Eye on the Weather- How To Prepare Your Boat for a Hurricane

If you live in Miami, you'll likely have already about Tropical Storm Bertha currently on a trajectory towards the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. While it seems Bertha won't make landfall in South Florida, this has got us thinking about safety in case of one heading our way. As sailors, there’s nothing we can do to change the outcome of these predictions. But we can be prepared. Here are some tips on preparing your boat for a hurricane:

For Smaller, Lightweight Boats
• Determine what you need to do to load and haul your boat to a safer area.
• Be sure your tow vehicle is capable of properly moving the boat.
• Check the condition of your trailer tires, bearings and axle. Too often a flat tire, frozen bearings or broken axle prevent an owner from moving a boat.
• Once at a safe place, lash your boat to the trailer and place blocks between the frame members and the axle inside each wheel. Owners of lightweight boats may wish to consider letting out about half the air in the tires, then filling the boat one-third full of water to help hold it down. Consult with the manufacturer for the best procedure for securing your lightweight boat.

For Boats in Dry Storage
• Determine the safest obtainable haven for your boat and make arrangements to move your boat there. When selecting a safe location, be sure to consider whether storm surge could rise into that area.
• Wherever you choose to locate your boat for the duration of the storm, lash the boat to its cradle with heavy lines. Based on the weight of the boat, consider adding water to the bilge to help hold it down.
• Never leave a boat in davits or on a hydro-lift.

For Boats Remaining in Marina Berth
• Double all lines. Rig crossing spring lines fore and aft and attach high on pilings to allow for tidal rise or surge. Make sure lines will not slip off pilings. Inspect pilings and choose those that seem the strongest and tallest and are property installed. All storm lines should be at least one size larger than regular lines.
• Cover all lines at rough points to prevent chafing. Wrap with tape, rags or rubber hose, etc. Install fenders to protect the boat from rubbing against the pier, pilings and other boats.
• Assess the attachment of primary cleats, winches and chocks. These should have substantial back plates and adequately sized stainless steel bolts.
• Batteries should be fully charged and checked to ensure their capability to run automatic bilge pumps for the duration of the storm. Consider backup batteries. Turn off all other devices that use electricity.
• Do not stay aboard your boat!

For more information on Miami Beach Deep Sea Fishing, contact the THERAPY-IV by calling 305-945-1578.