From a Marine Surveyor: Preparing your Boat for Hurricane Season
We are now in week 2 of the Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season. Marine surveyors in South Florida know that being prepared and having a plan is much better then filing insurance claims after a storm. There are a few things you can do to prepare that will go a long way towards saving your vessel during a storm. A plan and a little work can also save you many headaches after the storm.
The first thing you will want to do is take an inventory of your boat. This will include all of the equipment stowed on the boat. It is recommended that you take a video inventory and keep it in a safe place.
Next, you will need to decide where you will store the boat during the storm. Will you keep at a dock, on land, in a garage or barn, or at a hurricane safe hole. There are many things to consider with each of these choices and we will cover each of these in depth over the next couple of weeks.
If you would feel more comfortable having a professional make these decisions for you then you will want to contact a qualified marine surveyor who offers preparation services.
You will need to purchase supplies that you do not already have to secure your vessel. If it is a larger boat or yacht these may be in short supply, so you want to obtain those items as soon as possible. You can add these things to your inventory list as you get them.
Some of the common items needed:
- Duct tape
- Extra lines
- Bricks or other weight devices
- Wood plugs
- Rags
- Garden hose to protect you lines
- Extra anchors
Knowing where you will store your vessel and what you need to keep it secure is crucial.
You will need to put together a step by step plan that details every action. Make this a checklist to insure that you do not forget anything. Simex International - Marine Surveyors in Fort Lauderdale would be happy to assist you with any of these steps. We have been operating in South Florida since 1977 and have experience with dealing with inclement weather and what that means for your boat.
The most important thing is to know what you need, what you are going to do, and how you are going to get that done before the storm is coming. So, if you haven’t already done these things you want to schedule some time as soon as possible to get it done.
Captain Paul Squire is a marine surveyor in Fort Lauderdale that offers tips and information.