When the Yard Damages Your Boat
Boats get damaged in yards. Travelift straps slip, contractors drop things, neighbouring boats sway against yours in high winds. Most yards handle their own damage professionally; some don't. Knowing how to respond improves the outcome significantly.
Document immediately
- Photographs from multiple angles, with timestamp and reference objects in frame
- Get yard manager on the scene the same day if possible
- Document any witnesses (other cruisers, contractors)
- Note the equipment involved (travelift number, contractor name)
- If possible, get a written acknowledgment from yard management
Insurance landscape
- Yard's liability: Most yards carry liability insurance. Coverage varies by yard. Read the haul-out contract before signing.
- Your insurance: Comprehensive marine policy usually covers yard damage with deductible. Some policies exclude or sub-limit yard damage — check before incident.
- Damage by contractor: The contractor's liability insurance applies, not the yard's. Distinguish carefully.
Negotiating the claim
- Be matter-of-fact, not emotional
- Get repair estimates from independent contractors (not the yard's preferred)
- Document the boat's pre-damage condition (photos before haul-out helpful)
- Yard may try to repair with their own contractors; this is usually fine if quality controls exist
- If yard refuses responsibility, escalate calmly to yard management, then insurer
Cruisers' yard pre-haul protocol
- Document the boat completely before haul. Photographs of every surface, every fitting.
- Read the haul-out contract carefully. Liability limits matter.
- Walk the boat with yard staff at haul-out, identify pre-existing damage
- Verify your insurance covers yard activities
What cruisers report
The good news: most yards handle damage professionally. Cruisers report well-known cruiser yards (Trinidad, Marmaris, Whangarei) generally resolve damage claims fairly. Smaller or transient yards are more variable. Reputation tracking via cruiser community helps avoid the worst.
Frequently asked questions
Photograph immediately?
Yes. Time-stamped, multiple angles, with witnesses if possible.
Yard liability vs your insurance?
Both can apply. Check both policies.
Contractor damage?
Contractor's liability — not the yard's.
How to negotiate?
Matter-of-fact, independent estimates, escalate calmly.
Best prevention?
Pre-haul documentation; pick reputable yards.