Insurance and standing rigging?

[davethedog]

Hello all, just wondering what insurance companies people use if their standing rigging is more than 10 years old, as most boats I have seen have had standing rigging more than 10 years old and no doubt will be picked up by a surveyor and mentioned in a report?

Many thanks

 

[Tranona]

Hello all, just wondering what insurance companies people use if their standing rigging is more than 10 years old, as most boats I have seen have had standing rigging more than 10 years old and no doubt will be picked up by a surveyor and mentioned in a report?

Many thanks

There is no general rule about the life of rigging from an insurers point of view.

It usually becomes an issue if they ask for a survey or you have a survey when you buy a boat which the insurer asks for, or you are seeking insurance for long distance cruising. So, if you are buying a boat that has not had the rigging replaced in , say the last 10 years, expect the surveyor to comment on it, and the insurer to ask for at least a rigger's report, or replacement.m You may want to factor the cost of this into your offer.

On the other hand if you have continuous insurance with the same company, they may never ask for a report or require rigging replaced. One of my boats had the rigging replaced in 1992 and has been insured continuously since then with no conditions. Just sold a boat at 15 years old and again in my ownership no request for a report or replacement.

 

[[3889]]

There are certainly some insurers which specify replacement or inspection of standing rigging at a certain age. Beware that those which don't will certainly question any claim arising from rigging failure if reasonable inspection and maintenance cannot be demonstrated.

 

[macd]

+1 with Tranona's take on this.
I've been with Bishop Skinner (Blue Fin) for the lst 13 years, during which they've never demanded standing rigging replacement. Before an Atlantic circuit I replaced the rigging on my last boat, of which they were aware, so they may otherwise have requested replacement or, more likely, a rigger's report.

When we bought our current boat four years ago, they asked for a rigger's report, but this was satisfactory so nothing further was required. On the whole I'm fussier about our rig than they are, which is surely how it should be. I suspect they understand this.

 

[Birdseye]

Hello all, just wondering what insurance companies people use if their standing rigging is more than 10 years old, as most boats I have seen have had standing rigging more than 10 years old and no doubt will be picked up by a surveyor and mentioned in a report?

Many thanks

I have never come across an insurance company that says 10 years max, and quite rightly since failure isnt an issue of age so much as useage. What insurance companies do expect is that you are a prudent careful owner which means that you check the rigging either going up the mast to have a look round or dropping the mast for a better check.

That said insurance has changed a lot in the years I have been sailing. It used to be the case that they were reasonable and sensible and checked before they issued a policy. Now its mostly via call centres and staff who dont check until there is a claim when they wriggle. Not surprising seeing the number of try ons I have seen fellow sailors make.

So the best advice is to clear this issue up before you take out a policy and clear it up in writing rather than on the phone.

 

[KellysEye]

We were going long distance sailing and contacted Pantaenius who have 10 year rule. We chose them beause they have a reputation for fast payouts of claims including rigging.

 

[GrahamM376]

Our rig is around 14 years old now. Every 2 - 3 years I get it checked with written report. For €50 it's worth it just to avoid any dispute about maintenance/inspection issues if it does fail.

 

[Ric]

We were going long distance sailing and contacted Pantaenius who have 10 year rule. We chose them beause they have a reputation for fast payouts of claims including rigging.

I am with Pantaenius and they told me in writing that there is no age limit on rigging. That said, I am getting my rigging changed next month, and will take photos etc to prove it should I ever have to claim. Agree with you that Pantaenius are excellent.

 

[ghostlymoron]

There is no way of predicting when standing rigging is giving to fail and I have owned a 1967 boat recently with original. Some insurers have a specific age requirement but most don't. Others may insist on renewing before they take you on. To me, its not a matter of complying with insurer's rules, its doing what's safe - after all its you that's gonna be sailing it not them. Generally I'd be happy with 20 year old as long as there are no obvious defects but if contemplating an ocean crossing, I'd renew it.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I am with Pantaenius and they told me in writing that there is no age limit on rigging. That said, I am getting my rigging changed next month, and will take photos etc to prove it should I ever have to claim. Agree with you that Pantaenius are excellent.

Most insurers require dated receipts.

 

[vyv_cox]

I have just come out of a presentation on yacht insurance by Rob Stevens of Topsail. His policy is that for a new customer intending to go blue water sailing he would ask for replacement of 10 year old rigging. For a new customer doing UK coastal cruising he would probably let it go to 20 years.

 

[davethedog]

Thanks for the replies, all food for thought!

 

[langstonelayabout]

Most insurers require dated receipts.

Interesting; the last boat I rerigged I took all my old rigging to a reputable rigger who provided me with all-new rigging to replace it. I ended up with a debit card receipt. No written quote ever existed.

Do you think that an insurance co would consider this receipt adequate evidence of replacement?

 

[Birdseye]

I would have thought so. All they want is some proof that the rigging has been renewed and you arent trying it on as many people do.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Nope. I would go back to the rigger and get an itemised receipt.

Interesting; the last boat I rerigged I took all my old rigging to a reputable rigger who provided me with all-new rigging to replace it. I ended up with a debit card receipt. No written quote ever existed.

Do you think that an insurance co would consider this receipt adequate evidence of replacement?

 

[ffiill]

The only time anyone bothered about mine was 11 years ago when I bought the boat.

 

[doris]

We were going long distance sailing and contacted Pantaenius who have 10 year rule. We chose them beause they have a reputation for fast payouts of claims including rigging.

No they don't. Just a professional rig check. Got that in writing.