When you head out on the water, you’re bringing far more than just the boat. Fishing gear, coolers, phones, speakers, electronics, and personal items all come along for the ride—and many of these items are expensive to replace.

So the big question is: Does boat insurance help protect your gear, or just the vessel itself?

Many marine insurance policies can include coverage for equipment, electronics, and personal effects—but only if you select these options when setting up your policy. Below is a breakdown of how these protections typically work so you can tailor your coverage to how you actually use your boat.

Disclaimer: Marine insurance varies by policy and carrier. The information below is general and may not reflect your specific coverage. Always review your policy documents or speak with a licensed agent for details.

Your Boat Isn’t the Only Thing Worth Protecting

A day on the water often includes hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in gear:

• Fishing rods, reels, tackle
• Depth finders and electronics
• Coolers, clothing, and personal items
• Phones, cameras, and speakers

If something goes overboard, gets damaged, or is stolen, having the right protection can make a big difference. That’s where optional equipment, personal effects, and fishing gear coverage can come in.

What Marine Insurance Can Include

1. Fishing Gear Protection

Fishing equipment is both high-value and high-risk. It’s common for policies to offer optional coverage that can include:

• Rods and reels
• Tackle and lures
• Tackle storage
• Nets
• Depth and fish finders
• Trolling motors

Many policies use replacement cost rather than depreciated value—meaning you’re reimbursed for what it costs to buy new equipment today.

Typically not covered:

• Wear and tear
• Lost items with no known cause
• Commercial fishing gear unless permitted by the policy

2. Electronics & Mounted Equipment

Your boat’s electronics may fall under boat equipment coverage, which can include items such as:

• GPS and navigation units
• Mounted depth finders
• Stereos and marine speakers
• Helm electronics
• Action cameras or removable electronics (depending on policy)

Mounted equipment is usually considered part of the boat, while removable items may fall under personal effects coverage.

3. Personal Effects Coverage

Personal effects coverage may protect items you bring on board, including:

• Phones and cameras
• Portable speakers
• Clothing and bags
• Cooler contents
• Life jackets and safety gear
• Water skis, wakeboards, towables

This protection generally applies to covered events like theft, fire, or accidental damage. Limits vary by policy, so it’s worth choosing a level that matches the value of what you normally bring.

4. What’s Usually Not Covered

Marine insurance generally does not include:

• Cash, jewelry, or luxury valuables
• Business equipment
• Normal wear and tear
• Manufactuer defects
• Items without proof of ownership
• High-value specialty items not listed or endorsed

Example Scenario

Imagine this: It’s Saturday morning, and you’re out fishing with a friend.

A wave catches the bow, your friend loses grip on a rod, and your depth finder takes a hard jolt and cracks.

With the right options in place:

• Fishing gear coverage may help replace the rod.
• Personal effects coverage may apply to your friend’s items.
• Equipment coverage may cover the damaged depth finder.

Without these protections, those losses would likely come out of your pocket.

The Takeaway

Marine insurance isn’t just about safeguarding your boat—it can help protect everything that comes with a great day on the water. By adding optional coverage for fishing gear, electronics, and personal effects, you can build a policy that fits the way you boat.

Want coverage that keeps up with your adventures?

Get a fast, free marine insurance quote from Suncoast Agency today.