In article , DSK
wrote:

They do if you know how to search USCG and insurance comapny records.
Do you think an insurance comapny pays out $10K+ on boat claims and
doesn't keep a record??


Peggie Hall wrote:
But the boat would have to be documented--most aren't...some states
don't even title boats--and the buyer would have to know who the
insurance company was--if in fact, the boat WAS insured.

That's a possible problem.

Officially, any accident or loss involving a claim of a fairly small
amount (IIRC it's around $600) must be reported on a Coast Guard
accident form. Just like if you put in a claim on your car, you have to
file a police report.

But you have a good point, not all storm damage is going to be
documented. Personally, I wouldn't buy a boat from a guy who was too
cheap or too stupid to have it insured, because IMHO it's almost a
guarantee that he didn't take good care of it.

Strongly disagree. Take 2 different scenarios.

A daysailer. Who bothers to insure one? I don't insure mine. Ditto
small power vessels etc.

A blue water sailboat. To get insurance on one is difficult at all, and
from what I've been told comes with a list of restrictions WRT crew
numbers, allowable passage times/places etc etc.

Better to spend the money on more safety gear, better anchors etc.

PDW