What to expect: High winds, waves, rain, and surge.
Here’s what you can do:
- REMOVE as much rigging, canvas, and deck gear as possible to reduce your boat’s windage
- BIMNIS are sure to get shredded in a strong storm, so take off the fabric and the frames
- STRIP OFF outriggers, antennas, running rigging, booms, life rings, and dinghies
- TAKE DOWN headsails and mainsails
- REMOVE heavy items from the stern if your boat is staying in the water
- CLOSE all but cockpit seacocks and plug the engine’s exhaust port
- USE MASKING OR DUCT TAPE to seal around hatches and ports to keep water out
- COVER tenders
- DOUBLE UP on docklines
- MOVE smaller boats/tenders in land, away from trees
- HIGH PILINGS provide more support in preventing docks from being carried away in high surge
For more detailed information on how to prepare your yacht, tenders, and marina for a storm, please visit:
BoatUS Hurricane Warning Guide, BoatUS Do’s and Dont’s in Hurricane Preparation, Boat Safe Nautical Know How, and USCG Storm Center.