Guides
The insurance decision
A planned raft-up places several boats in close contact and can involve different owners, operators and mooring arrangements. Describe the event and location accurately. Agreement between skippers to share a berth does not establish who would be legally responsible for a later loss.
What to clarify before relying on cover
Ask about your own damage cover and liability provisions, and check marina or organiser requirements. Do not sign a broad release on the assumption your insurer will accept it. Keep incident observations factual if contact damage occurs.
Practical preparation
Retain the organiser's instructions and any marina approval with the planned arrangement. If boats or positions change, record the actual setup. After an incident, a simple sketch made from observations can help explain the relationships between vessels without turning the sketch into an unsupported allocation of blame.
- Location and raft-up arrangement
- Marina or organiser conditions
- Relevant damage and liability wording
Worked example
A club gathering proposes overnight rafting at a marina. An owner checks the berth permission and sends the arrangement to the insurer before assuming ordinary berth terms answer every question.
Put the decision in context
A location description should explain how the yacht is kept, who has custody and who can respond to a problem. Keep permission to use a facility separate from physical suitability and insurer acceptance. Review any contract obligations instead of assuming a contractor’s insurance replaces the yacht policy. When dates, locations or inspection arrangements change, record the revised facts and obtain any required confirmation. Do not present a planned inspection as one already completed.
Continue with Yacht Berth, Mooring and Storage Insurance Guides for related decisions, or use the yacht insurance guide library to find another topic.
Prepare a clear insurance enquiry
Record the facts you can support, the evidence still missing and the precise decision you need. Keep the response beside the relevant policy document.
Frequently asked questions
Is the outermost yacht always responsible for raft-up damage?
Do not assume responsibility from position alone. The facts, conduct and applicable agreements require assessment.
Does a marina or yard accepting my booking prove the yacht is insured there?
No. Facility permission and policy acceptance come from different parties. Check the declared location, activity, custody period and any relevant conditions with the insurer.
Sources and limits
The official links below provide policy or manufacturer context. The preparation notes and scenarios are editorial guidance, not quotations from those sources. No model specification establishes insurance cover; check the documents applying to your own circumstances.
Related guides
- Yacht Berth, Mooring and Storage Insurance Guides
- Marina Berth Boat Insurance Australia
- Swing Mooring Boat Insurance Australia
- Hardstand and Dry Storage Boat Insurance
- Boat Insurance Requirements Finder Australia