Collision follow-up

May 27, 2012
23
Hunter 380 Nanaimo, BC; Canada
While tied off to a linear dock a large vessel (70 ft), with its dinghy mounted on the swim platform, backed in to our bow while departing. It stuck in reverse. We were having our morning coffee in the stern berth. To us and other boaters in the marina it was a significant impact. I investigated and could find nothing obvious other than a broken anchor roller. I have been monitoring the bilge and the fresh water tank. I am seeking some guidance on what further steps should I take to ensure there was no damage to the hull?
 
Dec 25, 2000
5,932
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
I am seeking some guidance on what further steps should I take to ensure there was no damage to the hull?
If it were my boat, I would file a claim with my insurance company, where they will arrange to have a marine surveyor inspect the boat for any underlying damage. Hopefully, you have contact information regarding the boat that collided, or at least who the boat belongs to. At some point, if the surveyor finds any extensive damage in a filed report, the colliding boat owner needs to report those findings to their insurance company for claim resolution. Just my two cents worth.

If the collision appears to be more cosmetic, a personal discussion with the colliding boat owner might provide some compensation for remedying the broken roller.
 

capta

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Jun 4, 2009
4,935
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
I would ask the larger boat to pay you to hire a surveyor to check for damage. Do not let him pay for the survey because then it becomes his property and he doesn't have to show it to you. I'd keep your insurance company out of it unless you find real damage. You don't want the insurance company to raise your rates because of something you had no control over.
If you suspect that there might be damage you can't see, there is a machine that can see into the fiberglass, kind of like an X-ray. I had to get one to figure out why a brand new Baltic 48 leaked from the stem when under sail, but not under power or sitting. It found a crack in the stem (fiberglass) that opened when a headsail went up.
Not to say you have this or any other problem, just that there are the tools to check for these things.
Good luck.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,047
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Terry's first paragraph is correct. The second is problematical because YOU are NOT qualified professionally to determine that. However, that really is for you to answer this question: Given what you know about the incident can you be really, really sure that there's not more damage that you can't see that could be detrimental to the security/integrity of your boat?

You should have exchanged insurance and contact info with the offender.
You should have contacted your insurance company immediately. They should advise you what to do.
You should have taken photos. You should have written down what happened (time, place, names, witnesses, etc.)

Bow roller? Gee, what's near a bow roller? Base of furling gear. Base of forestay. Hull to deck joint. Think of any others?

I don't know about the experiences of the other respondents to this thread, but I've been hit in a major way (T boned while I was at anchor!) and know what I'd do - which is what I recommend you do, too.

Good luck.
 
Dec 25, 2000
5,932
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
I had a hit and run several years ago that caused some hull, stern pulpit rail and dingy damage. Long story short, the owner refused to acknowledge that it was his boat that caused the damage. Eventually he skipped town with his boat and I ended up covering the repairs. Although I filed a claim, the deductible was more than what it cost me out of pocket.
 
Jan 11, 2014
12,959
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Always call your insurance company and get the contact info for the boat, at least the registration/documentation number. Let the insurance companies fight, that's why you pay the premium. Of course if you only have liability insurance then you are on your own.
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,147
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
While sailing I was struck by a fishing boat. Wrote about the experience here in SBO back in 2016. I immediately wrote down a narrative of all the facts I could recall. I got pictures of everything including the offender’s ID. I had the damage surveyed. I contacted the insurance agency the operator stated he used, he was uninsured. I sent a copy of my report to the CG, who directed me to report to the county sheriff. Once I had the estimate of repairs I contacted the offender sent him a copy of the estimate, informed him of notice to the officials and the insurance agency. He said he would pay for the bill. I set up a bank account in his local town to receive the funds. It took him 4 months and multiple contacts to praise his payment or query his not living up to his promise to pay on time. In the end he paid in full and the repairs were completed. There was hidden damage that needed repair. The estimate included funds to cover this potential and the time in the yard needed to complete all repairs.

It was a hands on approach. I could have contacted my insurance and let them handle everything but not sure it would have resolved any better. For me the key was having witnesses, pictures of everything, immediate action to get a damage survey and estimate, then resolution as to who was at fault, plus constantly contacting the boater.

It is not an easy task. Decide a plan and move forward based on your own best judgment.

Good luck.
 
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jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
I had a minor bump a couple of weeks ago. The harbormaster collected documentation numbers, contact info, and insurance companies. I thought that was great.