If your vessel has not been receiving proper routine maintenance,

 it is likely that your insurance will not be in force at claim time.

There are exclusions in every water craft policy that stipulate

the items that are not covered, in the event of a loss.

More importantly, there are items  listed under exclusions

that may be responsible for the loss which will void the

insurance protection.

You should review your policy and determine what is covered and

what is not. You should also review your policy to determine

the circumstances under which no coverage is in force.

As an expert witness, I have been privy to numerous

insurance claims that were not paid because the vessel

owner failed to keep his craft in seaworthy condition.

In many cases the typical boater does not know when

he is in danger. It is not always possible for the boat

mechanic to be sure everything is in good shape.

Click here for a power boat engine example.

Click here for a sailboat example.