How to Prepare Your Boat for Hurricane Season: Essential Tips and Tricks

Hurricane season is just around the corner, and for boat owners, it's time to get prepared. Ensuring your boat is ready to weather the storm can make all the difference between safeguarding your valuable asset and facing significant damage. At Kyle’s Marine Repair, we understand the importance of proper preparation. In this guide, we'll share essential tips and expert advice to help you prepare your boat for hurricane season. Plus, we'll introduce our hurricane prep assistance services to give you peace of mind. Let's dive in!

Create a Hurricane Plan:

• Having a solid hurricane plan is the first step in preparing your boat. Know where you'll secure your boat, how you'll transport it if necessary, and what materials and tools you'll need on hand. Make sure your plan includes:

  • A designated safe location

  • Contact information for local marinas and emergency services.

  • A Checklist of supplies and equipment.

  • Working communication devices, extra batteries for radio and plenty of food and water, in the event you’ll be onboard during the hurricane.

Catamarans getting prepared for hurricane Ian. We had the pleasure/misfortune of being onboard during Ian. Due to our prep, none of the catamarans suffered any losses or damage. We had sustained winds of 75 kts with gusts upwards of 110 kts in Ponce Inlet.

Secure Your Boat in the Marina:

• If you plan to keep your boat at the marina, take steps to secure it properly

  • Double up on lines and use chafe protection.

    • Spiderweb out to multiple connection points to minimize stress on individual cleats and pilings. especially if you’re going to be rubbing on the dock.

  • Fenders - Fenders - Fenders. Securely attach fenders either to your vessel, the dock, or both! when the seas get choppy a lot of motion can dislodge typical fender placement.

  • Remove or secure ALL loose items. (Leave nothing on your deck, cockpit or flybridge)

  • Tie down all sails, canvas and rigging (if you’re a sailboat)

    • If capable pull down all sails, canvas and anything that can catch wind and store them on the interior of the vessel

    • If unable to pull sails down, make sure the furlers got multiple extra wraps around the headsails with the sheets use dyneema or other strong lines to tie the sail bag shut. Lock all lines, keep them taught and locked to prevent slapping.

Consider Hauling your Boat:

• For added safety, consider hauling your boat out of the water:

  • Store it in a yard that is properly equipped for your haul and storage, with hurricane straps.

  • Make sure your stands are secured and chained to each other along with the aforementioned hurricane straps.

  • If you have electrical systems on board, shut down everything but the bilges, so they can keep the water out from the storm coming. It is unlikely that during a hurricane the marina or yard will leave power on, if its going to get bad so plan accordingly and do not leave food onboard in the fridges, unless you have a power system that’s designed for long term use off grid that does not require shore power. Kyles Marine Repair can design install and maintain such systems if you are looking to upgrade. Our Catamaran went 2+ years off grid with only 40 hours of generator use in 2 years and no docking

Protect Boat Equipment and Electronics:

• Ensure all valuable equipment and electronics are protected:

  • Disconnect electronics you’re able to in the event of a lightning strike.

  • Secure all hatches and portholes, triple check these.

  • Seal vents and other openings with duct tape or covers to keep the rain when it gets bad from getting in.

Insurance and Documentation:

• Make sure your insurance is up-to-date and keep all documentation handy:

  • Review your insurance policy to understand coverage.

  • Take photos and inventory of the boat and equipment

  • Store important documents and items in waterproof containers or off the vessel

  • Confirm your insurance coverage is good for the storm at your current location with your current dockage arrangements.

    • many insurance companies will pay for a haul out if a named storm is coming to mitigate their risk with insuring your vessel. Be sure to talk to your agent about this if it is included with your insurance policy. Note, when named storms are coming many yards fill up fast, so act quickly.

Use our Hurricane Prep Assistance Services:

• At Kyles Marine Repair, we offer comprehensive hurricane prep assistance services:

  • Professional boat securing, assistance with arranging a haul out (within reason and local yard capacity)

  • Captain Services to move your vessel to the yard if they have space, time and you are unable

  • On-site inspections, recommendations and assistance tying up the vessel properly.

    • Note: When it comes to hurricanes, there’s only so much we can control. Doubling up on lines, clearing the deck, spiderwebbing cleats to pilings, and maximizing support for your vessel are all crucial steps. However, even with meticulous preparation, we have to acknowledge that sometimes you can't completely outmatch Mother Nature. It’s vital to take every possible precaution, not only for the safety of your boat but also because your insurance might require proof that you did everything possible before they pay out on a claim from a named storm—even if your agent assured you it would be covered.

      While Kyle's Marine offers assistance in prepping your boat for hurricane season, please note that we are not liable for any damages resulting from named storms. We do everything to assist in minimizing risk and damage, working closely with the marina to ensure your boat is tied up according to their requirements if you decide to keep it there during the hurricane.

Stay informed and Ready:

• Keep an eye on the weather and stay informed about hurricane developments:

  • Use reliable weather apps and services.

  • Follow local news and marine advisories.

  • Be prepared to act quickly as the situation evolves.

  • Last but most important, a vessel is repair and replaceable, your life is not. Do not ever endanger your life in the name of saving your vessel. Your family cannot just make an insurance claim or write a check and get you back.

Preparing your boat for hurricane season is essential to protect your investment and ensure safety. By following these tips and/or utilizing Kyle’s Marine hurricane prep assistance services, you can confidently face the upcoming season. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start prepping or updating your hurricane plan today.

FAQ:

Q1: What materials should I have on hand for hurricane prep?

A: Stock up on extra lines, chafe protectors, duct tape, and sturdy straps. Also, have tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and a first aid kit.

Q2: What steps should I take to prepare my boat if I can’t haul it out of the water?

A: If you can't haul your boat out of the water, double up on mooring lines, use chafe protectors, and ensure your boat is securely tied to pilings. Clear the deck of any loose items, tie down/remove sails and canvas, and secure all hatches and portholes. Work with your marina to comply with their hurricane preparation guidelines.

Q3: Can Kyle’s Marine help with emergency hurricane prep?

A: Kyle's Marine offers comprehensive hurricane prep assistance, including professional securing and hauling services, customized hurricane plans, and on-site inspections and recommendations. While we do our best to minimize risk and damage, please note that we are not liable for damages resulting from named storms. We collaborate with marinas to ensure your boat is properly secured according to their requirements.

Below is a short clip on-board our catamaran Paradise Found during the first night of Hurricane Ian.