Coast Guard Ratings VS Insurance

[hydro]

I currently have a 1991 Hydrostream Voyager Xt it is 20' long.It is powered by a 200HP Pro-v.I am thinking of putting on a 300HP engine.What are the coast guard rules for length of boat VS HP?Also what do insurance companies usually say? We live near Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Thanks

[wired247]

Over 20 foot there is no restriction on HP from the coast guard. The coast guard doesnt issue insurance or put motors on your boat though and at least for me the CG rating has always been a total non issue as a coast guard cutter has never issued me a ticket. Insurance companies can do whatever they want and many companies have their own restrictions. Several companies would not issue me a policy for a 225 on my Allison with 200 HP being their limit even though I am completely legal . Foremost did write a policy at a decent price for a relatively high agreed value but I do see in the policy where 45 MPH top speed is mentioned so if anything were to happen at higher speed I'm sure they would disavow my existence. Went 30 years without insurance at all so it doesnt bum me out much.


My only real reason for getting insurance on this boat was for hull or lower unit damage at lower speeds as their are a lot of submerged pilings where I boat and thet are going to get smacked at lower speeds near the shore. Getting sued isnt really my concern. I rarely if never carry non family passengers and don't go within 1/2 mile of other boaters out on the river.

[hydro]

Thanks

[hsbob]

measure the voyager. last time i did it was 20' 1" thus over the 20' rule.

some insurances go with the bia rating which is 235 for the pre 98 voyagers and 285 for new. the rating use to be +- 15%, this puts the 300 in your range. work with the insurance co and the may respond. i had a 150 on a 140 rated vamp thru state farm. i have heard they insure cases like yours.

[CircleHook]

If somebody else gets hurt- do you want to even have a second thought as to if you are covered or not? May I offer that "stuff" does happen and you probably got family-kids - others that depend on you- if you get sued - you can lose everything - house- future earnings- it will not be just you it effects-
No I do not sell insurance - but I sure do buy it...

[hydro]

Thanks Guys!

[DoktorC]

225 clamp and hood

[Glastron1987]

My insurance company does not care how much power is on the boat. It does care how fast it goes though. There are three categories, under 50mph, 50-55mph, and over 55mph. The price for the first category is reasonable, the price for the second category is a little more, and the price for the last is a lot more. I suppose either the 200 or 300 would put you in the top category for my insurance.

I’ve been boating for 44 years (had insurance for maybe the last 30 years) and so far have never made a claim… but still like to know that I’m properly covered if needed… but also think trying to avoid issues is time better spent that worrying about insurance. I agree that hurting someone and/or getting sued is the worst consequence.

[hydro]

Thanks Guys!