We can all agree that while there’s nothing like a sunny day on the water, we need to be prepared for the rainy ones, too. In Southwest Florida, this includes major storms like hurricanes, which can bring life-threatening storm surges, heavy rainfall, high winds, and tornado activity.
When to Start Preparing Your Boat for a Hurricane
The best time to start preparing your boat for a hurricane is as soon as there is a substantial possibility of a storm approaching, even before an official hurricane watch is issued. Acting early is crucial because if you wait until the watch or warning is in effect, key access points such as bridges may be locked down, and your chosen safe harbor or hurricane hole might become inaccessible.
Starting preparations early allows you to secure your boat properly, whether that means relocating it to a safer location, doubling up on mooring lines, or removing valuable equipment. Don’t wait until the last minute — taking action at the first sign of potential hurricane activity greatly increases your boat’s chances of surviving the storm safely.
TL;DR: Preparing Your Boat for a Hurricane
Monitor weather updates closely. If your marina isn’t safe, find a better storage spot. Follow your marina’s storm plan. Secure your boat with extra lines or haul it out if possible. Check your insurance covers storm damage. Stay informed and act early to protect your boat.
Essential Steps to Prepare Your Boat for a Hurricane
Use common sense and safe practices when preparing your boat for a hurricane.
No matter the size of the storm, use the tools you have at hand to play it safe in avoiding uncomfortable situations—including your smart phone, which comes with radar and weather updates. The National Hurricane Center and NOAA are also excellent resources.
Find a safe place to store your boat.
Relocate to a hurricane-safe marina or a secure inland location away from storm surge risks. Hurricanes and even some intense thunderstorms pack high wind speeds, destructive waves, storm surge, and drop massive amounts of rain. Consider looking for an alternative location to store your boat during a tropical storm if your current location lacks natural wind protection, is exposed to open water in any direction, or is prone to flooding.
A particular danger associated with hurricanes is storm surge—extremely high water levels that can be significantly higher than the highest high tide. Again, NOAA is a great source of information here.
If you keep your boat at a marina, get a copy of your marina’s storm plan and review it carefully.
You need to understand your obligations and theirs. Visit the BoatUS Hurricane Center for some examples of good marina plans. Be sure you are confident in its safety measures and professionalism.
Stay on top of forecasts for wind, rain, waves, and surge
Once a storm approaches, your exact preparations will depend upon the forecast for wind and storm surge in your area. The National Hurricane Center provides the most complete and current information on potential wind speeds and probable tracks.
Create your own hurricane preparation plan
Doubling lines on boats left in the water, lengthening scope on moorings, and tying the boat down if it’s on land can help ensure your boat survives a storm. The BoatUS Hurricane Center has excellent tips for how to secure your boat, including a downloadable preparation worksheet. Use that to think through what you will need to do when a watch or warning is issued.
If your boat is trailerable, ensure your tow vehicle is capable of moving the boat. Check that the trailer, tires, bearings, and axle are in good condition. In dry storage, never leave a boat on davits or a hydro-lift. In wet storage, secure the boat in a marina berth, moor it in a safe area, haul it, or leave the area well in advance.
Check your insurance policy
Read the fine print in your insurance policy to make sure you’re covered before and after a storm. Some insurers will cover part of the cost of hiring a professional to move or prepare your boat once a hurricane watch is issued. The best policies cover the cost of salvage without deducting it from the payment to you for damages to the boat. They also provide additional coverage for wreck removal and fuel spills under the policy’s liability provisions.
Make sure to have a recent photo of your vessel, the Hull Identification Number (HIN#), phone number for the harbor master, Coast Guard, etc.
Erik Abrahamson, a Florida insurance lawyer, has provided us with these important insights:
In general, if you have comprehensive coverage, then your boat is covered for repairs or replacement if it’s damaged due to a storm or hurricane (unless explicitly stated otherwise in your policy). If you have a liability-only boat insurance policy, any storm-related damage to your watercraft won’t be covered.
Please note that your policy may restrict boating to a specific geographical area. If your boat sinks while out of the agreed-upon range, your insurer may not pay for the removal or related damage. Check with your insurer to determine the distance from the shore for which your coverage applies.
To cover damage to another person’s property caused by your boat moving during a storm, you need liability coverage on your boat insurance policy – this typically falls under “property damage liability” and will help pay for repairs to anything your boat damages while adrift in a storm.
Finally, you should check to see if you have fuel spill coverage. If your boat is damaged in the storm, fuel has likely leaked into the water. Fuel spill coverage pays for the removal and mitigation of the environmental impact caused by unintentional fuel spills. Be sure to thoroughly review your entire insurance policy to fully understand your coverage.
Listen to your local Emergency Management Office
In Manatee County, you can find emergency services information here.
In Sarasota County, you can find emergency services information here.
Other potentially life-saving tips for preparing your boat for a hurricane:
- Never stay onboard during a hurricane. Your safety comes first—evacuate well in advance of the storm’s arrival.
- Items of value should be marked for easy identification in case they are lost in the storm. Label paddle boards, kayaks, life jackets, etc., with phone numbers.
- Batteries should be fully charged and checked to ensure their capability to run automatic bilge pumps for the duration of the storm. Consider backup batteries. Cut off all devices consuming electricity except bilge pumps.
- Remove all movable equipment: canvas, sails, dinghies, radios, biminis, and roller furling sails.
- Lash down everything that cannot be removed: tillers, wheels, booms.
- Ensure the electrical system is turned off unless you intend to leave the boat in the water. Remove the battery and portable fuel.
- Secure all lines and covers to prevent damage. Use heavy-duty chafing gear on dock lines and secure canvas covers tightly.
- Remove all valuables and loose items. Store equipment, sails, and electronics indoors to prevent loss or damage.
- Charge all batteries fully. Ensure automatic bilge pumps and other critical systems remain operational throughout the storm.
- Seal all hatches and openings. Prevent water intrusion by checking seals and using waterproof tape or plugs where needed.
- Monitor weather updates regularly. Stay informed with frequent weather broadcasts to adjust plans as necessary.
- Create and maintain a detailed inventory of your boat’s contents. This helps with insurance claims if damage occurs.
- Double up on mooring lines and use heavy anchors. Reinforce your boat’s moorings with additional lines and secure anchors rated for your boat size.
- Consult local marina or harbor officials for specific hurricane protocols and guidelines. Follow their guidance to ensure compliance and safety.
Find boating safety information on the U.S. Coast Guard’s site: https://www.uscgboating.org/