Well in advance of hurricane season:
I. Hauling
If your boat is trailerable, ensure that both your trailer and towing vehicle are in good operating condition. Immediately fix flat tires, faulty brake lights, etc.
Identify a safe, accessible destination, preferably within a hurricane-proof storage facility or garage. If possible, negotiate a storage contract in advance.
If your vessel is not trailerable, negotiate contractually for a boatyard haul-out at a facility that is equipped to accommodate your boat and not endangered by a storm surge.
II. Securing in a Marina or Private Berth
Every marina will not have the same pre-storm procedures. If your boat is berthed in a marina facility, determine what the hurricane procedures are directly from the dockmaster and identify your responsibilities.
If berthed at a private dock, coordinate mooring arrangements with your neighbors.
Inspect your boat’s deck hardware and make sure that all cleats, winches and chocks have suitable back plates and bolts.
Purchase a second set of mooring lines and a suitable quantity of fenders, fender boards, chafing gear, back-up batteries and anchors. It may not be possible to buy supplies immediately before a storm; buy more than you think you might need.
Develop an alternative plan. Depending on the force and direction of the storm, your current berthing location may not always be the safest place for your boat.
III. Moving to a Safer Location
If you plan on moving your boat inland, identify in advance:
- Where you plan to go
- All possible routes to get there
- Any potential obstacles along the way, such as bridges, tidal or depth restrictions, etc.Some bridges may be closed for land evacuation during the approach of a hurricane. Check with your local marine or law enforcement authorities for further information.
Plan how, and where, you will secure your boat. As noted previously, inspect your deck hardware and identify the equipment you will need to moor safely in this location.
IV. Additional Pre-Storm Tips
Keep a battery-powered radio, as well as a supply of batteries, to receive the latest weather information.
Do not plan to leave your boat on a boat lift. Instead, employ one of the strategies noted here.
Make a checklist of all items that will need to be removed from onboard. Store any tools that will be needed to remove electronics or other installed items. Estimate how much time it takes to remove and/or secure gear so that you can plan accordingly.
Keep a folder with all of your boat’s relevant paperwork and/or information in a safe place off of the vessel. Include copies of your insurance policy, boat registration, marina contract and equipment inventory. Also list important telephone numbers, such as your insurance broker, harbor master, the Coast Guard, etc.
IMPORTANT: Share your severe weather plan with a reliable person who can execute it in your absence. If you are an absentee owner, formalize this arrangement with a contract.
When a hurricane is forecast to hit your area:
Put your plan into action as early as possible. Tasks such as removing canvas or moving your boat will be much more difficult, if not impossible, under heavy wind conditions.
I. Hauling
If your boat is on a trailer and not in a hurricane-proof facility, haul it to a safe area and place wooden blocks between the frame member and the axle inside each wheel.
Remove all movable equipment, including canvas and sails as well as the batteries and outboard engine.
Securely strap your boat to the trailer and let half the air out of the tires. Depending on the type of vessel, you may want to fill the boat approximately 1/3 full of water to help hold it down. The blocks will help prevent damage to trailer springs due to the additional weight of the water.
Using heavy lines, lash down your boat to fixed objects or to heavy objects buried underground. Due to rotating winds, try to secure your boat in all four directions.
II. Securing in a Marina or Private Berth
Remove all portable equipment (canvas, sails, dinghies, etc.) and valuables.
Secure fenders and heavy-duty fender boards.
Double all lines and equip them with chafing gear. Set crossing spring lines fore and aft. Remember: nylon lines will stretch up to 5 – 10%. Due to the risk of tidal surge, make certain that all lines are attached high on pilings. Install preventers at the top of pilings to stop lines from slipping off the top.
Make certain that batteries for automatic bilge pumps are fully charged. If necessary, install back-up batteries.
Shut off all other electrical devices.
III. Moving to a Safer Location
Ensure that fuel tanks are full, fuel filters are clean, batteries are charged, bilges and cockpit drains are clear, and lifesaving equipment is easily accessible.
Remove all portable equipment (canvas, sails, dinghies, etc.) and valuables.
Depending on your boat and mooring location, set your anchors to minimize the boat’s ability to swing in too wide an arc.
Some large yachts may consider moving to waters entirely outside of the hurricane threatened area. If so, make certain that you make this decision early, carefully monitor all weather forecasts and have enough time, fuel, speed and crew to voyage safely.
After the hurricane has passed:
Check your boat as soon as it is safe to determine its condition and security.
If any type of damage has been incurred, take all necessary steps to minimize or prevent further loss.
If your boat is in the center of a canal, river, estuary, etc., move it to another location where it will not hinder other vessels.
Contact your independent insurance broker or agent to report any damages and to file a claim.
If there is evidence of theft or vandalism, file a police report. Note the report number and, if possible, obtain a copy of the incident report.