BOAT PREP & SAFETY FOR HURRICANE SEASON POST IAN
As much as we hate the thought of it… hurricane season is here already as we continue to rebuild and recover from Hurricane Ian. As we all know, it’s important to be prepared for any storm threats. Being a boat owner requires proactive measures to protect your beloved vessel during the hurricane season. These powerful tropical storms pose significant threats to boats and marinas, making it crucial for boat owners to take precautionary steps to minimize potential damage. We want to give you the best ways to safeguard and prepare your boat for the hurricane season, ensuring that you can weather the storm and keep your boat.
Create a Hurricane Plan:
Develop a comprehensive plan that includes evacuation routes, safe harbors, and marina policies during severe weather. Stay informed about hurricane forecasts and local weather reports.
Choose a Secure Mooring or Storage Location:
Identify a safe location for your boat during hurricanes. Consider hurricane-rated marinas or storage facilities with a proven track record of protecting boats. Ensure the location has sturdy cleats, pilings, and mooring lines. In most cases it’s best to trailer or navigate your boat to a safer area if there is tropical weather coming.
Secure Docking and Mooring Preparations:
Inspect and reinforce your boat’s docking equipment, such as cleats, lines, and fenders. Replace any damaged components. Double up on dock lines and use high-quality, chafe-resistant lines. Position fenders strategically to protect vulnerable areas.
Remove Non-Essential Equipment:
Remove all non-essential items from your boat before a storm. This includes electronics, personal belongings, and valuable equipment. Stow important documents in a waterproof bag and store them safely.
Safeguard the Exterior:
Cover your boat with a properly fitted, sturdy boat cover to protect it from debris, rain, and UV damage. Secure the cover with additional straps or bungee cords. If your boat is on a trailer, use strong tie-down straps and stabilize the trailer by blocking the wheels. Install storm shutters or plywood boards to protect windows, hatches, and portlights.
Perform Regular Maintenance and Inspections:
Regularly maintain and inspect your boat. Check the battery, bilge pumps, and all mechanical and electrical systems. Ensure the hull is in good condition, without cracks or leaks. Reinforce weak areas, such as hatches, vents, and seals.
Develop an Evacuation Plan:
Have a plan in place for evacuating your boat if necessary. Determine the safest route to move your boat to a designated safe harbor or storage facility.
Stay Informed:
Continuously monitor weather updates and heed any evacuation orders or recommendations from local authorities. Stay connected with fellow boat owners and marina staff for updates and support.
Document and Insure Your Boat:
Take photos or videos of your boat’s condition before the hurricane season. Review and update your boat insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for potential hurricane damage.
Review and Reassess:
Regularly review and update your hurricane plan based on new information, changing circumstances, or lessons learned from previous seasons.
Conclusion
Remember, each boat and location may have unique considerations, so consult local authorities, experienced boat owners, or marine professionals for specific advice and recommendations tailored to your situation!
If you’re looking for boat storage on or around Fort Myers Beach, Salty Sam’s Marina has you covered. Our dry stack storage barn will put you in one of the best boating locations around. Just give us a call at 239-463-7333 and we’ll get you going.