Spring Sailing and Insurance Issues

Spring is officially here. Many sailors in Buffalo, NY will work hard to get their boats out onto the water as soon as weather cooperates and the ice clears from Lake Erie.

You have your foul weather gear, and are ready to face the chill out on the water, but is your boat insurance policy in effect? Are you covered?

Boats over 26 feet are subject to a “lay up” period on their insurance policies. In Western New York this period generally runs from November 1st – May 1st. What this means is that if you take your 27 foot sailboat onto the water in mid April, you may not have any insurance coverage in effect. You do not want to find yourself in a position where you need to make a claim only to learn that no policy was in effect. Check your policy, see if it has a lay up period. If there is one and you plan on sailing in early Spring either have your policy re-written or keep your boat out of the water.