Marina Hurricane Preparation

Posted by Alan Sorum May 8, 2007

BoatU.S. in cooperation with the Marine Industries Associations of Florida and South Florida held a conference focused on preparing marinas for hurricanes. Industry leaders, hurricane experts and marina operators exchanged ideas on how to best weather hurricane and tropical storm events. BoatU.S. offers these suggestions in preparation of the upcoming hurricane season.

Written Plan - Good storm preparation depends on developing a plan of action that spells out actions to be taken prior to, during and following a storm. The experts recommend that your plan be committed to writing and discussed with everyone involved in it. A Hurricane Worksheet is available from BoatU.S. in PDF format.

Insurance – Removing your boat from the water is the best way to protect it from a storm. Check with your marine insurance professional and ask about a hurricane haul out rider.

Securing the Vessel – If your vessel is placed in the yard, check to see if it can be tied down. Add extra lines, fenders and strip the boat of loose gear if it is remaining in the water. Protect lines at point where they can chaff. Don't count on your marine to provide this service at the last minute.

Windage – Remove everything that can catch the wind. Tarps, covers, top, antennas, outriggers and the like. Unstep sailboat masts.

BoatU.S. has an excellent online Hurricane Resource Center that allows boaters to monitor storm progress and learn more about preparing boats and marinas from hurricanes.