Hurricane Boat Preparation Checklist
As hurricane season approaches, boaters across coastal regions take proactive steps to protect their vessels and ensure personal safety. Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a first-time boat owner, knowing how to prepare for a hurricane is essential. America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons will provide a hurricane preparation guide to help you safeguard your investment and stay ahead of a storm.
Why Hurricane Preparation Matters
When a hurricane strikes the land, the combination of high winds, storm surge, and heavy rain can cause catastrophic damage to boats. Whether your vessel is docked, moored, or stored ashore. Knowing how to prepare for a hurricane is not just a smart decision but a crucial one especially when you have a boat. America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons recommends that boaters develop a storm plan in advance to minimize potential damage. Don’t wait until a warning is issued–preparing for a hurricane starts long before the winds begin to pick up.
Hurricane Boat Preparation Checklist
Below is a step-by-step guide to aid you in securing your boat before the next hurricane:
- Develop a Hurricane Plan in Advance
- Identify a safe location for you to store your vessel–this could be a hurricane rated marina, dry storage, or inland facility.
- If your vessel is in the water, know your marina’s hurricane procedures and responsibilities.
- Assemble a “hurricane box” with extra ropes, fenders, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and tools to ensure you’re prepared.
- Secure All Documentation
- Take photos of your boat from various angles once it is stored in a safe location.
- Store copies of registration, insurance, and recent surveys in a waterproof container and consider taking it to your home.
- Remove All Loose Items
- Remove all canvases, sails, electronics, cushions, dinghies, and personal belongings.
- Stow items below deck or take them home to ensure nothing is left exposed that could potentially become airborne or damaged.
- Check Mooring and Lines
- Use double or triple lines, ensuring they’re chafe-protected and adjusted for any tidal surges.
- Replace any lines that are worn-out immediately.
- If possible, remember to relocate your boat to a more protected area.
- Seal Openings
- Remember to seal hatches with duct tape or plastic wrap.
- Shut off fuel lines, electrical circuits, and gas supply.
- If you’re leaving your vessel in the water, ensure that all bilge pumps are operational and batteries are fully charged.
Regional Tips: Florida & Texas Boat Owners
How to Prepare for a Hurricane in Florida
Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, with over 8,400 miles of tidal shorelines and numerous boating communities, it is crucial for boaters to have a detailed hurricane preparation strategy. Here’s what Florida boat owners should do when preparing for a hurricane:
- Understand the Risk
- Coastal areas from the Keys to the Panhandle face strom surges, while inland areas risk flooding and wind damage.
- The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the highest risk typically between August and October.
- Monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center, NOAA, and your local authorities.
- Know Your Storage Options
- In-water storage: If your marina allows it, use hurricane-rated moorings. Choose slips with floating docks and sturdy pilings if possible.
- Dry storage: Many Florida marines and boatyards also offer hurricane haul-out programs. These programs tend to fill up fast–register well in advance.
- Trailered boats: Move your vessel inland, away from flood zones. Store it on high ground and block the trailer to prevent any rolling.
- Secure and Strip Down
- Remove bimini tops, canvas, electronics, antennae sails, cushions, and any other removable gear on your vessel.
- Latch down anything that must stay onboard, including fuel tanks and life rings.
- Tape and seal hatches, ports, and vents with waterproof materials.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane in Texas
Boaters along the Texas Gulf Coast face unique challenges when they prepare for a hurricane, including shallow bays, rapid forming storms, and limited
inland storage options. Here’s how you can stay ready:
- Stay Weather-Aware
- The Gulf can produce fast-moving storms–keep a close eye on the forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and Texas Division of Emergency Management.
- Tropical storms can also develop quickly which may leave you with less time for a last-minute action.
- Secure an Inland Storage Plan
- Trailered boats should be moved inland, away from any low-lying coastal areas in case of a surge or flooding.
- Ensure the boat is blocked securely, with the trailer wheels chocked and tied down which will prevent any potential movement of the vessel.
- Review Your Insurance
- Make sure that your policy includes hurricane-related coverage as well as salvage assistance.
- Keep both digital and printed copies of documentation stored securely in case of emergencies.
Stay Ready, Stay Safe with America’s Boating Club
Whether your vessel is in Florida, Texas, or anywhere along the coast, knowing how to prepare for a hurricane is essential in protecting your vessel and ensuring safety all around. Following a thorough hurricane preparation list can make all the difference, especially when time is short and the storm is near.
America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons is dedicated to educating boaters, from first-time owners to seasoned mariners. Our nationwide network of incredible squadrons offer courses and seminars on boating safety, building the confidence you need when going out on the water especially in emergency situations. From hands-on training to online resources, we’re here to help you build lifelong boating skills.
Check out our learning center now!