I'm getting ready to buy my first boat and haev some questions like is insurance required on a boat that does not have a bank loan against it? the boat i'm buying is tagged till 2012 do i have to regester it and get new tags when I transfer the title?

No, insurance is not required if you own the boat outright. I would highly suggest liability at the very least. Get in an accident and cause bodily or property damage and it could be financially devastating.

No, if it is tagged til 2012 you will not have to "renew" the registration until 2012. You do need to register the boat in your name to get the titles, though.

There is a whole section about insurance farther down on TFF. I agree with fouzman about insurance for liability reasons. Boat insurance is not very costly. My boat insurance is about $130 a year.

I would definately do liability but as for my boat damage I can take my chances. I got a quote from Markel and it was like $350/yr. I don't wanna do that but I would like to have liability

Waiting until 2012 to register your new boat is a very poor idea. TP&W are hardnosed about paper work, and you may need the seller to sign something. Where will he be in 2012? TP&WL will refuse to work with you if some detail is not perfect. I cannot begin to tell you how bad they are.

You will only miss boat insurance when you sink or hit something.

Going without insurance is very unwise unless you happen to be one of those folks who benefit from the Bush tax breaks for the rich. What I'm trying to say is it's just one of those necessary evils.

If you have an accident, you'll spend a WHOLE lot more than $350 out of your pocket. Hit somebody and/or something and you could lose everything you have.

Liability is a must, and in some tournaments it is required.

Collision or pd is up to you. Try other carriers than Markel. Multiple quotes can help.

If you dont have liability, then you could be personally liable for damage you caused, ( or are accused of causing, innocent till proven guilty is a joke in a liability claim )

I bought my first bass boat on July 6th (21' Nitro w/ 250 Verado)...had it out 4 times in the same month. I hit two stumps on two different days (they both were below the water line and I was idling through). The first one put a good hicky in my glass hull....it pissed me off but knew it would happen sooner or later. The second one (a week later) put even more and deeper chips in my hull, bent the prop shaft broke my skeg and spun the prop clutch.

short story...$3000 bucks later, and coordinating work between 3 shops (for Skeg, Glass and motor) and a month and half of lost fishing time I got my boat back.

I own my boat out right and had full coverage anyway. I was more than happy to pay the $500 deductible.

Getcha some insurance.....I am just saying.:)

also check your auto to make sure its covered when you are towing

Get the insurance - I bought a used Triton w 90h about a year and a half ago ...... Spend $200 on a policy for the boat ...... Hit something underwater that tore up my lower unit ....... They sent me a check for $2200.00 a week after I had reported it. Back on the water now and am so thankful for that insurance. You may never need it ...... but what a great thing to have when something like that happens!

I will definately get insurance but Who should I call to get the best rates?

Check the insurance section.

I got a great deal from Worldwide Marine.

I use Bob Luellen at Worldwide Marine Insurers, also. Excellent service. Service like I've never received from any insuarnce agent!

www.worldwidemarineins.com