For many Canadian boaters, owning a classic wood-hulled cruiser, a beloved sailboat from decades past, or a well-worn powerboat isn’t just about transportation — it’s a passion. But when it comes to insurance, older pleasure craft require special consideration. As an insurance professional with deep experience in recreational marine risk, I’ll guide you through what matters most when insuring an aging vessel — and why Gallagher Skippers’ Plan might be the best choice for many Canadian owners.
Why Older Boats Demand Attention from Insurance Companies
Insurance underwriters view older vessels through the lens of risk and condition. Age alone isn’t the sole driver of premium or eligibility — but it’s often correlated with structural wear, obsolete systems, and maintenance concerns that impact safety and liability exposure.
For boats 15+ years old, especially those that fall into higher value brackets or greater length categories, insurers typically want objective verification of seaworthiness before they extend full coverage. That’s where marine surveys and photos come into play.
Survey and Photo Requirements
Gallagher Skippers’ Plan, a specialized marine insurance program with over 70 years of history in Canada, has clear guidelines around surveys and photos for older boats. These inspections help both you and your insurer understand the current condition of the vessel and ensure it’s safe and sound to insure. Here’s how their requirements typically apply:
Mandatory Marine Survey: A formal marine survey is required if the boat is older than 20 years, and 30 feet or longer, and/or valued at $50,000 or more. Boats kept on Agreed Value Coverage may trigger survey requirements starting from 15 years of age. All collector and antique boats require a survey regardless of age.
Learn more about Survey & Photos here
Photos in Lieu of Survey
For certain older boats that don’t meet the thresholds for a full survey — typically vessels greater than 20 years old but under 30 ft and under $50,000 in value — Gallagher Skippers’ Plan may accept a comprehensive set of photos instead of a survey report. Photos must show all exterior sides, interior spaces, engine compartment(s), electrical systems, and the Hull Identification Number (HIN).
Validity & Renewal Requests
Marine surveys remain valid for a period (commonly about two years for new policies and up to five years for renewals), but Gallagher Skippers’ Plan may request updated surveys periodically to reassess condition as the boat ages.
Can I use any surveyor?
To find a boat surveyor near you, a good place to look is the American Boat & Yacht Council whose members have received their training, however we recommend an accredited member of either the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors or International Association of Marine Surveyors. They have databases by country, province and state, and you’ll be able to find one close by. Surveyors will often travel to survey a boat.
What Happens During a Survey?
A qualified marine surveyor conducts a detailed assessment that may include hull integrity, mechanical systems, safety equipment, rigging (for sailboats), electrical systems, and overall seaworthiness. The report typically contains narrative findings, conditions that need addressing, and photos documenting the vessel’s state. While survey costs vary with hull size and region, they’re often a worthwhile investment — not just for insurance, but for your peace of mind on the water.
Balancing Coverage & Cost
Older pleasure craft present unique insurance challenges — but they also present opportunities. For many owners, agreed value coverage — which guarantees a pre-determined payout in the event of a total loss — provides superior protection compared to actual cash value options that depreciate over time. However, agreed value often goes hand-in-hand with stricter documentation requirements like surveys. Gallagher Skippers’ Plan understands these trade-offs and structures its products accordingly, giving boaters tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all policies.
Why Choose Gallagher Skippers’ Plan?
Gallagher Skippers’ Plan specializes in Canadian pleasure craft insurance and brings strengths that many generalist brokers, agents and insurers can’t match:
Decades of marine insurance expertise and a deep understanding of recreational boating risks. Comprehensive coverage options tailored specifically to sailboats, cruisers, runabouts, pontoons, personal watercraft and even classic and antique boats. A culture of partnership with clients — whether you’re a weekend boater or seasoned cruiser.
Getting Started:
Contact Gallagher Skippers’ Plan If you own an older pleasure craft and want confident, comprehensive insurance designed for Canadian waters and underwriting realities, Gallagher Skippers’ Plan is a strong option.
To explore coverage and get a personalized quote, reach out: Phone: 1-800-661-7211 Website: https://skippersplan.com
Discuss your vessel’s specifics and survey/photo options with a knowledgeable broker who can guide you through the process. Whether you’re buying your first classic boat or renewing coverage on a long-held favourite, understanding how surveys factor into marine insurance will help you secure the right protection — and get back on the water with confidence.
