Glossary of Boat Insurance Terms

Motorboats

Below is an overview of the various motorboats for which VerzekerVoordelig.nl offers boat insurance.

Open/Closed Catamaran

A catamaran is a vessel consisting of two floating sections mounted parallel to each other above the waterline via a lightweight center section. Catamarans are stable vessels with relatively low drag, allowing them to reach high speeds. Open catamarans have no deck, while enclosed catamarans do.

Cabin Speedboat

A cabin speedboat is a motorboat equipped with a cabin and a gasoline engine with more than 50 pk. In addition, the boat must be equipped with fixed berths and cooking facilities to be classified as a cabin speedboat.

Motor cruiser

The term “motor cruiser” refers to all cabin motorboats equipped with an inboard engine without a stern drive. If cabin motorboats are equipped with a stern drive or an inboard gasoline engine rated at more than 50 pk, the insurer will apply the cabin speedboat rate.

Multihulls

A multihull is a more luxurious version of a catamaran. A multihull consists of multiple “hulls,” or ship hulls. These hulls run vertically and parallel to one another. Multihulls are often equipped with comfortable sleeping quarters.

Open speedboat

"Open speedboats" include boats with an outboard motor rated at more than 25 pk or a stern drive, and open boats with an inboard gasoline engine rated at more than 50 pk.

Sloop / Vlet

A “sloop” is defined as a cross between a small inland waterway vessel and a skiff (a single-person rowboat). A “vlet” is a small steel vessel that closely resembles a sloop, but instead of a straight, vertical bow, it has a sloping bow.  Sloops and vlets are true recreational boats; they generally do not reach high speeds but are primarily used for leisurely boat trips.

Speed Cruiser

A speed cruiser is a covered vessel designed to allow passengers to stay on the water for an extended period of time. Speed cruisers are therefore equipped with sleeping quarters, a bathroom, and a kitchen area. Speed cruisers reach average speeds of 44 km per hour.

Sightseeing Boat: Open / Closed

A cruiser can be open or enclosed. A cruiser is designed for cruising longer distances at a steady speed. Most cruisers are equipped with a cabin that includes sleeping quarters.

Boats in Major Cities

If you own a boat in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, or The Hague, there are a number of things you need to keep in mind regarding boat insurance.

Why in the big cities?

In large cities, boat owners have less visibility of their vessels. For example, because the canals in Amsterdam do not run directly alongside the houses, it can be more difficult for a boat owner to keep an eye on his or her boat. In large cities, therefore, you face what is known as an “increased risk.”

Due to this increased risk, insurers have decided to no longer offer Limited Comprehensive or Comprehensive Boat Insurance to boat owners in major cities. However, you can purchase Boat Liability Insurance, which covers the liability of the boat’s owner and operator for damage caused to third parties.

Exceptions

• Boats that are moored in a guarded marina in the city are eligible for third-party liability + limited comprehensive boat insurance or third-party liability + comprehensive boat insurance.
• Boat owners who have a mooring directly adjacent to their home may also opt for Limited Comprehensive or Comprehensive Boat Insurance. However, strict attention is paid to ensuring that the mooring is directly adjacent to the home—for example, right in front of the house or in a yard that borders a waterway. There must be no road between the home and the mooring (as is the case with canal-front properties).

Sailboats and yachts

Below is an overview of the various sailboats and (sailing) yachts for which VerzekerVoordelig.nl offersboat insurance. The descriptions make it easy to see which category your vessel falls under.

Cabin Sailboat

A cabin sailboat is a sailboat equipped with a cabin. Cabin sailboats come in various sizes and with one or more masts.

Cabin Sailboat

A cabin sailboat is defined as a yacht with a sail and a cabin. A yacht is defined as a ship or small vessel intended for recreational use, equipped with a large, luxurious cabin or a pavilion (aft cabin).

Classic sailing yacht

A classic sailing yacht is a luxurious vessel equipped with sails. Classic sailing yachts are classified as "classic" because they are powered solely by wind and have no other means of propulsion.

Motor sailor

Motor sailers are sailboats equipped with powerful engines. Thanks to the combination of sail and engine, they can reach high speeds. As a result, these motor sailers are often used in sailing races.

Open sailboat

Open sailboats are sailboats without a canopy. In this category, you'll find open sailboats powered solely by sails, as well as open sailboats equipped with an outboard motor.

See also:

• Taking Out Boat Insurance: What Should I Look For?
• Do I need a boating license for my boat?
• What's the best way to store my boat for the winter?
• Just how mandatory is boat insurance, really?
• Going on Vacation with a Boat Trailer: What Should I Keep in Mind?
• What does a boat insurance policy covering third-party liability and comprehensive coverage include?
• What does third-party liability boat insurance cover?