The hurricane season is upon us, and the key to protecting your boat from hurricanes is planning, preparation and timely action. Your plan should include what you are going to do with your boat. Arrange for a friend to carry out your plans if you are out of town during hurricane season.
Boats remaining in the water: Double all lines. Rig crossing spring lines fore and aft. Attach lines high on pilings to allow for tidal rise or surge. Make sure lines will not slip off pilings. Inspect pilings and choose those that seem strongest and tallest and are properly installed. The longer the dock lines, the better the boat will be at coping with high tides. It is also essential to double up on all lines and use chafe protectors at any potential chafing points. Install fenders to protect the boat from rubbing against the dock, pilings and other boats. Cover all lines at rough points to prevent chafing. Wrap with tape, rags and rubber hoses. Make sure that the batteries are charged and that the bilge pumps are in working order. Take down canvas if you have it because because the wind will just tear it down.
Boat on lifts: Raise the lift up as high as you can out of the water so that the storm surge does not catch the boat and take it off the lift. Remove everything that is removable. Make sure the bilge pumps and batteries are working or remove the plug from the boat. Remove the batteries if you do remove the plug. Make sure the electrical system is off. Make sure the cleats are bolted with black plates.
Boats on trailers: Be sure your tow vehicle is capable of properly and adequately moving the boat. Trailer tires, bearing and axle should all be in good condition. Once it is at a safe place, let some air out of the tires. Remove everything that is removable. Remove the batteries, put blocks under the axles and fill the bilges about one-third with water. This will add weight and assist is holding the boat and trailer in place. An alternative to adding water would be to take the plug out and add some weight with a sand bag. It is not a good idea to tie the trailer to a tree, since trees are often blown over in a storm.
Boats in a marina: Double up all the lines and speak to the dock master. Check your rental agreement. Know your responsibilities and liabilities as well as those of the marina.
For all boat owners: Consolidate all records including insurance policies. Have a recent photo of your vessel. Be sure you have boat registration, equipment inventory, lease agreement and telephone numbers of appropriate authorities (harbor master, U.S. Coast Guard, insurance agent).
Remember, when wind and seas warrant, marine agencies remove their boats from service and will not be able to rescue foolish boaters.
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