By NBOA
June 26, 2024
Whether you plan to keep your boat at a marina or relocate it to a storm refuge, identify and assemble specific equipment and supplies needed to keep your boat safe. If you happen to be out of town, ensure a capable friend or licensed professional can carry out your plan.
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If you opt for keeping your boat in a marina berth, double all lines, rig crossing spring lines fore and aft, and attach lines high on pilings to allow for tidal rise or surge. Make sure all lines are secure and will not slip off pilings.
2
Using tape, rags, and rubber hoses or leather, wrap all lines at rough points or where lines feed through chocks to prevent chafing. Install fenders, fender boards, or tires if necessary to protect the boat from rubbing against the pier, pilings, and other boats.
3
Lash down everything you are unable to remove such as tillers, wheels, and booms. After you have made anchoring or mooring provisions, remove all portable equipment such as canvas, sails, dinghies, electronics, cushions, biminis, and roller furling sails.
4
Fully charge the batteries and check to ensure their capability to run automatic bilge pumps for the duration of the storm. Shut off all devices consuming electricity (except the bilge pumps) and disconnect shore power cables.
5
Maintain an inventory of the items removed from your boat and items left on board. Items of value should be marked so that they can be readily identified.
6
Consolidate all records including insurance policies, a recent photo of your vessel, boat registration, equipment inventory, and the lease agreement with the marina or storage facility. Ensure that you include the telephone numbers of appropriate authorities, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, Harbor Master, National Weather Service, and your insurance agent, and keep them on hand.
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