Professionals in the field are urging boaters to prepare for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. Although the season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity occurring in August and September, storms have been known to form earlier in the season in the past decade, and this year is no exception. It is important to note that the potential devastation a single storm can bring is well worth the time it can take to prepare, boaters should understand the necessary steps to protect themselves and their boats if a storm were to hit their area. Continue reading below for more tips on how to be ready for a storm.
“From experience, we know that just one storm can cause devastation and uproot lives,” said Sea Tow CEO, Joseph Frohnhoefer III. “The time to prepare is now. We encourage all boaters to be prepared and understand the steps that need to be taken if a storm were to make landfall in their area to protect themselves and their boat. Sea Tow’s team of knowledgeable and experienced captains are available to help.
The following is a list of boating tips to consider before, during and after a hurricane.
General Preparedness Prior to a Storm:
- Know what your marine insurance policy covers. Read it and ask your insurance agent questions.
- Some insurance companies may require owners to pull their vessel out of the water during a storm or store it in a specific location while the storm is a threat.
- Ensure your policy will cover the recovery of your vessel, transportation or storage if needed, repair of your vessel or, in the worst-case scenario, the demolition and disposal of your vessel.
- If your boat is kept at a marina, check your marina policies to gain an understanding of requirements and procedures.
Before a Storm
- When a storm is approaching, determine where your boat will ride out the storm.
- If your boat needs to be relocated on land, position it on a trailer close to a strong building to break the wind and away from debris and strap it down securely. To anchor the trailer, place blocks beneath it and deflate the tires so it doesn’t shift around due to high winds.
- If the boat must stay in the water, secure it to the dock with longer, thicker lines to ensure it doesn’t sway during the storm.
- Ensure there aren’t any loose items on the boat that could potentially fly around during the storm and cause more damage.
- Take video inventory of all property onboard and place legal documents such as policies, licenses, and registration in a secure, dry place away from the vessel.
During a Storm
- Monitor radio, TV, NOAA Weather Radio, and/or hurricane hotline telephone numbers for official bulletins for storm updates.
- Do not return to the vessel until there is an official announcement that the storm has passed, or the marina is open.
After a Storm
- Once it is safe to return to the vessel, inspect it for any structural damage.
- If the boat was damaged during the storm, take photos, and report it to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- It’s imperative to only work with licensed and insured companies to recover your vessel. In many cases your insurance company has a pre-arranged relationship with a recovery company, and in many cases it’s Sea Tow. Rest assured knowing that Sea Tow’s experienced captains are available to assist with the recovery process and prevent any further damage.
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Original article published on powerboat.world.com
