Sep 3, 2019

Hurricane Preparations for Boaters

Boating around the East Coast or the Gulf of Mexico has its perks, but it also means being a target during hurricane season. Whether you have been boating in these areas for years or you just started, it is extremely important to protect your vessel during these months. We are currently watching the devastation that came with Hurricane Dorian, so it is vital to know that YOUR safety always comes before your boat. Therefore, you will need to follow these tips well in advance in preparation for a hurricane so you can then focus on the safety of your family before time runs out!

STAY CONNECTED

Weather.com is a great place to get informed about current and future weather alerts. Once a tropical storm appears, you can immediately start tracking it. They also show what category it will be at what time, along with the wind speeds. This is an extremely helpful tool to stay safe during hurricane season. On this website, you can also find a shelter or report lost pets when your area is affected by these storms. Another great option is MyRadar App. “MyRadar is a fast, easy-to-use, yet powerful weather app that displays animated weather radar around your current location, allowing you to quickly see what weather is coming your way. Just start the app, and your location pops up with animated live radar, with radar loop lengths of up to two hours.

This basic functionality provides the quickest way to get a fast snapshot of the weather on the go, and it’s what has made MyRadar so successful over the years. Check your phone and get an instant assessment of the weather that will impact your day.” Source – MyRadar Weather Radar. There is also a Hurricane Tracker available as an upgrade. This is a very useful tool during hurricane season as the tracker is up to date and sends you notifications if anything changes with the storm. This App is available on iPhone and Andriod mobile devices.

GET OUT!

When a bad storm is coming your way, it is usually best to haul out your vessel and move inland as quickly as possible. If you wait too long, you can end up stuck in traffic jams on highways and back roads once your state announces a mandatory evacuation. Remember, your safety comes first. Do not leave your area later on and risk yourself for your boat! 

BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

If you cannot move your boat, the other option is to quite literally batten down the hatches. This is also better to do sooner rather than later if you know that you are not able to move your boat. The first thing you will need to do is remove EVERYTHING on your boat that is unattached. Cushions, rods, life jackets, boat accessories, absolutely anything that could potentially disconnect from the vessel. Not only will this protect you from losing these items, but it will also keep them from being thrown at anyone or anything still in the area during the storm.

Gather any fenders or similar objects you have to absorb as much impact as possible. As for the windscreens, make sure you either cover them or detach them. We also recommend using four times the usual amount of line that you usually use. If you must go this route, you should make sure your boat is as secure and protected as possible.

 

 

LASTLY, DO NOT TAKE YOUR BOAT OUT ON THE WATER

It is never a good idea to take your boat out into the open water during a storm. Again, if you cannot take your boat inland, simply secure it as much as possible at the marina or dock it is at. Your boat may be further away from the destruction, but you will be putting yourself in extreme danger. We know how important boating is to many of the people in these areas, but being out on the water during a storm is not the solution.

No matter what hurricane preparation you need to do, please remember that at the end of the day, your boat can be replaced. While they are not cheap, your and your families’ lives are priceless! Get your boat secure far in advance during hurricane season so you have plenty of time to evacuate the area. As always, stay safe!