Hurricane Preparation
GETTING YOUR BOAT READY FOR HURRICANE SEASON
For much of the South and East, Hurricane preparation this time a year is a major concern. The chance of a major hurricane hitting shore is very high, and as we saw with Katrina and Rita last year, the effects are devastating! When a hurricane rears its ugly head, your family and home have to take priority, leaving everything else left to whatever you did to get ready before the storm, so its important to put some time and thought into it now, when it isn't a huge concern, so you can focus on what really matters.
Insurance Coverage
The first step is to understand what type of coverage you have, and what your insurance company's policies are if your boat sustains hurricane damage. Many offer comprehensive coverage that quickly becomes null and void if you so much as touch your boat after the storm. Your first step should be to call or visit your provider's website to learn exactly what steps to take in the event of a hurricane.
Prior Preparations Prevents Poor Performance!
Ah, the P's... they work here too. As tedious as it is, walk through what needs to be done before, during, and after. Ideally, get all of this onto a piece of paper and keep a copy in a ziptop bag in case you have to dish off the instructions to someone else. You should probably keep this with your registration, title, and insurance information in case you have to call the insurance company, which should be on everyone's plan.
The Sure Place is In-Shore
If you're done with your boat for the season, get it out of the water. That beautiful, secure marina on hurricane day is going to more resemble a hot tub. Just because you are an expert at tying down your boat, removing any object that can fly around, and having a plan of attack after the storm, doesn't mean your slip neighbor with the 14 year old lines who hasn't tended to his boat all summer is.
If your boat is small enough to fit on a trailer, this should be a pretty simple task. Larger boats will need a more established plan. Many Marina's will help you get your plan established. If your pulling your boat but still live close to the water, make sure you are aware of flood zones and take into consideration that if a storm hits, a lot of whats around will be flying around (i.e keep those sail boat masts away from powerlines!)
Everything Off!
There are two reasons why you should leave nothing on your boat in the face of a storm. First, and most obvious, is whatever isn't secured in place is bound to flop around and cause damage.
Second, and less obvious but just as important is looting after a storm on boats is a common practice. Looters know that when a major storm hits, you're tending to your family, homes, and businesses and the pickings are easy at the marina.
Have more to add?
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