I'm thinking about buying my friends old catamaran. I found a dry dock for it in Dana Point Harbor for a price I can afford. The only downside is they said that I need boating insurance. So can someone tell me about how much that's going to cost? I don't have accidents on my record or anything and the boat is only worth about 500.

Cheap. I fully insure my 2004 Nacra F18 and trailer for $180 per year (and that includes racing).

Thanks. That was my major hesitation.

If you have homeowners or renters insurance you may be covered already for liability. That's all the organization will require. Call your agent or check your policy.

Mike Hill

I do not recommend using homeowners or renters insurance for boating coverage anymore. The current state of affairs with insurance compaines and claims against homeowners policies means it would be a bad idea to claim something for your boat on it.

I would agree with Keith. Also, homeowners typically only covers (if that's what you call it these days) boats UNDER 16 feet, and what is actually covered is almost not worth having.

What insurance co do you use?. I tried to get a Boat US quote and it was close to $400/year. In addition, they kept asking me questions about the size of the fuel tank and selling their pollution liability coverage....

Progressive Direct

Although I found it easier to call directly ... their software doesn't recognize some boat models.

Your options in FL are a bit limited:

Progressive
State Farm (if you have homeowners with them)
Ace/INAMAR (big boats)
Lloyd's / Atlas (big boats and liveaboards)
Chubb (if your big pimpin' and have 100+ feet of waterline)
Boat US
I think United might still do the occasional boat

and, of course US Sailing if your boat is listed.

There may be one or two more but that's all I can think of off the top of my head. It would seem that Progressive and State Farm, are two of the cheapest for boats under 30 feet.

yup - progressive.

If you're an old gas passer and have joined AARP, you can get cheap home and auto insurance from The Hartford and tack the boat on to the home policy. It was pretty cheap.