Hurricanes are unpredictable and if severe, they can wreak complete havoc around you. If you are an experienced boat owner, you probably have a hurricane preparation plan that will help you take necessary precautions to keep your boat safe and secure when the weather gets wild. But if you just bought a new vessel or are yet to experience a South Florida hurricane, here are a few things that you should know about your boat storage for this season:
Prepare Ahead of Time
The smartest approach for a boater to secure their boat is to be ready before a hurricane hits and not wait until the last minute. Review important documents ahead of time to ensure you have the right coverage and call your insurance company if you need to make any changes before it gets too late.
Boat Storage at Marinas
Boats that are hauled out of the water usually remain safer during a hurricane than those left in water. If you store your boat at a marina, ask ahead of time regarding their hurricane preparation plans so that you can make arrangements accordingly. Most marinas are designed in a way to effectively handle storm surge and rough weather conditions so your boat can be protected from damage. Many marinas also have evacuation plans in place for when heavy storms are predicted, or hurricane warnings go out.
Securing Boats on a Trailer
Smaller boats or those used more for inshore fishing can easily be trailered inland, away from the area where the tidal surge is expected. Keep your boat trailer maintained and ensure ahead of time that the tires and lights are in perfect working condition.
If you plan to keep your boat on its trailer during the storm, let out some air from the tires to keep it more stable and grounded. Strap it carefully and remove any loose items and accessories that can get misplaced when the strong winds strike. Don’t park it near trees as heavy branches flying around during a storm can cause a lot of damage to your vessel.
Securing Boats at the Dock
If you plan to secure your boat at a fixed dock, the most important thing to do is using thicker and longer lines than you usually do. You don’t want your lines breaking during the storm so investing in appropriate ones ahead of time will help keep your boat safer. If you are able to secure a spot for your boat on a floating dock, go for it as it will allow your vessel to rise and fall along with the water level without stretching or chafing your lines.
Check Insurance and Remove Valuables
Whether you store your boat on a trailer, dock or at an indoor storage facility, it is important to go over your insurance coverage and speak to an agent if you aren’t clear about certain details. Also remember to remove items from your boat that can be carried away by strong winds. This includes things such as cushions, chair covers, Bimini tops, sails, and other safety equipment you may have lying around.
South Florida boat dealers can tell you how damaging it can be if you are not prepared before hurricane season. Your boat is a major investment in your life and keeping it safe from unruly weather can save you from facing major repair costs in the future. Talk to our trusted and experienced crew at Mariner Marine if you are looking for boats for sale in Palm Beach County and they’ll happily share their expert knowledge on storage options that suit your vessel and requirements as well!
