unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

[10thHawk]

Long story short, due to where I live the boat has to be kept in a storage facility. Its an outdoor spot. After getting hit with over a foot of snow this weekend I went tonight to knock any snow off the cover and what do i find? Whoever plowed the place decided to put a huge mound of snow in the spot next to my boat. No issue there till i see the pile is actually pushed up against the starboard side. Judging by the slight angle my jack is at I'd say it moved the boat a tad. If the pile wasnt at least ten feet high I'd be there now shoveling it away. I really hope I dont find any damage. Could that amout of weight pushed against the side of the hull crack it? I know its not all that thick there. Anyway, gonna go take some pictures of it now so if i find damage I have some evidence. Office was closed when I was there so I gotta save the rage till tommorow. I'm done ranting now.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

Could that amout of weight pushed against the side of the hull crack it? I

I wouldn't think so . . We'll wait for the pics.

 

[roscoe]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

yes

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

Depending on the force or impact then yes. Close inspection and photos required.

 

[Thajeffski]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

in for pics

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

Only on one side? Yeah that might not be good and I would be inspecting in the Springtime for spider cracking in the gel coat. I agree you need to take a few photos and make notes of it...... possibly explain to the main office that you are concerned.

When you take the pictures have something in the photo for size reference such as a yardstick or tape measure.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

That's terrible that you paid for storage just to end up having it treated the same as if you'd parked in on the road.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

Man that sucks! I'd be furious. Isn't it standard self storage policy that unless you bought their storage insurance they're not liable for any damages?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

Man that sucks! I'd be furious. Isn't it standard self storage policy that unless you bought their storage insurance they're not liable for any damages?

Yes,The one i use has a big sign saying they are not responsible for any theft or damage.
But,They hired the snow plow so that may be a different story.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

Talk to the storage place right away with your concerns/unhappiness about the plowing. Don't wait even if there isn't any visible damage. Next time there might be. Document when you talk to them and their reaction or lack there of. Otherwise, if you need to take legal action, that's one of the things they'll try to use against you.

As far as the boat, hopefully if it did move it slightly, the boat/trailer moved freely without any resistance as to not damage the hull. Still, the guy behind the plow should have used more common sense.

Even if there is a sign that sez they're not responsible for damage, it still doesn't give the right for this guy to run into and damage a boat and just say "o'well, sorry" without any ramifications.....

 

[SuperNova]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

Just because the storage center claims they are not responsible for any damage, it doesn't mean the person or company who actually does the damage can't be held liable. If the plow operator damaged your boat, then the plow operator is responsible to fix it.

 

[boat1010]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

I would be very unhappy too. Probably a good thing the office was closed. give you a day to think and to listen to some advice. I agree, just because they have a sign it does not release them from all responsibility. As the others have said, take some pictures and "talk" to them and voice your concerns. They may not even know that the snow was pushed there. Keep your cool and work things out. Hopefully every thing will work out in your favor. Best of luck.

 

[jkust]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

My only comparison is a friend of mine who had a garage built at his lake home in dead of winter. Upon completion the builder thought he was doing a favor by towing their fiberglass bowrider into the garage so it could spend the rest of the winter indoors. We don't know how exactly this would occur but moving the boat on that rough terrain in the below 0 F weather caused a ton of spider cracks in the gel even up on the gunwales. I wonder how cold it was when the plowing occured and your boat was moved?

 

[gonefishie]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

I didn't think about the plow driver. He would be the responsible party.

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

Just because the storage center claims they are not responsible for any damage, it doesn't mean the person or company who actually does the damage can't be held liable. If the plow operator damaged your boat, then the plow operator is responsible to fix it.

SuperNova is on the right track...most states tort laws recognize negligence as an exception to any waiver of liability.

Hope there isn't any damage...

 

[HappierWet]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

Depending on the force or impact then yes. Close inspection and photos required.

This is accurate. It depends on how hard the plow truck was pushing that quantity of snow. I also agree that just because they put up a sign doesn't mean it is legal.
Also, as an aside, I am a member of a home owner's association. When we hire a plow operator it is a prerequisite that they carry their own insurance. Their insurance is primary in event of a mishap, the association's insurance is secondary. We also put certain things in our rules and bylaws, which we have no way to enforce, solely designed to lower our premium.
I hope nothing is damaged BUT, better to protect your interests in advance.
Pictures would be essential in any legal proceeding.

Best Wishes

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

If its like Michigan (and im sure NY is) the plow service has to have a licence issued by the state or city. and therefore must also have in insurance policy covering just such damage.

As previously stated, Pics and document everyone and everytime you talked to them and what was said. That way you have time line record if needed.
Getting a Pic of the plow truck on the lot would go a ways also.

Good luck..

 

[10thHawk]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

Appreciate all the feedback. I did call the storage office today and they could not have been more indifferent about it. I told them I understand there was alot of snow and had no issue with it being in the spot next to my boat but i took issue with it being on it. She claimed they'd be in today to clean it all out. Checked after work and still there.
I"m gonna shovel it away from the boat myself tommorow. Did a lil from the front last night but too tired to finish it up. I dont wanna risk any possible damage when they come in to move the pile. The plow company is supposed to carry liablility insurance. If there is any damage most likely i'll have to go after them. Will find out tommorow what if any damage was done. Took these pics last night after i dug out some of the front. Not the best quality, taken with my cell phone but you can see why I'm not a happy camper

 

[sfy]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

may be a good idea to take a video camera with you, grab the manager and while on camera take him over and show him the pile and voice any concerns you have. pictures dont tell the story as well as video does. also ask for the plow drivers info, and if possible show him the pile and voice your concerns, while on camera.

if the manager wont come look at the pile, or refuses to let this be taped, you may want to find a different place if possible.

videotape anything you do involving this, consider it potential evidence

 

[Nandy]

Re: unbelievable, my boat is half buried in snow

I hate to see something like this is happening. My first hope is that there is no damage done to the boat. That is the easiest and best scenario. I agree that you need to document what happened. Those pictures are not clear at all. I could not tell anything other than a bunch of snow next to a boat. Get a good camera and take photos.
Now if there is damage... Don't let yourself get carried away by the well intentioned arm chair lawyers in the forum. I give you they are very well intentioned, but they are out of touch with reality. Take it from me, I am finalizing an insurance claim for a boat accident almost a year ago... It is not as easy and straight forward as they think it is. Can you prove that the damage was not there before the snow hit the boat? did the snow hit the boat? If the damage shows afterward can you prove that is due to the snow? What makes sense is not legal or will give you an award in your favor.
In my case there was property damage irrefutably due to the accident and documented personal injury medically proven that was due to the accident and no lawyer would touch it because there was not really money there for them. I am lucky to have a friend lawyer that fishes with me and guided me thru the process to make sure I am not taken advantage and have been of great help.
Again, lets hope there is no damage. If there is and you think you need legal advise dont look for it here. Check a real lawyer in your state. Most will tell you over the phone real quick if there is anything you can claim.
Lastly, as soon as you can take your boat for storage somewhere else if possible. Not only they did not take care of your property but they showed they don't give a damn. Take your money elsewhere and you know who not to promote with your friends.

Good luck.