A Boat Insurers Tips about Buying a Boat

Listed below are a few boat insurer tips about buying a boat. Whilst we have tried to cover all areas, clearly as a boat insurer we naturally tend towards giving tips which minimise the likelihood of post-purchase problems that may lead to personal safety or future problems that may result in an expensive problem or claim!

NB: All tips are considered guidance only and are provided with our best intentions.

Do your homework

Write a priority list of must have's. Clearly distinguish essentials Vs desireables Use the internet to know the correct value for the type/age of boat you are buying. Never buy the first boat you see (remember it’s a buyers’ market), view several so you can compare pro’s and con’s. Review boat maker and boat model write-up via internet forums e.g. search for “model/maker name known issues” via search engines Consider what the vessel has been previously used for (e.g. an ex-hire boat is likely to have greater wear and tear)

Check the documentation

• Ideally check that the vessel has a full service history.
• Don't consider any boat without full the vessel documentation, boat safety certificate, ownership certificate etc
• If getting an inspection get the boat inspector to double-check the vessel documentation, boat safety certificate, ownership certificate etc.

When viewing the vessel

• Check more awkward to maintain spaces, around hatches, the engine bay, bilges, under any flooring... have they been properly maintained also.. is all fully water tight?
• Check the engine… oil level/ signs of oil leaks? Neat and tidy cabling? Check the spark plugs, if old then not serviced.
• Test all functioning electrical circuits/ mechanical/ moving parts... bilge pumps, lights, heaters, outboards, sails, rigging etc
• Take the boat for a test run. Any engine smoke? Poor starting (make sure the boat was cold before you started it)? Steering unresponsive/ unpredictable?
• Unless you are very proficient always get the vessel inspected by a professional boat inspector.

Lastly, before making that all important offer...

• Make sure you get a boat insurance quote for the vessel so there's no surprises such as high risk exceptional items you may not have considered (e.g. vessel age-over 20 years, non-standard engine size, lack of auto-bilge)
• Verify the personal contact details of the seller… check all telephone, email and address details given to you are correct.
• Check stolen boat listings via the internet (search “stolen boats” in a search engine to find stolen boat listing websites)
• Make sure the seller agrees to write up a bill of sale (or create one yourself)

Good luck in your hunt!

Reviewed: 20/10/2011

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