Updated on March 9th, 2025
If you know what kind of accidents most often happen to motor yachts, you can take appropriate measures to prevent them. For this, we can rely on data from insurance agencies working with boats.
1. Boat theft
In fact, this is quite a rare occurrence even among cruise boats, not to mention larger yachts. The statistics are polluted by jet skis and similar water toys, which are the main target of hijackers. Inflatable boats and tenders left unattended can also be added here. Large boats are stolen much less frequently, but it does happen sometimes. Also, unlike a car, they are almost always found.
Today you can use a whole range of measures and electronic devices to protect your boat from theft. However, a good and safe marina is usually the best solution.
2. Theft of equipment from a boat
Anything that is not stored well on the boat (clearly visible and poorly secured) can be carried away. Reliable locks are good, but as you understand, reliability is a very relative thing.
A flashing noise alarm can help prevent a random thief from getting inside the yacht, but mooring in a guarded marina is better. By the way, leaving a note in a prominent place stating that you have removed all valuables from the boat also, oddly enough, works quite well.
3. Collision with an underwater object
Inexperience of the captain, unfamiliar places, high speed, accidentally floating parts of coastal structures, icebergs and sunken logs – all can cause an incident.
4. Collision with another vessel
This is a fairly common reason for contacting an insurance company. In places with a developed yachting culture, a large number of boats collide with each other one way or another due to various circumstances. Although these statistics are again greatly spoiled by jet skis, powerful speed boats and simply drunk helmsmen, who often act hooligan or do not understand what they are doing. Since many of them do not have the necessary skills and knowledge, and sometimes just intelligence, this only worsens the situation and endangers everyone around.
However, collisions happen to everyone, everywhere, and sailboaters are certainly no exception, no matter how much they boast about their skills. Although sailboats are less prone to wind drift, and their skippers are usually more adequate and less selfish, there are exceptions.
5. Drowning a boat
Yachts do sink sometimes, yes. Surprisingly, most boat sinkings happen near the pier and in the absence of the owner. The most common causes are faulty bilge pumps and corrosion damage to seacocks and valves. Or all together.
6. Loss of tender
The cost of a tender can sometimes be comparable to the cost of some yachts. Oddly enough, the loss of a tender at sea is a fairly common reason for contacting an insurer.
7. Storm damage
While we don’t want to take part in climate panic and hysteria over the planet’s uncertain future, it is clear that storms and hurricanes could become stronger and more frequent in some regions. As you know, storms can cause truly colossal damage not only to yachtsmen, but also to marinas. Abnormal weather conditions can change the coastline beyond recognition and throw tens and hundreds of completely destroyed boats ashore.
8. Malicious damage
In modern society, there is a fairly large percentage of people who are not quite mentally healthy and adequate, and envy can probably become uncontrollable for many. Therefore, do not be surprised if, during your absence, someone damaged your yacht by scratching something with a nail, breaking navigation instruments, or even drilling a hole below the waterline.
Here we are forced to return to the issue of good marinas. However, in countries with a historically developed nautical culture, where every second family has a boat, cases of vandalism are quite rare. If damage does occur, it is usually unintentional.
9. Grounding
As is commonly believed, all sailors are divided into those who have already run aground once, and those who have not yet done so. It is only a matter of time. It would seem that this case should be in the first place, but it turns out that it is not the most popular reason for insurance compensation.
The consequences of this incident can be very diverse, up to and including the complete loss of the yacht. The main thing is not to go out to sea after running aground until a full inspection of the hull has been carried out to identify and eliminate hidden damage.
The most severe consequences await (modern) sailboats, since grounding often causes the ballast keel to break off. Trawlers, especially those with steel hulls, have the fewest problems after running aground. Of course, we are talking about real displacement trawler yachts with a keel protecting the propeller, and not about the stylized semi-planing hulls for the mass market.
10. Fire on board
Fortunately, with modern automatic fire extinguishing systems and reliable board equipment, yacht fires are becoming increasingly rare. But they still happen. Increased use of electricity and the resulting need for more batteries, which are highly flammable, also appear to play a role.
Fire extinguishers, fire blankets, alarms – everything should be up to date and in working order. Constantly monitor the condition of the engine compartment and fuel tanks, batteries, wiring and electrical equipment. Seal electrical connections and prevent corrosion of terminals. And, of course, don’t forget to turn on the engine room ventilation before starting the motor.