Tips For Securing Your Boat Before A Hurricane Strikes

Once a hurricane is projected to hit your area, you have a limited amount of time to take action and protect your boat. Therefore, it is important to make a plan of action before hurricane season arrives. If you own a boat, here are some preparation steps you can take to secure your boat.  

Consider Haul-Out Service

Depending on the location of your boat and the projected strength of the hurricane, having your boat hauled to safer waters could be the best option. There are several benefits to moving your boat to safety, including avoiding damage. 

When your boat is moved to safety, it is stored and protected from hurricane damage. If you left your boat in its usual spot and it was damaged, you could be forced to file a claim on your insurance to recoup the cost of your damages. As a result, your insurance premium could increase.  

If you plan to use a haul-out service as part of your plan, check into insurance that will help you cover the cost of moving and storing your boat. You also need to verify what steps you need to take to prepare your boat for moving.  

Prevent Water Damage

If you decide against moving your boat, you need to take steps to protect the boat from water damage. Water can find its way into every nook and cranny of the boat and lead to a range of problems, including electronics damage and corrosion.  

There are several steps you can take to protect your boat, including using duct tape to keep vents closed and using bung plugs to keep backflow water from pumps out of your engine. Remember to remove any electrical component that can be removed.  

Secure Your Boat

The winds from the hurricane could be enough to lift your boat. Therefore, you need to take steps to secure the boat. There are several ways you can do this and you need to take care of them as soon as possible.  

One of the most important things you can do is to double all your storm lines. The storm lines need to be strong enough to hold the boat as the water surges. You need to wrap the lines in tape or rubber hose to keep them from chafing. If they do, they could rub together and eventually break.  

Before making a final plan for protecting your boat, consult with professionals, such as a haul-out company. To learn more, contact a company like South Park Marina.


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