* NE Sailboat wrote, On 2/26/2007 11:07 AM:
Just decided since I get their magazine to check with them on insurance.

They are/were awful. The rate was 100% higher than what I have now.

You get what you pay for. Everyone I know who has had a claim with
them has been quite happy. My cousins had their Sabre blown a mile
inland in Hurricane Bob, and within a few days Boat/US had arranged of
a helicopter to fly the boat out. (They were on the cover of the
catalog the next year.) The rates are a bit higher then some, but in
fact when I pointed out that I had taken a class that qualifies for a
discount they gave be 5 years of retroactive discount!

Remember that Boat/US offers different levels of insurance. Many
people with low cost insurance don't realize that many items on the
boat are depreciated over a 10 year period. So in essence, the cheap
insurance offer little or no coverage on, for example, the mast of a
ten year old boat.


For the life of me, why am I a member of this dreadful organization. They
don't seem to do anything for boating.

And you would notice??? I doubt it!


What are your opinions of Boat US?

Its the best boat insurance for many owners.


They own West Marine, isn't that right?

No. West Marine bought the Boat/US stores and catalog business. The
insurance is separate.

West Marine, in my area, sucks.

So? If you don't like them, don't buy from them.

The store is in shambles. I went in two weeks ago to
purchase some paint. The paint aisle looked like hurricane Katrina had just
visited. Nothing was on the shelf, most of the stock was out or on order.
I asked one of the clerks and he said they were reorganizing.

Gee. A marine shop in New England reorganizing in early Feb. The
nerve of them! They should have waited until April!


A week later. I revisited. Same look, same mess, no products.

Clearly, they need a manager with your keen instincts. You should
apply to Boat/US for a position right now.



Are there other boating organizations which provide some benefit to their
members? Such as lower insurance?

They have a lot of loyal customers. But please, go elsewhere for your
insurance needs. I wouldn't want your risks included in my rates.


In my humble opinion; Boat US is a SHAM.

Based on your observation of a shop not owned by them being messy in
their off-season?


My recommendation: don't do business with them.

We'll give your recommendation all of the consideration it deserves.