BOATERS BLOG
Hurricane season is here! Between June and November, peaking in August through October, our waters are more susceptible to strong winds and storms that can significantly damage boats, jet skis, and other watercrafts. Hurricanes are tropical storms with heavy rain and winds that can reach between 75 and 200 mph. But don’t fret just yet! Your friends and experts here at NBOA, National Boat Owners Association, are sharing a few tips and ways to ensure that you’re more than prepared to weather the storms this year. From money-saving hacks to physical preparations, dive into our hurricane safety and protection guide below.
What To Do To Keep You and Your Boat Safe During Hurricane Season
Boat Care & Maintenance
Before preparing for a storm, make a checklist of everything you have aboard your boat. Use this inventory to make a note of all electronics and valuable items fixed to the watercraft so you can ensure nothing is missing or replace what has been damaged or lost in the hurricane. If a storm is drawing near, remove everything you can from your boat, including sails, cushions, radios, and anything else that is detachable, and keep these items in a safe location. Then, latch down the things that cannot be removed, such as wheels, booms, tillers, etc. Finally, turn off the power and disconnect the battery.
Docking Your Boat
Check your options for storing your boat in a safe location during storm warnings or throughout hurricane season. If your boat becomes loose during a hurricane, it will not only cause problems for you but can also damage neighboring watercrafts. If you insist on keeping your boat tied to a dock, whether at a marina or in a private berth, double up on the dock lines, ensuring they are able to compensate for the pending water height and extremely powerful winds. If you are storing your boat on a trailer, be sure to deflate the wheels, weigh down the frame, and anchor the trailer to the ground.
Using Boat Lifts
While it may seem like a good decision to keep your boat secured to a lift where it is up and out of the rough water during a hurricane, you might actually be doing more harm than good. Boat lifts can be rather problematic as the storm surge often rises higher than most boat lifts, and due to the boat’s surface area, the hurricane’s forceful winds can cause destruction and heavy damage to the piles and the boat lift. Instead, store your boat somewhere safe on land and out of harm’s way.
Protecting Small Watercrafts
When preparing small watercrafts like jet skis for hurricane season, simply pull them out of the water where they can be housed on trailers. Between the storm winds and rough waters, jet skis can be an easy target and susceptible to damage. So, instead of crossing your fingers that your watercraft has stayed in place without getting banged around too much, stay proactive and keep them safe, out of the water, and protected undercover on dry land.
Boat, Yacht, & Jet Ski Insurance
Hurricane damage can not only cost you peace of mind but potentially a fun and beloved hobby, like boating, fishing, or enjoying watersports. Instead of choosing between breaking your heart or breaking the bank, consider boat insurance. Select a policy that gives you ample coverage in case a major storm hits and creates chaos for you and your watercraft. Monthly payments can pale in comparison to a hefty bill to restore a boat, yacht, or jet ski that has suffered destruction from a storm.
Do Your Due Diligence
Although your insurance policy is designed to have your back, you should still take precautions to ensure you have done everything in your power to prevent damage to your watercraft. During a storm warning, review your policy to see if you are required to relocate your boat, yacht, or jet ski before a certain date. Then, take photos of your watercraft to document that it is in good condition and properly stored prior to the storm.
Don’t wait until a hurricane is approaching to get prepared. Have a plan already in place with the proper equipment and resources ready to go well before a major storm is imminent. To begin, apply for a free marine insurance quote and save money by preparing with us here at NBOA