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The truth about yacht insurance isn't what most boat owners expect to hear. As insurance veteran Keri Gonzalez reveals in this candid conversation, "Insurance is not your friend, we're not a good neighbor, you're not in good hands." With 36 years of experience as an insurance broker, Keri strips away the marketing slogans to expose what boat owners need to understand about their coverage—especially for older vessels.

For owners of boats over 26 years old, the insurance landscape becomes increasingly treacherous. Most standard markets reject vessels valued over $150,000 once they reach this age threshold, forcing owners into specialized markets with higher premiums and more restrictions. Documentation emerges as your most powerful ally, with Keri emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining cloud-based records of all maintenance and upgrades. These aren't just helpful—they can be the difference between a claim being paid or denied when disaster strikes.

Storm coverage presents particularly dangerous territory for the uninformed. Many boat owners don't realize that their hurricane plans become literal contracts, where any deviation—even moving to what might objectively be a safer location—can void coverage entirely. GEICO policyholders face the additional burden of updating their location every 14 days regardless of weather, while other policies silently depreciate your vessel's value without notification. Perhaps most alarming is the revelation about lithium batteries, which many policies exclude entirely unless specifically disclosed and approved in writing.

The conversation ventures into international waters as well, with Keri offering invaluable guidance for Caribbean cruisers and explaining the strict blue-water experience requirements for those seeking transatlantic coverage. Whether you're maintaining your vessel in a hurricane zone, planning extended cruising, or simply trying to protect your investment, this episode provides the unvarnished truth about what your policy actually covers—and the many ways you might accidentally void it.

Want to ensure your boat insurance actually protects you when you need it most? Listen now, take notes, and check your policy before it's too late. Have questions about your specific situation? Reach out to Keri directly at keri@amginsuranceinternational.com for personalized guidance.

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SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

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Austin embodies what he calls the "tropical freedom mindset" – a philosophy that's taken him from the digital nomad scenes of Costa Rica and Colombia to his current life aboard Cha-Cha, a lovingly restored 1965 Choilee Bermuda 30 catch rig sailboat. With refreshing candor, he admits he's still learning to sail, yet his plans to navigate south to Florida and the Bahamas reflect a courage that comes from calculated risk assessment rather than reckless abandonment.

What makes Austin's journey particularly fascinating is the remarkable transformation of Cha-Cha herself. Originally discovered after sitting neglected for eight years, the boat underwent a complete refit by Austin and his stepfather. From stripping and revarnishing brightwork to removing old teak decks, the process taught Austin invaluable lessons about boat construction and maintenance. Though he confesses he would "never take on a project like that again," the experience created an unbreakable bond between sailor and vessel.

The episode delves into the practical aspects of boat life that rarely make it into glossy Instagram posts – from the simplicity of 12-volt electrical systems to innovative remote work setups that allow Austin to maintain his digital career while afloat. His hammock-rigged living space and portable technology solutions demonstrate the ingenious adaptability required for successful liveaboard life. Austin's perspective on what he calls "voluntary discomfort" offers listeners a thoughtful counterpoint to modern convenience culture.

Beyond the technical aspects, Austin shares profound insights about fear management and risk assessment. His "por que no?" (why not?) philosophy challenges listeners to examine their own relationship with adventure and comfort. As he prepares for his journey south after hurricane season ends, Austin's tropical freedom vision – chasing salsa dancing events along the coast while working remotely – represents a lifestyle that's attainable without vast resources but rich in experience and personal growth.

Ready to reconsider what's possible in your own life? Austin's journey might just be the inspiration you need. Subscribe now to continue following stories of ordinary people creating extraordinary lives through courage, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

Send us a text

What does it look like when you refuse to choose between career and adventure? Casey and Steve have found that sweet spot—spending half the year aboard their 50-foot aluminum sailboat and the other half working as expedition leaders on ships traveling to Antarctica and the Arctic.

Their story begins at a whale research station in British Columbia, where marine biologist Casey met Steve, who was leading paddleboard expeditions through the Great Bear Rainforest. Their shared passion for the ocean quickly evolved into a relationship and eventually led them to purchase their first boat together. After outgrowing their 30-footer, they set their sights on finding an expedition vessel capable of high-latitude sailing.

Through an unexpected connection, they discovered their current boat before it was even officially for sale. What followed was a six-month refit that transformed the vessel from a solo sailor's minimalist setup to their dream home. They converted storage space into a comfortable V-berth cabin, completely refinished the interior with two-part epoxy paint, added a hard aluminum dodger for protection and rainwater collection, and prepared the boat for challenging conditions.

Their sailing adventures have already been impressive, including a figure-eight circumnavigation of New Zealand that took them through the notorious Roaring 40s, facing 42-knot winds and challenging sea states. Between sailing journeys, they work on expedition ships and in the film industry, supporting survival reality shows in remote locations—careers that complement their passion for exploration.

Casey and Steve offer a refreshing perspective on the cruising lifestyle—one that doesn't require abandoning professional ambitions. Their balanced approach provides financial stability while still allowing them to pursue their dream of eventually sailing to Antarctica and through the Northwest Passage.

Ready to reimagine what your sailing life could look like? Listen now to discover how these two adventurers have crafted a life that truly offers the best of both worlds.

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon