Can a boat be registered in the name of a minor on SSR?

[L_555]

Hello all, after many boat visits, I have a boat purchase imminent. I will be aiming to register it on the SSR as many of you advised, but I did wonder whether I can register it in the name of my son who is a minor? Can't find anything on the government website stating 'no' hence coming to the expertise available here. Thankyou!

 

[Deleted member 478]

In foreign ports, you'll need a letter from him confirming that you are the authorised captain and have permission to take the boat wherever.

 

[Graham376]

I don't think there's anything to stop you doing that but then it starts to get complicated when you're insuring someone else's boat and, as said above, visiting foreign ports. Better to have joint ownership.

 

[L_555]

Great- thanks both- will just put it in my name.

 

[Sandy]

Only needed if going overseas.

 

[Sandy]

I can't ever think of my insurance company asking for the SSR number.

 

[greeny]

I can't ever think of my insurance company asking for the SSR number.

No neither does mine. But they do normally expect the proposer to have an insurable interest in the vessel. i.e.be owner or part owner.

 

[[163233]]

It's bizarre how people always fret more about insurance than anything else.

 

[Tintin]

It's bizarre how people always fret more about insurance than anything else.

And anchors.

 

[Sandy]

It's bizarre how people always fret more about insurance than anything else.

To take the boat out of the marina I need to pass at least £50 million worth of brand new Princess Yachts boats being finished off prior to delivery to their owners. I fret a lot about insurance until I am away from the marina.

 

[[163233]]

To take the boat out of the marina I need to pass at least £50 million worth of brand new Princess Yachts boats being finished off prior to delivery to their owners. I fret a lot about insurance until I am away from the marina.

You'll be wanting more than the usual 3mill then..

 

[Graham376]

It's bizarre how people always fret more about insurance than anything else.

Do insurers issue boat policies to minors?

 

[Mark-1]

Do insurers issue boat policies to minors?

I bought boat insurance in my own name thoughout my childhood, and claimed on one occasion, so yes.

Can't really see how getting an SSR in the name of a minor would make any difference to insurance. It doesn't prove ownership. I can get an SSR for any random boat of my choice. If I get an SSR for the boat in berth next to me in the marina it doesn't become mine, and it doesn't stop it belonging to its owner, nor does it make any odds to their insurance.

 

[Mark-1]

No neither does mine. But they do normally expect the proposer to have an insurable interest in the vessel. i.e.be owner or part owner.

Well, yes, but they have to take that on trust because it's pretty hard (impossible?) to prove you own something. (Even houses in the UK - I found a few years back that even the land registry entry isn't proof of ownership!)

If you claim and they find the claim is fraudulent because you don' t own the thing you're claiming for then it's a police and civil issue but I doubt they do any digging around a the point they sell you the policy when the money's going to them, not the other way round.

 

[Graham376]

I bought boat insurance in my own name thoughout my childhood, and claimed on one occasion, so yes.

Can't really see how getting an SSR in the name of a minor would make any difference to insurance. It doesn't prove ownership. I can get an SSR for any random boat of my choice. If I get an SSR for the boat in berth next to me in the marina it doesn't become mine, and it doesn't stop it belonging to its owner, nor does it make any odds to their insurance.

No point in SSR unless going foreign as it doesn't prove ownership. However, foreign officials treat it as an ownership document and like to see all names matching on SSR, passport, insurance etc. or, letter from the owner giving permission for boat use.

Just seems simpler for father and son to have joint SSR ownership then other documents can be in either name and no questions about authorised use of boat. We had problems one time when my wife (dual national) was asked for her citizen card which is in her maiden name and doesn't match any boat documents. She now doesn't let on and just shows UK passport which is in married name.

 

[Mark-1]

However, foreign officials treat it as an ownership document and like to see all names matching on SSR, passport, insurance etc. or, letter from the owner giving permission for boat use.

All names?

Just seems simpler for father and son to have joint SSR ownership

Is joint SSR possible?

 

[ithet]

Is joint SSR possible?

Yes. I have my wife's and mine. Friend had his and his son's.

 

[Graham376]

Is joint SSR possible?

Yes, our SSR registered owners are myself and wife. A syndicate owned boat would list all names.

 

[ShinyShoe]

Do insurers issue boat policies to minors?

Not usually. If you have a child sailing an optimist, you usually have to insure it in your name and depending on the insurer name them. That's if you read the small print. I suspect, provided you did nothing wrong on-purpose, an insurer wont have much of a leg to stand on if they refuse to pay because the insured is 14 and you put it in his name because it seemed the logical way to do it and they didn't check his age. However, if it looked like you'd put it in his name to avoid some reason you couldn't insure in your name (prior insurance fraud blah blah that comes up in the list at the end when you take out insurance) you would be in deep do do.

I am however confused that a minor is owning a boat that requires an SSR....

 

[Graham376]

I am however confused that a minor is owning a boat that requires an SSR....

Could stop the bailiffs getting their grubby fingers on it but I assume that's not the OP's situation