Damage During Winter Storage

[rbiddleman]

We store our boat (which we pay to be shrink wrapped) at the marina where the boat is docked. This year it came out of storage with torn seats and a ripped Bimini. The Marina tells us it was most likely done by racoons and that they have no liability. Does this seem reasonable? I checked our insurance and damage done by animals is not covered.

 

[jimmbo]

Welcome to iboats

I would speak to an Attorney regarding the Marina's Liability. Unethical Businessmen, of which there are many, will always try to Weasel their way out of their Responsibilities. If you take them to Court, also go after them for your Legal Bills as well

 

[flashback]

Before grabbing a solicitor read the contract for storage..it probably has some exceptions.

 

[jimmbo]

Let the Lawyer read the Contract, it being written in Legalese

 

[tpenfield]

So, the shrink wrap was also ripped/opened? Did anyone (marina) or others disturb the shrinkwrap?

It sounds like you need to read up on both the storage contract with marina and your boat insurance policy. Perhaps the boat was vandalized

 

[jimmbo]

One would think a Paid Storage Lot would have some Security patrolling the Lot looking for signs of Vandalism/Damage. I suspect the Operators were more concerned about counting the Cash...

 

[nola mike]

Have them show you pictures of the torn shrink wrap and any other evidence that they have that it was animals. Nesting materials, etc. There probably is something in the contract limiting their liability, read through it. Your insurance would also have to show that it was animal damage.

 

[uboat69]

Talking to a lawyer may cost you, but I would wonder if there's some precedent that would remove the limits of their liability... Depending on some of the details of their storage facility. Oh, and of course look at the contract...

 

[JimS123]

Seen it before. You probably have no recourse. Store it in an animal infested place and what could possibly happen.

If you have ANY recourse, it's against the guy that did the shrink wrapping and did,'t seal it all up

 

[jimmbo]

Shrink Wrap is no match for a Claw

 

[JimS123]

Shrink Wrap is no match for a Claw

An opening, even the smallest one, will invite intrusion. Fully sealed will deter, unless they smell something inside that makes them want to intrude.

 

[mr 88]

It will cost you more for a lawyer than you will get in a settlement fee , if it ever got there. The upholstery would be pro rated as it wasn't new to begin with and the Mariana's contract probably covers there ass.