What is your Hurricane Plan for your boat

Sailm8 · Jun 4, 2013

I have lived in SW Florida for 12 years and have seen several hurricanes many tropical storms and been in one direct hit hurricane. If you have been watching the tornado coverage think about the same storm in intensity but 10 - 75 miles wide and lasting perhaps several days. Remember Wilma that sat over Cancun for 3 days? Or pictures of Sandi's boat damage from last season? Get good insurance, prep the boat and leave. No way you will be able to even stick you head outside in 150 mph wind.

I think I would rather have a slip than a mooring during a storm only because it would be easier to prep at a dock. Check Boat US site for good hurricane prep advice.

Bill1565 · Jun 4, 2013

readerbill said:
Hey Guys and Gals,

I am new to living on a boat in South Florida. At this time I am in a yard doing bottom work but should be back in the water in a few weeks. I will be at a marina dock or on a city mooring. The marina suggests you leave during a hurricane but they do not force the issue. I still have to work, so completely leaving the area is not an option for me. I would be very interested to hear your experience and plans in both preparing for a hurricane and surviving the storm.

Thanks, Bill

I agree with sailmate. Tie your boat up as best you can with many big lines and leave. Also have good insurance.

shemandr · Jun 4, 2013

Before Sandy the insurance mantra was to haul your boat and store it on land. The INSCO's even paid a portion of the expense to do such. The evidence isn't all in yet, or at least not analyzed, but it seems many boats on land did worse than those in the water. In some areas it just didn't matter.
This makes a big difference in your hurricane plan. I can't say what is best to do but I think I can say that Sandy was a game changer. The severe storm surge made boats on stands in boatyards near the water almost as vulnerable as those at the dock. I'll be interested in hearing which group did better across the vast area the storm affected.
Meanwhile, my hurricane and financial health plan agree on selling the keelboat and downsizing to something I can afford to lose.

Jimmy Jenkins · Jun 5, 2013

A consideration would be to go to the north end of Kitching Cove at the north end of the St Lucie river. Go past Sandpiper Marina. There are several small creeks up there that have enough room to tie a boat off to the mangrove trees. It is very sheltered but would require a lot of line to tie it up. Not a great place for anchoring in a storm because the soft mud is 6 to 8 feet deep. Also, Sandpiper(at Club Med) is sheltered from wind and big waves for about 270 degrees. They are, however, fixed docks. My plans are to leave the boat at the dock and keep my insurance paid. Send me a message with your phone number and I will give you more details.
Jimmy
Port St Lucie

Donnybrook · Jun 5, 2013

Unless your marina is well protected with floating docks, never leave a boat in a narrow slip. Most boats left in slips during hurricanes Opal and Ivan were severely damages or sunk. Most marinas here make us leave the dock. Some go on the hard, but most anchor out with 2 anchors. Strip all canvas and sails. Use some kind of chafe protection on rhodes. Put bilge pump to auto and insurance policy in your pocket.

MrBill_FLL · Jun 5, 2013

indiantown marina - book early.

http://www.indiantownmarina.com/p/10/hurricane-club

Gary_H · Jun 5, 2013

The last two that came by here I stayed at the dock double and triple lined, removed sails and canvas and put out as many bumpers as I could find. My docks are floating with very tall pilings. I also stayed at the marina, in the clubhouse during the storm to keep an eye on things.

RECESS · Jun 5, 2013

We keep double lines on at all times and pay our insurance premiums.

Patrick S/V Shangra-La · Jun 5, 2013

Our dock is well protected from waves and much protected from wind.

I double line for the season, triple in a warning, remove the sails and canvas put out the anchor as an extra line and keep my insurance premiums paid.

Gunni · Jun 5, 2013

Fixed docks boats after a storm surge.

And when you are tied to a floating dock that doesn't stay put:

If I had a mangrove creek I would buy 600 feet of 5/8" line, + three massive old anchors, and put a plan to stuff her in during a blow. I don't so she gets hauled to a nice high spot and put on stands. We have high ground.

I"m very motivated to keep my boating scene clear of insurance adjusters, and loss valuation. Those guys should be "plan C".

Ray Bowles · Jun 5, 2013

When we had our big boat in S. Florida we went through 2 hurricanes and remained with boat at the dock. We spent the nights extending and shortening dock lines.
The major problem was nails and spikes pounded into the piers and posts that had been added over the years to hold lines and whatever else. These are perfect for grinding holes in your boat.
Check the posts around your docks now while thiis is fresh in your mind.
Ray

HankPhillips · Jun 6, 2013

We strip the sails and boom. After that we double the lines and fenders. Next we make sure all of the hatches are secure and battery is topped up. Finally, we make sure the scuppers are clear, often overlooked by a lot of people.

Doc_holiday · Jun 7, 2013

It's probably not a bad idea to recover and easily detachable expensive gauges or devices. No sense in buying new ones if the boat sinks.