possibly living aboard

[rose93]

Hi,
I am very new to this. I have been looking at boats and thinking I want to liveaboard. I do have boating experience but never lived aboard. So let me give you the run down with questions I have.
1) I am looking at 32-36 ft carvers, Silverton, etc around 1980's. I am probably getting the loan from navy federal for this (I don't believe they care whether I'm living aboard when getting the loan am it right?)
2) I am looking to live on it in st petersburg fl. So I have been very concerned with insurance. Can I get USAA (they use progressive) and just not state I'm living aboard? I'm wondering what the differences are when you state you liveaboard? I really need more info on this part.
3) I have found that marinas are running around $500 a month here. Pasadena marina, blindpass, st pete muni, harborage let me know if you know some more. Also what do marinas usually make you carry for insurance?
4) let me know what else will be helpful while I'm looking

[RainDog]

Originally Posted by rose93

what do marinas usually make you carry for insurance?

Most marinas will make you carry $300,000 in liability insurance. This should also include a higher coverage for oil spill liability.

Originally Posted by rose93

So I have been very concerned with insurance. Can I get USAA (they use progressive) and just not state I'm living aboard? I'm wondering what the differences are when you state you liveaboard?

Insurance will very a lot depending on if you want liability only, or "full coverage". If you have a loan, you will of course be required to get the expensive plan. Progressive has good Marine insurance, so that should work fine. For sure ask them about the liveaboard. If there is a clause in your insurance that prohibits it, and you violate that clause, they will not have to pay for any claims you make. There are tons of liveaboard with insurance, so it is easy to find. You will have to pay somewhere in the $2,000 - $3,000 range per year for insurance most likely.

[rose93]

Thanks for the reply raindog,
So what's the main difference with liveaboard insurance as opposed to regular boat insurance? I wouldn't see how they could tell I'm living aboard. I will have to carry full coverage anyway so I guess it's not a huge deal. Also, will I have a problem getting insurance on a boat of that age or is that not really a problem?

[IdoraKeeper]

Living on a boat is not cheaper. Long term expenses are high..

[RainDog]

Originally Posted by rose93

So what's the main difference with liveaboard insurance as opposed to regular boat insurance? I wouldn't see how they could tell I'm living aboard. I will have to carry full coverage anyway so I guess it's not a huge deal. Also, will I have a problem getting insurance on a boat of that age or is that not really a problem?

No difference, but some companies may refuse to cover liveaboards. Some companies also will refuse to cover a boat of that age. Others will allow both. Just ask around and you will jane no problem finding a policy.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Rose.

[ranger58sb]

Rose, I would suspect you should be upfront with insurance carriers... in case there's a claim somewhere down the pike.

FWIW, we use an insurance broker (IMIS, Al Golden is a member here), and don't live aboard anyway, so don't know how USAA (which we qualify for) and so forth deal with the liveaboard issue.

Check ActiveCaptain.com for marina info and reviews.

Another FWIW, there's a Silverton owners club on line, modest fee, but it's quite common for shoppers to join in advance of buying so they can ask questions/get info about specific models and so forth.

-Chris

[a64pilot]

Age of boat will be an issue with Progressive going through USAA, it was either age or value that made me have to go through a broker to get Progressive, I couldn't go through USAA, they are geared more for ski and fishing boats than larger boats.

[Captain Curran]

I know for certain that Progressive states they will not cover Live-a-aboards, so don't risk it, go with another insurance company that is less resolute.

I would try Boat U.S. - and of course, if you can show that you have another primary residence aside from the boat, then this will never be an issue.
But, I've been living on my boat for 7 years, saving loads of money, enjoying the nautical life and I have kept my boat insured no problem. First with Boat Insurance Agency in Seattle, WA - then with Boat U.S.

I update an annual review of the most popular boat insurance providers.

Compare boat insurance 2015 - All things boat

I discuss some policy differences and highlight scenarios that would be advantageous for one provider over another...

It should help give you the lay of the land...fair winds!