On 11 Apr 2006 15:18:01 -0500, Dave wrote:

While nobody else "forces" people to insure their boats, my impression is
that most boats are insured whether or not purchased on credit.

If you have assets other than your boat, and hopefully you do, going
without insurance is extremely unwise. One serious liability or
environmental claim could force you into bankruptcy. If nothing else,
the insurance company will defend the claim with seriously competent
lawyers, at their expense.