Call us for a boat or marine trade insurance quote on 03333 609 886
Stoneways offers a wide range of marine trade insurance solutions
Building a boat is a long, high-value process. From the moment the first materials arrive to the day the finished vessel is handed over, your business carries significant financial exposure at every stage. A vessel under construction cannot be covered by standard commercial property insurance. Without the right builders’ risk policy in place, a single fire, storm, or act of vandalism could leave you uninsured for a loss running into tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.
At Stoneways Marine, we arrange specialist boat builders’ insurance that reflects the realities of a construction business, not just the finished product.
Get in touch with our specialist team today by calling 03333 609 886.
What Does Boat Builders Insurance Cover?
Boat builders insurance is built around the specific risks of constructing, repairing, and maintaining vessels for commercial purposes. Cover can include:
- Builders’ risk, covering physical loss or damage to a vessel under construction, including the hull, fittings, equipment, and onboard systems
- Public liability, protecting against third-party injury or property damage arising from your business activities
- Employers’ liability, which is a legal requirement if you have paid staff
- Product liability, covering claims arising from a completed vessel or component that causes injury or damage after it leaves your hands
- Plant and machinery, including tools, workshop equipment, and lifting gear
- Buildings and contents, covering your premises, stock, and materials
- Goods in transit, for vessels, components, and materials being transported
- Trial and delivery trips, extending cover to sea trials and deliveries to the customer
Who is Covered by Boat Builders Insurance?
A policy can be structured to cover:
- The boat-building business in the named insurance
- Employees, subcontractors, and those on work experience on site
Why Choose Stoneways Marine for Your Boat Builders Insurance
Boat building is a specialist trade, and the insurance coverage must reflect that. Off-the-shelf commercial policies aren’t designed with builders’ risk in mind, and the gap between what a standard policy covers and what a boat builder actually needs can be significant.
At Stoneways Marine, we work with boat-building businesses of all sizes, from single-handed craftsmen to commercial yards building production vessels, and we take the same approach with each: speak to the business, understand how it operates, and find cover that actually fits.
If you’re keen to get started, contact our team of experts today by calling 03333 609 886.
Frequently Asked questions
Is boat builders insurance the same as regular boat insurance?
No, regular boat insurance covers a finished, privately owned vessel against risks such as sinking, fire, theft, and collision. Boat builders insurance is a commercial product designed for businesses that build, repair, or refit vessels. It covers the vessel during the construction or repair process, along with the business liabilities that come with operating a working yard or workshop.
Does boat builders insurance cover a vessel during sea trials?
It may be able to. Builders’ risk cover can be extended to include sea trials and delivery trips to the customer, but this needs to be specifically included in the policy. It’s not automatically covered under a standard builders’ risk section, so it is worth confirming this when arranging your policy.
What is not covered by boat builders insurance?
Standard exclusions typically include wear and tear, manufacturer’s defects, design defects, and gradual deterioration. Certain events, such as ice damage or freezing, may also be excluded depending on the policy wording. Cover for personal accident, business travel, and management liability is usually available as an optional addition rather than included as standard.