The Infamous $2 Million Bungee Cord Lawsuit

I was in the garage securing some boat gear with a bungee cord this morning. As the cord slipped harmlessly from my hand it reminded me of an incident at Lake Muskoka in 1999. Back then two friends were putting a 17 foot runabout on a trailer after a pleasant day of boating. A bungee […]
Five Types of Coverage That May Surprise

I would guess that less than 5% or people actually read their boat insurance policy and even fewer fully understand what it all means. If you are in the majority then you need to ensure you are using a trusted and knowledgable insurance broker. In this post I’m going to share 5 elements of your […]
Sailboat Rigging & Maintenance

In 2014 we saw even more dismasting claims due to age and worn out old rigging. This blog entry is copied from my previous blog because the message is not getting out to sailors. Sailboats over 15 years old that still have the original wire rigging have a high rate of rigging failures and dismastings each year. […]
New to Boating? You need to visit TIBS

Did you know that 25 – 30% of the people attending the Toronto International Boat Show each year are new to boating and/or first time attendees? In 2015 new boaters visiting the show ( January 10-18, 2015) should make their first stop at the New Boater Welcome Centre. This is where first-timers can speak to unbiased experts who will […]
Have your say about the Trent-Severn and Rideau Waterways

The Trent-Severn Waterway and the Rideau Canal provides boaters with some of the most interesting boating in Ontario. Traversing rivers and lakes, through locks, bridges, past marinas and many historical sites. Boaters say it’s one of those holidays where you learn as you explore. The Trent-Severn system begins in Trenton and meanders 386KM to Georgian […]
Help Stop the Invasion of Phragmites

On a trip home to Toronto this summer I noticed a number of signs on Hwy 400 warning of the Phragmites Invasion. I try to stay informed about issues that affect boaters but I had never heard of this invasive species before. Ontario has over 400 invasive plant species and this one never hit my radar. It has the […]
Marine Assistance Program

Whether your plans include fishing with friends, sailing the open water or taking a leisurely cruise along a river, you can enjoy it all with the peace of mind knowing you have the insurance coverage you need from Aviva and Skippers’ Plan. And now, it’s our pleasure to offer you even more value through your […]
Boat Insurance Deductibles and Claims

There seems to be a bit of confusion in the boating community regarding boat insurance deductibles and how they are applied if you have a claim. How the deductible is applied is contained in the insurance contract (i.e policy wording) and/or the declaration page of the policy. You should be familiar with how these work […]
What is your most memorable boating experience?

If you love boating then there are moments in time that mark the start of the love affair. I consider myself fortunate to have been born into a boating family so my boating memories are from my childhood. I have a lifetime of wonderful boating experiences but a few really stand out. When I was a […]