Splitdecision271

A few weeks back I contacted Sy Goldberg from Total $ for an insurance quote on a 07 292 Fastech, who was an OSO recommedation. He got back to me and said that no one would take me because of my age. I'm 23 years old, this would be my first boat. The 292 has since been removed from the picture an I am now looking at a used 2002 271 Fastech, the boat is shorter and has a singe engine vs. the twins in a 292. Does anyone know if this will have an impact on whether or not I can get insurance, even with my age being what it is?

jmeng

It should make it a little easier. When I was shopping around and having trouble getting insurance for a 292 or 32 Fountain a couple of agents told me if I dropped back to a smaller boat with a single 496 it would be cheaper to insure. Have you tried Elton Porter Ins? Also try Progressive on the 292. Good luck.

handfulz28

Young grasshopper must be more creative when seeking insurance
But don't knock Sy, I think he's just more geared towards bigger boats/bigger $/more experience.
Have you done the online safe boating course (Boat US, etc?). Please tell me this isn't the first boat you've operated right? Remind me where you're at? Here in South Florida for example, the only way I could get affordable coverage is by tagging on to my dad's policy. And I'm an experienced, prior boat owning, great credit, great driving history customer...for whatever that crap is worth...
Search on Craigslist in your area and look for someone giving away a boat, but make sure it has a title. Put the title in your name. Now you're a previous/current boat owner.
How about tacking on a family member on the title that may have an easier time getting insurance? This can be tricky/complicated, but if you REALLY want that boat...
You've got to hit every possible boat insurer, that covers your area.
Good luck.

Maritime_Eng

When I was 23 (3 yrs ago) I went thru Progressive on a 1991 311 SR1. Also try All state, State Farm. To be written by most of these companies the top speed had to be less than 70mph. Most 292 will run just over 70 mph with 6.2's so tell them 68 or 69 mph. They should write you then.

Hope this helps.
Don

Boomer 880

Is your driving record clean??

Splitdecision271

Thanks, all.

I'm not knocking Sy at all. I haven't gone through the whole boat ownership thing before.

I do have a clean driving record. I have 10+ years of experience. I've been driving/operating boats since I was 10 years of age. I've been taking my fathers boat out on my own since I was 16. I just have never been a licensed operator or owned my own boat. College got in the way of all my activities. I'm signed up to take my USCG course though. I've done the online quote with progressive which gave me a quote but I wasn't sure if that meant that they would actually insure me. I figured that a smaller boat with lesser total HP would make it easier to get approved or to have someone cover me.

Thanks for all the advice. You guys are great!

handfulz28

Does your dad have insurance? If so, start with them; maybe the broker would like to "keep it in the family"...
You're right, an online quote is no guarantee of coverage...BUT, if you got a quote you were OK with, call a Progressive broker and have them do the legwork to get you done.
Sure, smaller boat/less HP "might" make it easier, but I'd bet the underwriting standards are having a more difficult time with your age and "lack" of "documented" ownership/experience. Putting your name on a boat title would probably make the biggest difference in getting you covered.

jmeng

Just FYI, I got lower Progressive quotes going through independant brokers than through Progressive direct.

Splitdecision271

Talked to Sy Goldberg again today, pretty much answered my question. Although Sy couldn't help me out he said that the companies he deals with have a 25 year old age requirement. However, he told me that with progressive it is only 21 years of age, so it looks like I'll be able to go through progressive, right now progressive has been the least expensive at 1200/y. I be sure to take all of your advice inconsideration and look for a marine specialist as well.

I don't know what I would do without OSO. You guys are great!

duke252

State Farm, 1000/yr for Full 12 Month Coverage, for a 06' 353 Fastech, I'm 26