Insurance for a Boat...and other tales of perplexity.

"The best protection any woman can have...is courage." 

~Elizabeth Cady Stanton

With almost a year of boat renovating behind us (about 4 times the amount of time, and 3 times the money I expected to spend), I am very interested in protecting and insuring my investment.  The marina also requires proof of insurance with a minimum of $500,000 in liability.

All very logical, compelling reasons to be certain my boat is insured.  Then one day, while checking on my boat at the marina, I experienced an image that was even more compelling:

This is a submerged boat with a lift apparatus pulling it out of the water.

We stood next to the heartbroken owners of this vessel and watched as the crew pulled it out of the water. 

Once the title was in my name, it was time to search for insurance.

I started asking other boaters, my surveyor, etc. for recommendations.  I had no problem collecting recommendations, advice, names and numbers.

Armed with my list, my questions and all the information about my boat and her engines, I sat down to interview insurance companies and decide which would win my business.

And then there was reality...

Apparently insurance companies aren't standing in line hoping to insure 40+ year old boats with a value of about 3 times the purchase price.  In the fact, most of them won't insure such a boat at all.

I was denied coverage from several insurance companies:

• United Marine Underwriters (they told me that if I have the boat for a year with no claims, they may reconsider),
• Progressive (they said they would cover the boat as long as the value was under $40,000.00, but they would drop me when it went over $40.  I asked if we could just keep the coverage at $40.  But the answer was, "no"),
• Several other denials.  I was really beginning to worry about what I was going to do... 

Then I called Allstate.  While Allstate itself was also not willing to cover me, the agent there, Elliott Poole, took it upon himself to search for a company that would.  He worked with Markel American Insurance Company.  And voila! I am insured!  Since I needed coverage for more than the original price of the boat (it's called complete renovation), this posed an additional challenge.

Here is what helped me get insurance for the value of the boat:

• Elliott Poole with Allstate Insurance (an agent willing to look for solutions in an unusual situation).  If you are anywhere near the Cincinnati area, you can reach him at 513.924.4979.  Very, very helpful in my search!
• I kept every receipt for everything I purchased for the boat.  I used a neat receipt scanner to scan the receipts and save them as pdfs (many receipts will fade and you could be left with a blank white paper in your time of need).  This enabled me to send the insurance company all the receipts to show how much I have invested in updates,
• I keep a spreadsheet showing all costs with descriptions and dates--and a total column.  This makes it easy for anyone to see, at a glance, the total investment and the types of updates that have been made,
• Having my Masters Captains license--taking any boat safety course will help you get (and possibly decrease the cost of) boat insurance,
• Keeping a log of time on boats (how much time, size and type of boat, what waters, etc.)--insurance companies want to know that you have experience on the water.

All of these efforts netted me two things--a policy and a compliment from my new insurance agent.  In his words:  "As of now I believe we have everything we need to get this policy activated.  Thank you for being soo thorough, it is incredibly delightful to work with a client that is organized."  

It is reassuring to know that my vessel, my investment of time, hard work and money, is now protected, both by insurance and the courage to keep moving forward!

Gazing at Stars, Bridge Seating, Boat Alarms and more...

"For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream."

~Vincent Van Gogh

This past summer I visited the previous owner's warehouse.  I wrote about the treasures we found in a post titled: "'Treasures' Found."

One of the treasures we found was the original bridge seat.  When we first laid eyes on it, we couldn't believe that it had once been a seat (we almost didn't take it):

Yes, there is a seat in this pic!

This is a back-to-back bench seat that folds down into a bed.  Once I saw the seat, I knew that I needed to have one just like it back in place on the bridge.  You see, my mind immediately zoomed on the mental image of lying on the bed on a warm summer night looking at the stars...music, wine...(you get the picture).

I began searching for a replacement, and quickly discovered that seats like this are no longer made.  The only option would be to make one.

I considered rebuilding the seat myself, but realized that if I wanted it to stand up to the harsh elements I might need some help.

I called Dennis Pennington at DP Custom Upholstery in Cold Spring, Kentucky.  He came to my garage to see the seat, bearing sample fabrics and color charts.  He arrived in his van with his very cute pup, Rufus.  He offered lots of choices and ideas, and I chose a creamy colored marine vinyl with orange sections.

He loaded up the remains of the 40-year-old bridge seat, and away he went.  I told him I was in no hurry and would not need the seat until Spring.  A few weeks ago, he called to let me know that it was finished.

I have to admit, I was nervous to see the final product.  But, I could not be more delighted!  Here are some pics of the old and new:

Here is the original seat after we pieced it back together.

And this is my nice, new bridge seat!

This is a view of the original seat unfolded into a bed.

And here is the new seat!  Just beautiful!

I highly recommend Dennis at DP Custom Upholstery!  You can reach him at 859.441.5492.  

This is Dennis Pennington from DP Custom Upholstery with his very sweet, cute pup, Rufus!

Several people have asked where this seat will be placed.  It will go on the top of the boat at the outside helm (the bridge).  I will install it after I have a canvas cover made to protect it from the elements.  It will be placed where the green arrow is pointing:

On another note, I was lucky enough to be able to visit the Miami International Boat Show!  Saw lots of amazing boats and products there.  

Captain Gregg standing aboard a boat he'd love to own!

Here are my favorite take-aways:

• Silicone Rescue Tape!  

• Check out this video on rescue tape.  It's good stuff, and a good idea to have on a boat.

• Cobra C-Pod Security System:

• With this alarm system, I can receive an email and text message letting me know if any readings are off on any of the accessories I purchase.  I plan to purchase the:
• Smoke detector,
• Electronic Water Level Sensor,
• Motion detector, and
• 2 Magnetic Intrusion detectors (for each door).

She's getting closer and closer to ready for action.  

I am looking forward to taking her out on the river and anchoring--playing some music on my new sound system, having a glass of wine, and laying under the stars on the new bridge seat dreaming of adventures to come!