can make the most of your summer concert experiences!

Always wear sunscreen.
You should apply sunscreen before you head out for the day, but you should also consistently reapply every two hours. It's easy to forget to take care of your skin when you're experiencing a live show, so carry sunscreen with you at all times. You don't want a bad sunburn to ruin the fun!

Bring plenty of food and water.
The energy and excitement in great live music is uncontainable. Cheering, jumping and dancing during a show is physically exhausting, but you typically don't notice until it's over. That's why it's important to be nourished and hydrated. Drink plenty of water beforehand, and carry water and healthy snacks with you. Some festival-goers wear hydration backpacks that typically hold between two to three liters of water, and they have room to store energy bars and other snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Pack the right toiletries.
Music festivals are usually sweaty, dirty and smelly…but totally worth it! With toiletries, you should aim to be practical, not glamorous! This is especially true if you will be camping onsite for an entire weekend. Consider packing items like tissues, sanitizing wipes, facial wipes and hand sanitizer.

Think twice about electronics.
You might want to reconsider bringing your tablet or a fancy camera. Outdoor concerts can have mud, heat and rowdy crowds—all increasing the likelihood that your electronics will be broken, lost or stolen. However, it may be useful to bring a watch, flashlight, your cell phone and a portable battery to charge it.

Go with a group.
Live music can be much more fun with friends to share it with! Attending shows in a group is also much safer. Concert buddies are extremely helpful in emergency situations and can help if you get lost, sick or injured. If you want to split into small groups, ensure everyone understands the plan.

Be strategic with your vehicle.
Plan where you'll park so you can choose a convenient location and save time when you first arrive. If you're camping at a festival, you can use your car as a place to store valuables, but don't leave food, toiletries, medications, electronics or other items that can't withstand great heat.

Keep your eye on the weather.
Be attentive and frequently check weather forecasts both before and during the event. You'll want to pack clothing that's appropriate for the weather, but it never hurts to bring blankets, rain jackets or other alternatives. While at the event, check to ensure there aren't upcoming thunderstorms or heat waves.

Plan your schedule carefully.
When you're at a weekend-long music festival, your excitement may cause you to forget that you can't do it all. Shows take a lot of energy, and it's unrealistic to plan on rushing to see every band. Instead, prioritize your favorites and plan for time to eat, sleep and take breaks between shows.

You may not be as jazzed about safety as you are about experiencing an incredible live show, but you can't have one without the other. These tips are just a few ways you can be safe and fully enjoy your time at every concert you attend this summer.
 
Looking for A Better Insurance Experience? Get a quote today by calling 936-327-4364 to speak with a licensed agent in our office.

Content courtesy of Foremost.com

Towing a tiny house can be a daunting task. However, knowing what to expect in advance can make the process much easier. To help customers out, Foremost® a Farmers Insurance® company is providing information about tiny house towing. Of course, any guidance provided by one's trailer, hitch, and vehicle manufacturers should take priority.

Best vehicles for towing tiny houses.
Choice of tow vehicle is one of the most important things to get right when towing a tiny house. If the vehicle couldn't handle the load, the situation would be over before it started.

In most cases, it's best to use a truck. The chosen truck should be one that can handle the weight of the home. Typically, there is a sticker on the driver's side front door to find its towing capacity. If it's not there, a dealer or manufacturer can be contacted for assistance.

Using a truck that can handle the weight of the tiny house, is a good start. If one is not available, consider renting one, and it may be helpful to confirm whether there'd be coverage.

Hooking up a tiny house.
According to Tiny Home Builders, when towing a tiny house, it is recommended that the trailer to be level to the ground. It will take a bit of manual work to determine the desired hitch height. The front jack on the trailer can be used to get it level. One can measure the height from the coupler to the ground. Experts recommend that hitch height be higher than this measurement. Patience will be needed to find the right height. The weight of the load will cause the springs of the tow vehicle to compress, so it may need a few adjustments to remain level. Once the desired hitch height is determined, either a ball mount with the correct drop, or an adjustable ball mount can be used, by simply changing the height.

Checking the weight at the tongue of the trailer is a good idea. Tongue weight scales, which can cost $100 or more, are available for the task. The Tiny Life says that the ideal tongue weight is between 10-15% of the trailer's gross weight. If it's more or less than this, a weight distribution hitch may need to be used. Because most tiny homes are pretty heavy, it may be safer to use one.

Connecting a trailer generally requires one to put the coupler in place and use a lock pin to keep it from disengaging. Then, the chains can be crossed in an 'X' form and attached to both sides of the tube receiver. Typically, the left chain crosses over and attaches to the right side of the tube receiver, with the right chain crossing over and attaching to the left side. Next, the wiring harness on the trailer is attached to the tow vehicle. The towing truck should have a compatible plug. If it doesn't, an adapter may be available. For example, if the truck has a four-pin connecter and needs a seven-pin connecter, a seven-pin adapter may be able to be used.

Trailers with electric brakes should have a breakaway kit with instructions on how to attach the kit to the trailer.

Pre-tow checklist.
Before towing a tiny house, the tires on the truck and the trailer should be checked to be sure they're properly inflated, and all lug nuts are tight. Additionally, there should be no wear and tear, such as worn tread. If the tread is low, the tires may need replacement before towing. All external lights on the vehicle and trailer should be working as intended. The battery for any breakaway kit should be fully charged. Lastly, the gas tank should be filled before hitting the road and the spare tire available and properly inflated.

To prepare the tiny house for the journey, the windows and vents should be closed. All doors and countertops should be clear. The refrigerator should be latched, and utilities should be disconnected. Lastly, jacks should be up or removed, storage compartments should be secure, wheel chocks should be removed, and doors should be locked.

Towing the tiny house.
While towing a tiny house, the added length and height to the vehicle needs to be considered. Drivers need to pay close attention to any overpasses and be careful when turning or changing lanes. Drivers need to start breaking earlier than usual, since the added weight will make it harder for the vehicle and home to stop. When moving in reverse, it should be remembered that the trailer will move in the opposite direction that the wheel is turned. So, if one's wheel is turned to the right, the trailer would move to the left. Lastly, drivers should appreciate that stopping for gas may need to occur more frequently, as the added weight will cause the vehicle to consume gas faster.
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It may feel like an intimidating process, but with planning and prep, you can work towards a safe and smooth towing process. Safe travels and good luck with your move!
 
If you need insurance for your tiny house (or the trailer and/or vehicle you're towing it with), you can get quote from Foremost, a Farmers Insurance® company today!