Insuring a 50 year old boat

Depends entirely on its value. Third party insurance as a minimum will be required if you visit marinas. It’s probably worth having if you don’t - never know when accidents happen and if your boat hits something expensive you could be left with a big bill. If you want comprehensive insurance the insurer will almost certainly want a survey done. That will cost a few hundred quid. Some may even want a survey for third party insurance.
Personally, I would not like to sail in crowded waters without insurance, and like to think the boats around me are also covered.
 
I followed the forum trend and went with Y Yachting. I don't know if they have a lower limit on the value they'll insure but the worst they can do is say no.
 
If there is an owners association that might be a useful source of info as to likely premium however I would have thought quite modest but as said don't set off without third party cover as a small scratch down the side of say a shiny new Hallberg will cost more than you might expect if you at found to be at fault leaving aside more serious personal injury type claims . Personally given the time your investing you might as want some protection for your investment as well . Loads of posts on here on different brokers and direct insurers but so far no form of confused .com operates for yacht insurance so far as I'm aware so just approach market leaders and remember the cheapest might not always be best for your needs .
 
Its a good idea to get legal protection cover as well. Maritime law is a specialist area that won't be adequately covered by your local high street solicitor's practice.
 
Not easy. My boat dates from 1973 and was built by a top-notch French builder that is still in business (Wauquiez). When I shopped around, two insurers quoted over the moon and another would not touch it. I therefore decided to remain with the same insurer that the previous owner had. Needless to say, the boat passed two full surveys with flying colours since that day. Unfortunately, in my country insurers seem to go by date of build and not by quality of the builder.
Of course, it might be different in your country.
 
ashtead said:
If there is an owners association that might be a useful source of info as to likely premium however I would have thought quite modest but as said don't set off without third party cover as a small scratch down the side of say a shiny new Hallberg will cost more than you might expect .
Click to expand...

When berthing my anchor caught the side of a HR and caused a 45mm long scratch. the bill for the repair was £730-00. So yes third party insurance is an essential.
 
PuffTheMagicDragon said:
Not easy. My boat dates from 1973 and was built by a top-notch French builder that is still in business (Wauquiez). When I shopped around, two insurers quoted over the moon and another would not touch it. I therefore decided to remain with the same insurer that the previous owner had. Needless to say, the boat passed two full surveys with flying colours since that day. Unfortunately, in my country insurers seem to go by date of build and not by quality of the builder.
Of course, it might be different in your country.
Click to expand...

What is more important though is the quality of the maintenance since build date.

Few boats, unless in commercial use or heavily raced, wear out.

They are neglected to death.

Using, cleaning, just being around to tweak a loose shroud, lube the odd winch, whip a frayed rope end keeps one aware of ones pride and joys condition.

Leaving it mouldering in a Marina without use does a vessel no good at all. Quality boats die this way just as easily as lesser makes...........................

IMHO, of course.
 
3rd party definitely but surely fully comprehensive on a boat of that size and vintage would cost a fair proportion of its value. I go 3rd party on my 1978 Sabre 27.
 
We insure our 1978 Cutless 27 with these guys for about £230 p.a fully comp http://www.nautical-insurance.co.uk/
Always been very helpful, though we've never claimed. The boat had had a survey not long before we got her, and they were happy with a copy of that..
(edited to add fully comp and change the premium amount!)
 
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Bishop Skinner charge me around £200 a year to insure My Trident. All they wanted was a set of photos to evidence she wasnt a negelected wreck. There is a clause which requires me to take all reasonable steps to ensure she is seaworthy. As I do all my own maintenance, this could be a bit difficult to prove if a claim was disputed. However the one time I needed to contact them over a potential claim, the service was excellent.

Trident Owners Association dont at present have any deal going with an insurer for our boats, but... well its an idea!
 
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