Most homeowners policies provide liability insurance for smaller motorboats with outboard motors of 25 horsepower or less, and for sailboats less than 26 feet long. Typically, there is $1,500 coverage for damage to the boat for specified perils. However, theft and windstorm are limited and sinking is not covered at all.

 What type of policy is best?

Boat owners are well served by a policy specifically designed to insure watercraft, offering all-risk coverage for the boat's full value. A boat owners policy provides the necessary liability, hull and motor coverage. The policies follow the format of personal auto policies; however, they vary from company to company much more than auto policies do because they are written on nonstandardized policies.

What should I look for when I select a policy or check my existing coverage?

* Limits of navigation, or where the boat can go and still be protected by the insurance policy;

* provisions for insuring sails, spars and other property on the boat;

* permissive users of the boat;

* exclusions for how the boat is used (e.g.,commercial, parasailing, racing, etc.);

* all-risk versus named perils; and

* be certain the personal umbrella policy will include an underlying boat policy.

Is it illegal to drink alcohol while boating?

It is against federal law for a recreational boat operator to have a blood alcohol content higher than .08 percent, and for other vessel operators to have a BAC of more than .04 percent. State laws apply for boaters in waters within state geographical boundaries.

What is the law in New York state?

New York state law prohibits the operation of a boat on state waters while one is impaired by drugs or alcohol or is intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more. Violators charged with boating while intoxicated face up to a $1,000 fine; up to one year in jail; and loss of boat operating privileges for one year.