Another Pacific Marine Expo is officially in the books — and as always, it was packed with energy, insight, and conversations that remind us why we love what we do. Over three days in Seattle, our team spoke with boat owners, captains, commercial fishermen, and industry partners from every corner of the maritime world.
And while every conversation is different, we started to notice clear trends in the questions people are asking heading into 2026.
Here are the biggest themes we heard — and what they mean for you and your vessel moving forward.
This was hands-down the most common concern at this year’s PME. Prices for parts, engines, electronics, and even basic materials have continued to rise.
Many boat owners wanted clarity on how to make sure their coverage keeps up — especially when it comes to agreed value vs. actual cash value, updated valuations, and equipment limits.
Our advice:
Schedule a coverage review at least once a year. If your boat has been upgraded, refit, or increased in market value, now’s the time to update your policy.
Commercial operators came to PME with questions about crew coverage, business interruption, environmental liability, and policies tailored to modern working vessels.
The biggest trend:
Captains and owners are looking for flexible policies that adapt to seasonal changes in operations or crew.
Our takeaway:
Your work changes with the tide — your insurance should too.
Winter prep is always a hot topic at PME, but 2025 brought a new level of urgency.
We heard questions about:
Bottom line:
A simple checklist now can prevent major claims later.
From upgraded sonar systems to advanced navigation electronics and add-on safety tech, boat owners are investing heavily in gear.
But many weren’t sure whether those upgrades were actually covered.
What we told them:
This was a big one — and honestly, a great sign.
More people this year came ready to ask smart, detailed questions about exclusions, deductibles, salvage coverage, and liability limits. Instead of a quick “What’s the price?”, boat owners are now asking, “What exactly am I paying for?”
We love that shift.
Insurance only works when you truly understand it, and we’re always here to break things down in plain language.
This year’s PME wasn’t just about buying gear or comparing boats — it was about planning, protecting, and building long-term stability on the water.
Whether you run a commercial vessel, fish for a living, or enjoy weekend cruising, the questions we heard all point to one thing:
Boat owners want smarter coverage, clearer answers, and specialists they can trust.
That’s exactly why we show up every year — and why we’re already looking forward to PME 2026.
If you have any questions about your own coverage, our marine insurance specialists are always here to help. Just reach out and we’ll walk through everything with you.
