Boats on stands during hurricane

Don S/V ILLusion · Oct 1, 2015

A pretty good indicator can be found here in Fl where we have some experience. Most are placed on stands. Orientation is an academic exercise as wind direction shifts. Just remove as much wind loading as practicable and hope you didn't skimp on insurance coverage.

Kings Gambit · Oct 1, 2015

kito said:
Even though I am fairly inland in NC, there are some models showing I could be in it's direct path. Just wondering how stabile sailboats are when on the hard and getting a direct broad side wind. I know most boats are lifted by the surge but curious to hear what winds your boat survived when on stands. Just a little nervous I guess.

One option for information might be to call BOAT US and talk to a claims person there about how common are claims for boats on the hard being knocked (blown) off of their jackstands in hurricane winds. Might ease your worries there. Also, where is the boat? In a yard on asphalt or in the "outback" on dirt/ground? This could make a difference. Yards might be able to secure the boat with guy lines to an eye or similar in the asphalt. However, if on the dirt--I don't know.

Scott T-Bird · Oct 1, 2015

I've had my boat on stands with mast up every winter for 10 years and it has been thru some really fierce winter winds without a problem. There had been many times when I thought the boat surely can't still be standing! The gusts are far greater in the winter than anything we experience when leaves are on the trees. I think it all comes down to the skill your yard has in doing it right. That said, I think I'd prefer the boat on a crib rather than stands. Perhaps that's an option. They use cribs where I'm at now.

kloudie1 · Oct 1, 2015

I am a lot more comfortable here with my boat in the slip than on land. I have had to do over 20 "hurricane tie up's" since 1991 .. and have been lucky so far. Things to be considered are falling trees and high water and of course the wind. High water is the most difficult to deal with because ya have to leave enough slack to accommodate 6-8 feet of water rise, and still control the boat so when the water comes down, the boat does not come down on a piling and get pierced. Typically, all canvass off (roller furl, bimini, etc); double all lines with crosses (port stern line to stbd bollard) be very diligent about chafe protection to the lines.. consider a sun-proof duct tape over companionway slider edges and cockpit lockers that aren't gasketted ; secure halyards so they don't bang against mast or anything else.. good luck to yall.. Starting to look like it may stay out at sea, which would give ya high water but not much else..

Gunni · Oct 1, 2015

Just make sure your boat is above any possible flooding and on well compacted ground (a parking lot). Flooding can float a boat off, or undermine the jackstands. I have driven 3/4" re-bar and lashed to the cleats. Not sure it was necessary, but it made me feel good.

Maine Sail · Oct 1, 2015

This is what they do in many Hurricane prone areas... Pretty stout system and also tied into the ground with massive ratchet straps...

kjretlaw · Oct 1, 2015

Bend some rebar into a 3' U, drive them into the ground at a 45 deg angle. Use tie down straps to tie the boat down to the rebar. this should help keep the boat from shifting or lifting on the jack stands.

shemandr · Oct 1, 2015

I was always amazed that my 356 with it's cover didn't blow over in some of the winter storms it endured. It had a lot of windage - hull, cover, rig. I used to go check on it during a blow but learned it only made me worry more and there really wasn't a lot I could do while it was honking. Ignorance is bliss.

BrianH · Oct 1, 2015

If you are in a boat yard, make sure your neighbors boats are prepped for the hurricane too!! I saw a 30 foot sailboat with a loose winter tarp fall and take out 3 additional boats next to him. Like dominoes...

All the boats had hull damage as well as bent masts from where they hit the next boat...

BigEasy · Oct 1, 2015

Was in a yard 3 years ago in New Orleans when Issac made landfall. As best I recall, max winds were about 70. I had just had my boat delivered via truck and it was on stands with the mast & all rigging off. The boat faired well with no damage there were 3 or 4 other boats that toppled off the stands. Their rigging & sails were still on board; it appeared that the jib had partially unfurled in every case & caused them to fall over. If you are on stands during a strong tropical storm; all sails, biminis, and dodgers must be removed to reduce windage. Also ensure that the stands have proper cross beam safety chains installed tightly. In serious hurricane winds it would be prudent to unstep the mast & remove; however, with the yards busy hauling boats, the likelihood of them removing your mast is unlikely. Another concern is heavy rains that could cause the stands to partially sink (if not on a concrete slab) & result in the boat toppling over.