Markel American Insurance Company underwrites the Jackline Insurance Program, a cruising yacht program run by Gowrie Group, part of Risk Strategies. Its survey guidelines are among the most detailed an insurer publishes, down to what the report has to look like.
When a survey is needed
Depending on the yacht's age and condition, Markel may want a recent out of water condition and valuation survey before it insures the yacht or renews the policy. An aluminium or steel hull needs an audio-gauge report as part of it.
For a first Jackline policy, a C&V survey from the past 24 months may be accepted, if it meets the report standards below.
Liability alone is different. Markel's yacht insurance page says its protection and indemnity cover doesn't require a survey, even on older boats.
Rigging on sailboats
Every sailboat needs an aloft rigging inspection. If your surveyor doesn't inspect the standing rigging in detail, a professional rigging service has to. The rigging report has no set format, but it should:
- identify the vessel, with the date and place of the inspection
- assess each rigging component, on deck and aloft
- give each concern with its remedy: monitor, service or replace
- be signed
A rigging inspection from the last three years can be sent instead, with invoices for any rigging work since.
What the report must show
- a professional format, typed on the surveyor's stationery or standard form
- who requested the survey, and whether they or anyone else was present
- when and where it was done
- the yacht's identification (name, HIN) and specifications, with their source if not measured
- a logical layout covering each area of the yacht
- a detailed section of recommendations on safety and seaworthiness
- the surveyor's opinion of current market value
- the surveyor's name, credentials and signature
Who can survey
A member of NAMS or SAMS. Both have members outside the US. If you're unsure whether a surveyor or their report format will be accepted, send a sample report and their CV to Gowrie for pre-approval.
For the surveyor
That list reads like a report template, and it's worth building yours to match it. Axsail fills in the particulars and who was present from what you say on board, has a valuation section with comparables, and grades every recommendation, under your name and signature.