Gallagher Skippers' Plan, a Canadian boat insurance program run by Arthur J. Gallagher Canada, publishes its survey and photo requirements in full. It notes that surveys have long been standard for older boats, 15 to 20 years and up.
When a survey is needed
- the boat is over 20 years old and 30 ft LOA or more, or valued above the program's limit
- you keep agreed value cover from 15 years of age
- it's a Sea-Doo jet boat
- it's a collector or antique boat, at any age
Underwriters can also ask for a survey at any time. If the survey or valuation isn't acceptable, the insurer may decline the boat or cancel the policy.
How long a survey lasts
Two years for a new policy. For existing clients, Skippers' Plan asks for a new survey every five years from the last one, and sends the request a year before it's due.
What the survey covers
The insurers want an out of water survey with photos. Skippers' Plan describes the survey as a detailed inspection of the exterior, rigging, interior, safety equipment, electronics and mechanical parts, and warns that moisture readings may need the boat out of the water for seven days or more. It also notes that most of its insurers don't use the surveyor's value estimate.
When photos will do
On actual cash value cover, photos replace the survey when the boat is over 15 years old, under 30 ft LOA, below the value limit and not a Sea-Doo jet boat. The photos must show:
- every exterior side, and the interior
- the engine or engine compartments
- the electrical systems and electronics
- the HIN or hull serial number
Who can survey
Skippers' Plan recommends an accredited member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) or the International Association of Marine Surveyors (IAMS). In remote areas, a value and condition report from a local marina or an ABYC certified marine technician may be accepted instead.
Recommendations
The insurer expects both urgent and non-urgent items dealt with in a timely manner, and some may affect whether the boat can be insured at all.
For the surveyor
Split your recommendations into urgent and non-urgent, because that's how the insurer reads them. Axsail grades every finding as you dictate it, so the urgent items are marked as urgent before the report reaches the insurer.