Low budget multihull insurance offshore? Atlantic?

[Franziska]

Hey everybody,

we maybe going across around x-mas and my current insurance does not cover this.
Neither does Pantaenius.

The boatvalue is about 70 000€ and this means the premium seems to low for them.
The boat is 20years old but in good condition with a lot of new gear on-board.

I heard vaguely that there are some specialist insurances around (in France?).

Who found a solution in a similar situation?

Thanks so much,

Franziska

Summer 2016 English Channel & beyond - Catamaran Lady Rovers Website!

[SimonV]

I am surprised Pantaenius will not cover you. What was the reason given? I ask this as they have insured many I know personally who crossed about the same time.

[Franziska]

The premium is to low for long distance. They do European coastal waters up to 200 nm offshore.

[Cavalier MK2]

Hey Fran, what about a hand water maker and some survival gear + check for upright and inverted flotation? A check won't help if you can't spend it.... premiums that are front line defenses.

[Franziska]

We do that, but if your boat is your home and fortune, its wise to carry insurance too.
Especially if you are not a wealthy yacht owner.

[Jeannius]

Try UK company Admiral ( Yacht Insurance Quote UK | Boat Insurance Quote UK | Marine Insurance Quote UK ). They were very good when I first crossed the Atlantic and also when I circumnavigated with just my wife as crew. The head of Admiral is/was the owner of a Catana so they are very good for catamarans.

[JPA Cate]

If you believe the vessel is truly seaworthy, just go for it. Invest in radar, AIS, good quality anchors, etc. We cruised for about 20, maybe 25 yrs. without any kind of insurance, now third party is required, but the deal is, instead of ins. policies, invest in stuff to keep your boat safe! If your boat is too flimsy to cross the Atlantic, then re-consider and upgrade.

Sorry to be tough on you, but this is youse guys life.

Ann

[Franziska]

Hi Ann, good point of view.

Would you have had to start with zero funds in case it would have gone wrong?

I agree totally that one should have all good equipment and a seaworthy boat to start with.

[GordMay]

Check out IMIS Home Page ~ International Marine Insurance Services

[mikereed100]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

If you believe the vessel is truly seaworthy, just go for it. Invest in radar, AIS, good quality anchors, etc. We cruised for about 20, maybe 25 yrs. without any kind of insurance, now third party is required, but the deal is, instead of ins. policies, invest in stuff to keep your boat safe!

Ann

This is our philosophy as well. With the money we save by not buying insurance we are able to afford the best ground tackle, AIS transponder, fresh rigging, radar, automatic fire extinguishers etc. Lightning is still a worry, but, with the money we save on insurance, we could replace all our electronics every 3-5 years and still be ahead. Plus, I feel that sailing without insurance makes us a lot more cautious, if not outright paranoid, which tends to keep us out of trouble.