Is your Boat Ready for Storm Season?

Do NOT under any circumstances try to ride out a storm 

on your boat!

Hurricane winds can lift a boat out of the water or sink it!

First things first, do you have a hurricane plan?

1. Where will you keep your vessel in the event of a storm? 

• Location: Marina? Dry Dock? Ask the dock master what preparations evacuation procedures are for the marina and what you ar responsible for. Small enough to store in a a reinforced garage? Tie-down on the trailer outside your home? If you are evacuating with your boat on a trailer, make sure your destination is not in possible threat of storm if it changes course. 

2. Are you properly insured? 

• When is the last time you reviewed your insurance policy? Consolidate all your insurance, boat registration, recent photos of the boat and it's contents. Scan and save back-up on hard drive,originals should stay with other important documents in a water tight storage, just in case. 

3. Do you have the proper supplies?

• Extra Dock line is always a must, double line at least. Are there specific tools you will need to remove antenna, outriggers, Bimini tops, and the electronic equipment you decide to remove for storm. (if it is removable, remove it. Why risk the loss?)

4. Do you have a current inventory list with photos? 

• If you have a smart phone, why not put it to use. As you would for your home, go from room to room and photograph pictures of inside, outside, and engines of your boat. Save these to a file with your scanned insurance and boat registration paperwork. Having a complete up to date list and photos will only help your through the claims process. 

5. Trial Run, how long will it take you to

• Hurricane prep is stressful enough, without unforeseen "hiccups" that can occur when you are rushing. Once you have a plan, do a trial run. You will want to time how long it takes you from beginning to end. Check accessibility, depth of water, and bridge schedules. Don't forget to factor in elevated tides. 

6. Be sure to have a back-up.

• It is good to have a back-up person that is aware of your storm plan, that is able to step in if you are unable. 

Boat in a marina:

· Tie high on pilings to allow for rising water.

· Run extra line and double tie every knot.

· Purchase rope, duct tape and other materials early before supplies run low.

· Cover all tie lines at contact points with rubber to prevent chafing.

· Disconnect shore power.

· Verify battery power is sufficient to run bilge pumps throughout and after the storm.

· Remove or secure all deck gear, radio antennas, outriggers, rafts, sails, tops, canvases, 

   curtains, booms and dinghies and all other objects that could blow away or cause damage.

· Insert plugs in engine ports.

· Close fuel valves and cockpit seacocks.

· Install fenders to protect the boat from rubbing against the dock.

· Use duct tape to seal windows and hatches.

· Remove all canvas, chains, life preservers and other equipment to reduce wind load.

· Ensure fire extinguishers and lifesaving equipment are in working order.

· Keep copies of boat registration and insurance( &photos) in a safe place NOT on the boat.

Boat on a trailer:

· Park the boat/trailer in the garage or near a building.

· Fill the boat no more than halfway with water to add weight. (Overfilling can damage the trailer.)

· Remove outboard motors (if possible).

· Let some air out of trailer the tires.

· Place blocks in front and back of the tires to prevent rolling.

· Lash the trailer down with heavy ropes or chains.

"If your vessel can be dry docked or stored on a trailer, do it. Don't leave it in the water if you don't have to" advised Palm Beach Yacht Center Dockmaster, Jena Bradley