Dennis,
Interesting. My local marine, Safe Harbor (ex Brewers) just last year
required all boat owner to list the marina as a covered entity on their
insurance policies to the tune of $500,000 liability coverage. My
insurance did that a no cost, but I was kind of wondering how it would
in actual fact be applied. Thanks for letting us know.
Neil Gallagher
Weatherly, 35-1
Glen Cove, NY
On 3/11/2022 10:56 AM, Dennis C. via CnC-List wrote:
I may have posted this before but a new development has occurred.
I had Touche' in a marina in Pensacola during Hurricane Sally in
September 2020. The boat was in a slip on a floating pier well up
Bayou Chico. Similarly constructed piers are advertised as being safe
for Category 3 storms. Although it was properly secured, Touche'
sustained moderate damage during the storm.
Subsequent to the storm, I, and several other owners of boats moored
on this pier, received letters from the marina's legal counsel
informing us that OUR boats had damaged THEIR pier and that we were
liable for damages in excess of $15,000. Another marina in the
Pensacola area which was destroyed has also sent letters advising
liability to their tenant boatowners. The new development: another
owner informed me that he had gotten a letter last week raising the
liability to $57,000. I have not received a similar letter.
Based on my personal post-storm inspection of the pier, here's what I
believe occurred. The marina allowed a LARGE power catamaran to be
moored on my pier. During the storm, this vessel apparently broke
loose. I observed the cleats to which I believe the vessel's stern
lines were attached were missing, having been ripped from the dock.
When it broke loose it apparently pulled the main portion of my pier
and caused extensive structural damage to the pier. Namely, all the
attached finger piers became tilted and/or broke loose from the main
pier. Several boats which were moored in the slips were damaged as a
result. It is my belief that had the catamaran not broken loose,
Touche' would have weathered the strorm unscathed.
Although this legal action may be a standard procedure in order for
the marinas to establish contributory/shared liabilities for insurance
purposes, it can be stressful for boat owners. My marina required me
to list them as co-insured so this issue is basically between the
marina and my insurance provider now. If I receive another letter,
I'll just forward it to my insurance provider like I did with the
first one. My insurance provider basically told them to pound sand.
Just advising the list. You might want to contact your insurance
provider.
--
Dennis C.
Touche' 35-1 #83
Mandeville, LA
Custom laser engraved cutting boards are available at the C&C Photo Album site.
Custom laser engraved cutting boards are available at the C&C Photo Album site.
