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Take action early - don't wait until a
hurricane warning is declared. The storm's fringe activity
will make preparations difficult.
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If your boat will remain in berth, before
hurricane season check the strength of primary cleats, winches
and chocks. They should have substantial back plates and
adequate stainless steel bolts.
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Double all lines, with rig crossing spring
lines fore and aft. Attach lines high on piling to allow for
tidal fall and rise or surge. Mooring line sizes: for boats up
to 20 feet, 3/8-inch in diameter; 20-34 feet, 1/2-inch or
larger; 35-55 feet, 5/8-inch or larger; 56 feet and longer,
3/4-inch or larger. Protect lines from chafing by covering rub
spots with leather or old garden hose.
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Charge batteries for automatic bilge pumps.
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Seal all openings with duct tape to make
the boat as watertight as possible.
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Reduce dock or piling crash damage by
securing old tires along the sides of the boat.
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Remove loose gear from the deck. Store it
securely inside or at home.
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For a boat stored on a trailer, lash the
boat and trailer down in a protected area. Let the air out of
tires before tying the trailer down. Place blocks between the
frame members and the axle inside each wheel. Secure with
heavy lines to fixed objects from four directions, if
possible.
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If you prefer, remove the boat from the
trailer and lash down each separately.
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Remove the outboard motor, battery and
electronics, and store them.
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Small boats can be filled with water to
give them added weight after lashing down.
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If you like your boat more than you like
your car, put the boat in the garage.
