Marine Insurance Risk Checklist

This insurance risk evaluation checklist is a guide only and only includes common items, as such the list may be limited. This list can be used for both power boat, motor cruisers and sailboat/yachts.

Inspection of the below areas or components are required only if fitted to the relevant vessel.
The vessel should be presented in a clean and clutter free condition prior to the surveyors attendance.

These boat evaluations should always be conducted by an accredited Marine Surveyor, contact us for a free survey quote to conduct this survey today

Hull Structure

• Hull Structure > Should be no visible damage
• Exterior Above Water > Normal wear and tear acceptable
• Bulkheads > No movement or deterioration.
• Stringers > No stress or deterioration
• Bilges > Should be clean
• Exterior below waterline > Free from defect or damage
• Keel & Keelboats > Free from notable corrosion
• Anodes > Serviceable condition
• Anti-Fouling > Serviceable condition

Deck & Cockpit

• Cockpit floor > should be rigid
• Coach-house > Structurally sound
• Superstructure > Structurally sound
• Winches & Deck Hardware > Operational, no excessive corrosion.
• Anchor chain > No excessive corrosion
• Pushpit & Pulpit Stanchion > Secure
• Life Lines & Fittings > In place
• Cleats & Bollards a Secure
• Hatches and Windows > Leak free
• Bimini / Covers > Leak free, note condition
• Stem head > Bow roller needs to be secure.

Steering Gear

• Shaft > Straight, no pitting.
• Stern gland > No excessive leak and clean
• Rudders > Serviceable condition
• Rudder Bearings > No excessive movement
• Steering Linkages > No excessive movement or corrosion

Main Engines & Driveline

• Main Engines > Visual inspect, no excessive corrosion
• Engine Hours > Hour gauge
• Installation > Condition of installation
• Throttle Controls > Easily engaged
• Exhaust > No split hoses or corrosion to hose clamps.
• Cooling System > Hose and exchangers, corrosion free.
• Fuel Lines/Fittings > Hose condition and fittings
• Fuel Tanks > No corrosion or leak
• Manifold & Shut Off Valves > Operational.
• Fuel Filler > No leak or deterioration
• Engine Space Venting > Adequate ventilation
• Electrical Harness > Wiring harness is in good order
• Electrical Fitting > No corroded wires with minimal joins
• Engine Mounts > No movement or corrosion

Gas System

• Gas / Electric > Stove condition
• Bottles Gas Bottle > No excess corrosion
• Compliance Plate > If fitted with LPG
• Gas Lines and Regulator > Good condition
• Gas bottle Storage > Vented external locker

Electrical

• AC Voltage > Professional installed and tested
• Batteries > Condition and voltage
• DC Voltage > Professional installed and tested
• Switches / Panels > Electrical panels and switches
• Charging Systems > Battery charging systems
• Protection > RCDs, Fuses & Breakers fitted.
• Cabin Lights > Power-up

Plumbing

• Fresh water tankage > Leak free
• Pumps > Test operation, leak free.
• Accumulators > Leak free if fitted.
• Plumbing > Hose condition, leak free.
• Hot Water > Corrosion and leak free if fitted.
• Bilge Pump (automatic) > Test
• Bilge Pump (manual) > Manual hand pump test
• Gray Water Discharge > Overboard or Tank
• Showers > Drainage
• Sinks > Drainage
• Sumps > Shower Sump Function
• Deck Wash Pumps > Leak free if fitted.
• Blackwater > Leak free if fitted.
• Toilets > Test operation and installation
• Seacocks > Corrosion free, open and close

Rig

• Mast > No corrosion or stress
• Boom > No corrosion or stress
• Forestay/Backstay > No corrosion or stress
• Standing Rigging > Age and condition
• Running Rigging > No notable deterioration
• Winches > Test, sooth running
• Chain Plates > No corrosion, stress or movement
• Compression Post > No corrosion or stress

Navigation & Safety Gear

• Radios Navigation > Power-up
• Chartplotter / GPS > Power-up
• Navigation Lights > Power-up
• Compass > Condition / Calibration
• Weather Instruments > If fitted
• Horn > Test, If fitted
• Life Jackets > Age, condition and inspection
• Fire Extinguishers > Age, condition and charge
• Life Raft > In service if fitted
• EPIRB > Battery service date
• Flares > Service date
• Fire Blankets > Recommended if internal stove.
• Smoke / Fume / CO2 Detectors > Recommended petrol engine

Click here for a printable list boat vessel insurance risk checklist

If you want to know more about Insurance Risk Surveys, please read our other detailed article about what’s involved and the process with these boat inspections – Read article