Boat Engine Crack: Is My Insurance Useless Now?

Whether your boat insurance covers a cracked engine depends on what caused the damage. If the crack was caused by a collision or severe weather, your insurance may cover the cost of repairs or replacement. However, if the damage was due to wear and tear, negligence, or failing to perform regular maintenance, your insurance will likely not cover the cost. It's important to carefully review your boat insurance policy to understand what types of coverage are included and what the limits and exclusions are.

Comprehensive coverage

For example, if your boat's engine is vandalised and requires extensive repairs, comprehensive coverage will step in to cover the costs associated with restoring it to its pre-vandalised condition. Similarly, if your boat is stolen and later recovered but with a damaged engine, comprehensive coverage can provide compensation to replace the engine, ensuring your boat is returned to its previous functional state.

It is important to note that comprehensive coverage does have its limitations. While it covers a broad range of unforeseen events, it may not cover all possible scenarios. For instance, if your boat's engine cracks due to freezing during winter and improper winterisation is deemed the cause, your comprehensive coverage may not apply as this could be considered negligence. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review your policy's specific inclusions and exclusions to understand the extent of your comprehensive coverage.

By understanding the scope of your comprehensive coverage, you can ensure that you are adequately protected against unexpected damages to your boat's engine and take the necessary steps to maintain your vessel and avoid incidents of negligence.

Collision coverage

In addition to the damage to your boat, collision coverage can also pay for injuries to your pets on the boat during a collision. It may also cover injuries to your passengers, although this may fall under a different type of coverage, such as guest passenger liability.

When purchasing collision coverage, it is important to note that there may be certain limitations or exclusions. For example, there may be specific circumstances under which collision coverage will not apply, such as negligence or lack of maintenance. Additionally, there may be limits on the amount of coverage provided, which can vary depending on the policy and the provider.

It is also worth noting that collision coverage does not typically cover general wear and tear, damage from animals or marine life, or mechanical breakdowns. However, you may be able to add additional coverage to your policy for these types of incidents, such as mechanical breakdown coverage.

Wear and tear

However, there are certain types of coverage that you can add to your policy that may provide protection in the event of wear and tear. For example, mechanical breakdown coverage is offered by some insurance companies, which covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged parts of your boat's engine and other mechanical systems. This type of coverage can be especially useful if you are concerned about the risk of engine problems due to wear and tear.

Additionally, some insurance companies offer endorsement coverage, which allows you to add specific coverage options to your policy for an additional premium. This may include coverage for engine failure or breakdown, which could be useful if your engine cracks due to wear and tear.

It is important to carefully review your boat insurance policy to understand what types of coverage are included and what the limits and exclusions are. If you are concerned about the risk of engine damage due to wear and tear, you may consider adding additional coverage options or increasing your coverage limits. This will help ensure that you are adequately protected in the event of unexpected repairs or replacements.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that standard boat insurance policies typically cover a range of other damages, such as collision damage coverage, comprehensive damage coverage, property damage liability coverage, and bodily injury liability coverage. These types of coverage can provide financial protection in the event of accidents, collisions, theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters. Therefore, while wear and tear may not be covered, there are still several types of protection offered by standard boat insurance policies.

Manufacturer's warranty

When purchasing a boat, it is important to consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A warranty provides peace of mind and reflects the manufacturer's confidence in their product. While boat insurance is the best way to protect your boat from unexpected damage, a manufacturer's warranty can offer additional coverage for defects in materials and workmanship.

Comprehensive Coverage

Look for a warranty that offers comprehensive coverage, protecting you against defects in material and workmanship for an extended period. For example, Sportsman Boats offers a ten-year hull limited warranty and a one-year non-structural limited warranty, surpassing the industry standard.

Transferable Warranty

Boat ownership may change over time, so it is beneficial to have a transferable warranty. Sportsman Boats, for instance, offers a transferable ten-year hull limited warranty, allowing the warranty to be transferred to a single subsequent titled owner, adding value to the boat for resale.

Clear Exclusions

Warranties often come with exclusions that limit coverage. Choose a manufacturer that is transparent about these exclusions, clearly outlining what is not covered, such as damage from unauthorized repairs, normal wear and tear, and accidents. This ensures that you fully understand the terms of your warranty.

Responsive Customer Service

In the event of a warranty claim, prompt and responsive customer service is crucial. Select a manufacturer with a network of authorized dealers and dedicated support staff who can provide timely assistance and seamless resolution to your concerns.

Backed by Reputation

Consider the reputation of the manufacturer when it comes to craftsmanship, design, and customer service. A company with a solid reputation, such as Sportsman Boats, reflects its commitment to delivering a superior product through its warranty.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about the manufacturer's warranty when purchasing a boat, ensuring you have the necessary coverage and peace of mind during your boating experience.

Engine winterisation

Step 1: Prep your engine

Ensure all water has been drained and removed from the engine. This includes the cooling system and any other systems that can hold water, such as raw water washdowns, livewells, and bilge pumps.

Step 2: Apply corrosion protection

Apply corrosion protection to your engine. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions and complete fogging if needed.

Step 3: Add a fuel-stabilising additive

Add a fuel-stabilising additive to your fuel system, then run the engine. This is important to prevent issues with ethanol-blended fuel, which can undergo phase separation if left untreated over winter.

Step 4: Change fuel filters

Change your engine's fuel filters and any fuel/water separators in the system. It is important to replace these entirely, rather than trying to reuse them.

Step 5: Drain freshwater plumbing systems

Drain your boat's freshwater plumbing systems, including sinks, tanks, and heads.

Step 6: Add antifreeze

Add antifreeze to your plumbing systems to prevent freeze damage.

Step 7: Cover your boat

Cover your boat or place it into winter storage. It is important to keep your boat protected from moisture, snow, ice, and debris.

Additional tips:

• If you live in an area where temperatures fall below freezing, it is especially important to winterise your boat engine properly.
• If your owner's manual includes winterising instructions, be sure to follow those.
• Some additional steps for specific engine types (outboard, inboard, or stern drive) may include changing the oil, inspecting exposed hoses and parts, and treating with fogging oil.
• Remember that water is the biggest danger to your boat during the off-season, so focus on keeping water and moisture out.

Frequently asked questions