No boat owner can forget the aftermath of Hurricane Frances.
The slow-moving tropical storm made landfall on the Treasure Coast as a Category 2 hurricane on Sept. 3, 2004.
Winds of 100-110 mph lashed the region for hours. Those shredding winds generated storm surges and severe erosion while flooding rains pounded the area.
Left in her wake were thousands of destroyed and sunken boats, including scores piled in wreckage at Fort Pierce City Marina.
Unfortunately for many boat owners and marina officials, photos of the devastation there became the iconic image of Frances’ fury.
Since that costly year of nine hurricanes, including four that swept over parts of Florida, the threat of a hurricane’s serious impact to the Treasure Cost boating community has been a stark reality.
As the suspiciously quiet Hurricane Season 2009 nears its active months, here are a few tips for boaters to protect their property — and in some cases, their livelihood — from the worst that Mother Nature has to offer.
Have a Plan
Boats are damaged by a combination of factors created by hurricanes — wind, waves, surge and rainfall.
First, protect a vessel months before the first tropical wave shows up.
Find the best location to protect your vessel and begin preparations. Also, have an alternate spot just in case an unforeseen problem occurs.
On the Hard
In-water vessel owners should consider hauling their boat out prior to a severe storm’s arrival.
Many Treasure Coast marinas and boat yards provide the service and have areas where boats can be securely anchored.
Facilities like River Forest Yachting Center on the St. Lucie Canal in Stuart offer a Hurricane Club membership, which guarantees a reserved space during hurricanes and preferential treatment over non-members despite paying “non-hurricane” rates for haul out, jack stands and blocking.
However, membership does not make a boater exempt of responsibility. For example, the St. Lucie Locks which River Forest is west of — closes when wind speeds reach 30 mph.
Also, in peak, high traffic conditions very close to the storm’s arrival, even members cannot be serviced ahead of other waiting boats.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น