Why You Should Take Your Boat or Yacht for a Sea Trial

Boats and yachts provide you with exciting opportunities to explore the waterways of the world while also potentially traveling in luxury and enjoying many of the comforts of home. However, while owning and operating these aquatic vessels can be enjoyable, they also represent significant investments. You should prioritize risk management and loss control measures to protect your property and financial interests. This responsibility begins even before you purchase your boat or yacht, as conducting thorough sea trials should be a top priority.

What Are Sea Trials?

Much like a test drive that you might take when purchasing a car or truck, sea trials provide you with opportunities to get first-hand experience operating your vessel and seeing how it handles various nautical conditions.

How Do You Conduct a Sea Trial?

Although sea trials are an advisable precaution when purchasing a boat or yacht, you should also ensure you understand when and how to conduct them to ensure an efficient process and accurate representation of the vessel in question. Consider the following guidance:

• Avoid requesting a sea trial until you are on the cusp of making a purchase, as many sellers may require a significant deposit before allowing you to take the vessel out on the water.
• Be aware of potentially being issued a demonstration model for a sea trial and ensure that all specifications and details of your test vessel match the one you may be purchasing.
• Consider what you plan to store or transport on your boat or yacht, as performance may vary depending on how much weight is on board.
• Inspect all aspects of the vessel, including its hull, attached fixtures (e.g., cupboards and storage areas and doors), windows and skylights.
• Ensure the boat’s electronics function properly. This may include testing the visibility of essential screens, such as those used for navigation in various conditions, including at night and under bright sunlight.
• Experiment with how the vessel performs under various conditions.
• Consult the owner’s manual to check for various factors, such as fuel economy and engine performance, and compare how these specifications compare to what you experience during your sea trial.
• Practice operating the boat or yacht you are trialing at various speeds, including maximum velocity and minimum planing speed.

We’re Here to Help

At Casey Insurance Brokers, our dedicated team has over 20 years of experience helping yacht and boat owners understand the risks and exposures related to their vessels. We will work with you to provide guidance and solutions that can ensure you and your property are financially secured. Visit our website or call 888-537-1412 to get started today.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.