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Always make sure that your boat is in good repair
1. |
Examine the structural condition of your vessel and repair as needed |
2. |
Check all through hull fittings, shafts, props, stuffing boxes etc. In the event of a storm, everything except the bilge outlets and the cockpit drains should be securely closed. |
3. |
Make sure your vessel has proper grounding for lightning protection. |
4. |
Disconnect antennas from electronics before the storm. |
5. |
Make sure bilge pumps are in working order and batteries are properly charged. |
6. |
Prepare a checklist of equipment needed to secure the vessel before the storm and store the equipment in a readily accessible location. |
7. |
Purchase any supplies or equipment well in advance. Stock additional lengths of mooring lines, fenders, fender boards, chafing gear and anchors with chain. Limited supplies will run out quickly once a storm warning is announced. |
8. |
Make an inventory sheet of things to be removed from your vessel. |
Available Options
1. |
You may simply plan to better secure the vessel when a storm is threatening. |
2. |
You may consider an alternate and “safer” dockage site. |
3. |
You may relocate to a “hurricane anchorage” which is a reasonable alternative for larger vessels |
Regardless of the chosen alternative, prepare a written plan for what you are going to do when a hurricane is threatening. Think about having another person ready to follow up with your plan for your boat in case you are absent. Rehearse your plan with your family. Try to think through what you will need to adequately secure your boat for a hurricane and how much time to allow.
Choose Your Option
Make plans to double your dock lines before a storm.
A. |
The second set should be one size larger. |
B. |
The dock lines should be nylon (preferably 3-strand twist). Chafing is the main cause of line failure. Make sure you install chafe protection, such as leather or old garden hose; anywhere a line might touch the boat, dock, or another line. |
C. |
Place fenders at appropriate locations. |
D. |
Strip the boat decks of all sails, including roller furling jibs. |
E. |
Remove any booms, moveable deck equipment, bimini tops, ventilators, anchors, and any other loose gear. Reduce windage on your boat and reduce the strain on your lines and the docking system. |
F. |
Secure all hatches and tape shut. |
G. |
Turn off all electricity (except for the bilge pumps) and disconnect power cables and hoses from the dock. Safely stow hoses and cables. |
If you plan to move to a safer dock site, make sure:
A. |
To have extra dock lines, chafing gear and fenders, and take all precautions noted above. |
B. |
To allow ample time to get to the dock and to evacuate the area. Remember you may be fighting wind and rain. |
If you plan to move to a hurricane anchorage:
A. |
Select possible sites well in advance (preferably before hurricane season) and make a trial run to your site. |
B. |
Verify water depth, size of anchor, chain and anchor scope required. Sufficient anchor chain and line for at least six times the normal scope (7:1) should be carried for laying out the anchors. At least two anchors of the proper size for the vessel should be used. |
C. |
Verify potential mooring structures (trees on shore). |
D. |
Verify time required to get to the site. |
E. |
Determine how to get off the boat and get to a car. |
For your protection, we recommend stocking last years cooler with emergency provisions and placing it in a readily accessible location. Consider purchasing a cigarette lighter plug and emergency antenna for your VHF marine radio. This will give you weather bulletins and telephone capability. Do not forget a broadcast radio, flashlight, matches and candles, fire extinguisher, water and water purification tablets, food and utensils, medical supplies and sanitary facilities.
Again, careful planning, preparation and rehearsal will go a long way toward preventing damage or injury as a result of a hurricane, and the exercise will come in handy the next time you ride out a tropical storm.
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