What is a Speedboat?
A speedboat is a fast motorboat that goes faster than 20 km/h can sail. Speedboats are recognizable by their sporty design, powerful engine and aerodynamic design. It's all about a speedboat speed, style and performance.
In the Netherlands, every speedboat (faster than 20 km/h) must be registered RDW registered are. You will receive a registration number that must be visibly affixed to the boat.
Speedboats come in many varieties: bow riders (open bow), Runabouts (sporty and compact), day cruisers (with small cabin) and High Performance boats for the real speed enthusiast. Engine powers vary from 100 to 1,000+ hp.
What Type of Speedboat Do You Have?
Bowrider
Open bow with seating, ideal for water sports & family.
150-300 hpRunabout
Sporty and compact, quick day trips, easy to trailer.
100-250 hpDay cruiser
With a small cabin, comfortable cruising, overnight accommodation possible.
150-350 hphigh performance
Pure speed, racing styling, extreme performance.
300-1000+ hpWhich Coverage Suits Your Speedboat?
WA (Liability)
Basic coverage for damage to others
- ✓ Damage to third parties €5-7.5 million
- ✓ Mountains & lights boat
- ✓ No deductible
- ✗ Own boat not covered
- ✗ Theft not covered
WA + Limited Casco
+ Coverage for own boat
- ✓ Everything from WA
- ✓ Fire & explosion
- ✓ Storm & lightning
- ✓ Theft of boat & motor
- ✗ Own debt not covered
WA + Full Casco
All risk: maximum protection
- ✓ Everything from Limited Casco
- ✓ Collision & own fault
- ✓ Water sports damage
- ✓ Road transport
- ✓ New value guarantee 3 years
⚙️ Motorcycle Types & Insurance
Speedboats have different engine types, all insurable:
🔧 Outboard motor
Motor mounted on the back of the mirror. Popular with bowriders and runabouts. Up to 300+ hp. Theft risk: secure with CCV-approved lock.
⚡ Inboard engine
Engine built into the hull. More power, better weight distribution. Common with day cruisers and high performance. Less risk of theft.
🔩 Sterndrive (Sterndrive)
Combination: inboard engine with outboard drive. Popular with sporty bowriders. Good performance and maneuverability.
💨 Jet propulsion
Waterjet instead of screw. Very manoeuvrable, shallow sailing possible. Safe for water sports. On some speedboats and jet boats.
🏆 Popular Speedboat Brands
All speedboat brands insurable. From entry-level to high-end:
🎿 Water sports with your speedboat
💡 Recreational water sports damage is usually covered with a complete hull. Competitions are excluded by default but can often be insured separately. Damage to skis, lines and equipment is covered by contents cover (20-40% boat value).
📋 RDW Registration Required
Every speedboat that can sail faster than 20 km/h must be registered with the RDW:
- ✓ Registration number: Visibly apply to the boat
- ✓ Registration certificate: Issued by RDW
- ✓ When selling: Transfer via post office
- ✓ Boating license: Small Boating License 1 or 2 required for >15 meters or >20 km/h
🔐 Security requirements Speedboat
Insurers set security requirements for coverage against theft:
- 🔒 Tie up boat: Approved chain/cable + lock on jetty or shore
- ⚙️ Outboard motor: CCV-approved toggle or nut lock required
- 🏠 Storage: Enclosed area with permanent supervision
- 🚗 Trailer: Approved drawbar lock or wheel clamp
- 🏙️ Major cities: In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht additional requirements for a guarded port
💰 Premium indication Speedboat
| Type Speedboat | Value | Complete airframe |
|---|---|---|
| Runabout entry | €15,000 - €30,000 | €12-€22/month |
| Bowrider mid-range | €30,000 - €60,000 | €22-€40/month |
| Bowrider sporty | €60,000 - €100,000 | €40-€65/month |
| Day cruiser | €50,000 - €120,000 | €35-€80/month |
| high performance | €100,000 - €500,000+ | €80-€200+/month |
* Indicative prices. Exact premium depends on engine power, year of construction, sailing area and claim-free years.
📈 No-Claim Discount: Save up to 40%
Every year of sailing without damage you build up a discount:
- ✓ 1 year damage free: 10% discount
- ✓ 3 years damage free: 20% discount
- ✓ 5+ years claim-free: 30-40% discount
- ✓ Interpolis: Up to 50% no-claim after 9 years
- ✓ Immediately 40%: Maximum discount immediately possible at Eerdmans
⚠️ Not Covered / Exclusions
- ✗ Speed competitions: Official races excluded (unless separately insured)
- ✗ Reckless behavior: Conscious recklessness, alcohol/drugs
- ✗ Unsecured: Theft without approved security
- ✗ Business use: Only private recreational use
- ✗ Rental: Renting out the boat
- ✗ No boating license: Damage without a valid boating license
💡 Tips for Speedboat Owners
- ✓ Full airframe recommended: Speedboats are valuable, high collision risks
- ✓ Motor separately on policy: State type, horsepower and value explicitly
- ✓ Insure the trailer: Many speedboats are trailered
- ✓ Check water sports coverage: Check if ski & wake is covered
- ✓ Check contents: 20% coverage as standard, often expandable
- ✓ Own defect coverage: Material defects are insured for up to 20 years
🌍 Sailing Abroad
Speed boats are often taken on holiday. NB:
- 🇮🇹 Italy: WA required + special Italy Certificate
- 🇭🇷 Croatia: WA mandatory + IVB
- 🇪🇸 Spain: WA required
- 🇬🇷 Greece: WA required + boating license
- 🚗 Transportation: Check whether trailering abroad is covered
Specialized Speedboat Insurers
These insurers have experience with speedboats and fast motorboats:
