I took the dinghy ashore for dinner. When I came back, the painter line was cut and my $15,000 Highfield tender with a 20hp Honda was gone. I called my insurance. They asked, “Was the dinghy listed on the policy?” I said, “It’s part of the boat.” They said, “Not this one.”
Key Takeaways
- “Tender To” Clause: Some yacht policies automatically cover a tender used to service the main vessel, provided it is under a certain size/horsepower (e.g., <16ft, <25hp).
- The $10,000 Trap: If your tender is a fancy console RIB worth $20,000, it likely exceeds the automatic coverage limit. It must be “Scheduled” (listed separately) with its own HIN and value.
- Marking Requirements: The policy often requires the tender to be marked “T/T [Boat Name]” (Tender To). If it wasn’t marked, they might deny coverage.
- Theft Restrictions: Many policies require the dinghy to be locked to the dock with a steel cable/chain to be covered for theft. A rope painter doesn’t count.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The Trap: “Unlisted Equipment”
A roll-up rubber boat ($1,000) counts as equipment. A center console RIB ($20,000) is considered a separate vessel.
Insurers treat high-value tenders as separate risks—if you didn’t pay the premium for it, it’s not covered.
The Investigation (I Checked Clauses)
- Chubb: “Tenders up to $10,000 covered automatically.”
- Progressive: “Must be listed if powered by >25hp motor.”
- Marking: “Must be permanently marked.”
Comparison Table
| Tender Type | Automatic Coverage | Requirement |
| Roll-up (5hp) | Yes | None |
| RIB (20hp) | Check Limit | Mark T/T |
| Center Console (50hp) | NO (Schedule It) | Separate Policy |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- List It: Call your agent. Give them the HIN of the dinghy and the Serial of the outboard. Schedule it for Agreed Value.
- Lock It: Use a steel cable and padlock at the dinghy dock. Take a photo of your locking setup.
- [IMAGE: Photo of a dinghy locked to a dock with a vinyl-coated steel cable]
- Mark It: Apply the “T/T [Boat Name]” lettering to the dinghy hull.
- Install a Tracker: For high-value tenders, an AirTag or GPS tracker hidden in the cowling is essential.
FAQ
Does my tender have liability coverage?
Yes, typically the main boat’s liability extends to the tender while used to service the main boat. If you take it on a separate fishing trip 20 miles away, it might not.
What if I tow it?
Towing a tender is high risk. Check if your policy restricts “towing of tender” (many require it to be on davits for open ocean crossings).