classic insurance UK?

[smart]

HI there..a long standing dinghy sailor limbers up to a reasonably sound looking and thouroughly stunning 1930's cruiser racer. He stares and stares, dreams and schemes, decides to go for it to liveaboard permanently. At 32 with no kids, and only a slightly difficult girlfriend, I stand before the point of no return to a life of stone and brick, proper showers and 240 volts. Any clues, pointers, handy tips or devilishly obscure anecdotal heresay gratefully recieved, there will be no coming back. The boat is old, I am not...are we likely to get along? Where can I find a surveyer that will pick up on EVERYTHING? Are there any UK insurers for 80 year old dames in good nick? How do I know if the asking price is too much? Who can recommend a classic insurer from claims experience?
Catch my fall.....Smart.

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[mickshep]

Re: Will we get on???

Janina is nearly 60 years old. She is 25' long and weighs 5+ tons, At repainting time I curse her, when the deck lets in the rain, I curse her, When my friends sail into the haze ahead of me, I curse her, Then I sit in her cockpit and I love her, I've sold her now, not for any of the above but because I need more space, today I will go and do some work on her because the new owner says I may, and I still love her. Try the adverts in Classic boat for insurance, I use Steven Whiteman, O.K up to now but then I've never claimed.

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[wrr]

Although I have never had to make a claim (perhaps it is touching all that wood), Hayes Parsons in Bristol (0117 9299381) have always been very helpful and reasonable. Your choice of suryevor depend on location as travel expenses can be high. There are still surveyors who are enthusiastic about wooden boats but usually they are single-handed operations.

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[Guest]

Traffords for insurance. Third the cost of Stephen Whiteman. Ask around a lot for a surveyor, most are blind crooks. Classic boats are hard work, more in time than money if you are sensible. if you can take a few knocks go for it, it will be rewarding if you're expectations are realistic. Send me your email address if you want more advice from a bitter old git.

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[Castletine]

Hi there,

I'm 35 with 3 kids, a gorgeous wife who loves to sail and I have a beautiful classic boat - a rare combination by all accounts! Will you get on with the boat? sure you will if you're committed - you have to ask yourself at what level. With all my "other" commitments I haven't the freedom, so I have to make that up in money to ensure that my boat is tip top, but I don't regret it one bit. For classic insurance contact Kendall Becker who are specialists in wooden boats and are great - they insure without the need of a survey. If you need a good boatman for repairs on the South Coast who is inexpensive, brilliant at what he does and able to spin a good yarn, email me and I'll send you his details.

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