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

4 Stages of a Tropical Cyclone…

In the past few years we have seen an overwhelming amount of destruction from the mammoth storm that have ransacked our coasts. We have heard the testimonials from the survivors of tornadoes  victims, of hurricanes, and see the endless stream of photos online. 
Hurricane season is in its first month and already we have been introduced to the fast paced TS Andrea. It makes you wonder if the weather professionals predictions could be right this year? 

As homeowners we dread the expense that is attached to this entire season, as Floridians we know that being prepared is the best way to protect ourselves and our investments. The more informed you are the better prepared you will be for a unpredictable mother nature as it has been for centuries. 

Tropical Cyclone? Hurricane? Tropical Storm? Typhoon? 

The Aztecs, Mayas, Taínos and other Indians adopted many gods from other civilizations. The Mayans, Aztecs and Taínos, believed each god was associated with some aspects of nature in each of these religions. Hurricanes were feared and respected, for the storms played a vital part of their worship. The destructive power of a storm like hurricane inspires both fear and fascination and it is no surprise that ancient tribes were known to make offerings to the weather gods to appease them. People in ancient times believed that these violent storms were brought on by angry weather gods. In some cultures, the word for hurricane means 'storm god', 'evil spirit', 'devil' or 'god of thunder and lightning’. Derived from the Spanish word "huracan", which was most likely inspired by Hunraken, the name for the ancient Mayan storm god or Hurakan. 

 Hunraken was inspired by the ancient Mayans god who destroyed people with great storms and floods. One of three lightening gods who participated in all three attempts at creating humanity. Together they were “the heart of the sky”  Hunraken was the “one legged” god, one human leg and the other a serpent.

4 Stages of a Tropical Cyclone:

1. Tropical disturbance: a discrete system of clouds, showers, and thunderstorms that starts in the tropics and remains in tact for 24 hours+

2. Tropical depression: develops when a closed circulation, winds 38mph or less at an elevation of 10 meters

3. Tropical storm: a tropical cyclone that is given a name by the National Hurricane Center, winds are 39-74mph, at an elevation of 10 meters

4. HURRICANE: a tropical storm that’s strengthens to more then 74mph and can become much stronger. They are categorized 1-5 based on wind speed. Sinking air at the center clears the tropical cyclone of clouds and forms the "eye." The eye wall typically contains the strongest surface winds.

  

 *Tropical (named by geography) 

Cyclone (named per the family of storm)

Hurricane+

Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and hundreds of miles inland, but these destructive storms have a few needs to feed and grow. They require a low pressure system, warm ocean temperatures, moist environment, and tropical wind patterns off the equator to steer the path. With these storms come hazards you may not have thought of or prepared for...

Tornado:

An extremely destructive funnel-shaped column of air that passes in a narrow path over land. It is common for tornadoes to be produced during a hurricane and even tropical storms. It is common for tornadoes to form in the rain bands of a hurricane and closer to the “eye” of the storm. These tornadoes may be considered relatively weak, but can still do damage. Never under estimate a tornado. Listen for a freight train roar in the wind.

Storm Surge & Tides:

Storm Surge, an abnormal rise in water generated by a storm’s winds. Surge can get to heights well over 20’ and can reach across hundred of miles of the coast.

Tide, water level that rises during a storm due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide.                                                     

The massive power of a storm surge and large waves can destroy buildings, erode the beaches, cause damage to roads and bridges, and even death.

  

Flooding:

Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and the most costly. Flash floods can happen within minutes or hours of heavy rainfall, a levee or dam breaks. They are considered dangerous walls of water filled with potentially dangerous debris. If possible, build barriers to prevent the flood water from entering the building; sandbags. floodsmart.gov

Rip Currents:

Rip Currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from shore, usually extending past the line of breaking waves, that can pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore. When the waves break along the coast they can produce deadly rip currents and be a major hazard to mariners and coastal residence.

  

High Winds:

Tropical storm force winds are powerful enough to be to destroy buildings and mobile homes. A strong enough wind can try a simple item into a dangerous flying missile.

Stay tuned for the next blog and more hurricane season information.