If you own a boat, you will likely have a dingy or a tender. Having a second smaller vessel for your boat can offer several benefits and enhance your boating experience in various ways. The number one purpose is to have a secondary vessel for safety purposes. Additionally, the tender offers an alternative mode of transportation to beaches, docks, and marinas where a larger boat may not be suitable. It can provide an opportunity for fun water sports. If you have a second boat that you use on a regular basis and not just to service the larger vessel, we recommend having the tender insurance separately. At Pacific Marine we evaluate your boat and tender values to determine the best coverage for the tender that will be cost effective in the event of a claim on either vessel.
How do you classify Tender insurance?
Some boat insurance policies automatically include a tender as a covered item in the hull and machinery definition. It may have the same deductible as the boat if it is automatically covered. Most insurance companies will allow you to Schedule the Tender in order to pay a higher premium and get a lower deductible.
8 benefits of having an insured tender
1. Transportation: A tender serves as a means of transportation between your boat and the shore. It allows you to easily access marinas, docks, or anchorages that may not have direct access for larger vessels. You can use the tender to go ashore for supplies, dining, exploring nearby islands, or simply enjoying the beach.
2. Safety and Emergencies: In case of an emergency or breakdown of your main vessel, a tender can be a crucial backup. It provides an additional mode of transportation to reach safety or obtain help if needed. Additionally, it can also be used for rescue purposes or to assist other boaters in distress.
3. Flexibility: Having tender insurance separately allows you more flexibility in using and transporting the tender independently from the main boat.
4. Mooring and Anchoring: When you anchor your boat away from shore, a tender enables you to access the shore without having to move your main vessel. This can be particularly useful in secluded anchorages or when visiting destinations with limited docking facilities.
5. Water Sports and Recreation: A tender provides opportunities for water sports and recreational activities. You can use it for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, or exploring coastal areas where a larger boat may not be able to venture. Tenders are typically more maneuverable and can access shallow waters or narrow channels that larger boats cannot navigate.
6. Convenience and Flexibility: Having a tender provides greater convenience and flexibility in your boating adventures. You can easily explore remote areas, visit islands, or access hidden coves and beaches that might be inaccessible to larger boats.
7. Dinghy Docking: Many coastal towns and marinas have designated dinghy docks where you can tie up your tender while you explore on land. These docks are usually free or available at a low cost, making it convenient to access amenities and services.
8. Towing and Carrying Capacity: Tenders often can tow water toys, kayaks, paddle boards, or additional equipment. They can also carry provisions, groceries, or equipment from shore to your main vessel, reducing the need for multiple trips.
Top reasons to insure your tender separately
Lower Deductibles: Combining the tender with the main boat under a single insurance policy might result in higher deductibles. Separate insurance for your tender allows you to choose a deductible that aligns with the value and risks associated with the tender itself, potentially resulting in lower deductibles for both the main boat and the tender.
Accurate estimation and payout: If you schedule the tender separately, this provides a more accurate estimation of values and a concise payout in case of a claim. It is worthy to note that some types of aux motors cannot be insured or might cause future damage to the hull – like electric engines with lithium batteries. Scheduling as a separate item will allow proper underwriting, prevent additional damages to the vessel and avoid surprises in the event of a claim.
Customized Coverage: Having a scheduled tender allows you to tailor the coverage specifically to the unique needs of your tender. Tenders often have different usage patterns, risks, and values compared to the main boat. By having a separate insurance policy, you can ensure that the coverage adequately addresses these specific factors.
Enhanced Protection: Tenders are typically more vulnerable to theft, damage, and accidents due to their smaller size and frequent use in different locations. Having a scheduled policy provides an extra layer of protection against risks specific to the tender.
Other considerations
If tenders are regularly towed and not stored on the primary vessel during sailing, it is important to consider this in the policy, as underwriters will assume a higher risk in this case. Some policies require a 24/7 watch when a tender is towed. If the crew does not meet these warranties, the insurance policy is at risk.
In the event of an upgrade by the owner, their values would be properly estimated and updated on the policy instead of the original values included in the hull and machinery.
Some insurers may have conditions regarding theft clauses involving auxiliary motors and dinghies. Scheduling them will make sure coverage is included.
We recommend that you always “schedule” your tender as a separate entity. Insurance provides coverage based on the agreed value or actual cash value. Learn more about the difference in values. Insure your tender separately for the many benefits, including overall cost savings.
“If you have a second boat that you use on a regular basis and not just to service the larger vessel, we recommend having the tender insurance separately.”
