Preparing A Hurricane Plan – The Clever Boater

Preparing for hurricane season is an essential part of boat ownership, especially for those living in coastal areas. As boat enthusiasts, understanding how to create a comprehensive hurricane plan can safeguard your vessel and your peace of mind. In this article, we’ll cover the key components of effective planning, the importance of action before disaster strikes, and tips to ensure you’re ready when hurricane season rolls around.

Understanding Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in the Atlantic typically runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity happening between mid-August and late October. During this period, warm ocean waters combine with atmospheric conditions to create ideal environments for storms. Knowing when hurricane season occurs is crucial because boat owners can prepare and take preventive measures before a storm approaches. You can track potential threats and make educated decisions for your boat’s safety by being informed. Aside from your local weather reports, a good place to track upcoming storms is the NOAA National Hurricane Center website, here, you can see the tropical disturbances before they become hurricanes, giving you plenty of time to prepare. https://hurricanes.gov/

Nhc Map — National Hurricane Center – Tropical Disturbances Map

Why a Hurricane Plan is Important

Having a hurricane plan is essential for any boat owner. It provides a proactive approach to dealing with potentially catastrophic weather events. A well-thought-out plan helps minimize damage to your boat and surrounding property, protects your investment, and ensures your safety and that of your crew. By establishing clear steps for securing your vessel ahead of a storm, you lower the risk of financial loss and emotional turmoil associated with severe weather. It allows you to gather necessary supplies like extra fenders, lines, tarps, and tape. It also helps you develop a timeline if you need to move your boat to a boatyard for haul-out or to a more sheltered location.

Remember, a “Hurricane Plan” is not just for Hurricanes, it is a good resource for all types of storms and severe weather. We used ours to prepare for river flooding at our old home marina in South Carolina and winter weather events, including cold temps and high winds.

The Role of Marine Insurance Companies

Many marine insurance companies require policyholders to have a hurricane plan. Having a formal plan shows responsibility, which can decrease the likelihood of significant claims resulting from negligence. Insurance providers often offer better rates to policyholders who take these preparations seriously. Additionally, a well-documented hurricane plan offers peace of mind for both you and your insurer, as it demonstrates that measures are being taken to mitigate potential damages.

Writing Your Hurricane Plan

Each insurance company has their own guidelines, so be sure you follow them, but below will help you make a good hurricane plan. When in doubt, ask your insurance broker.

1. Can you can actually follow your hurricane plan?

It is crucial that you follow your hurricane plan. If you fail to adhere to your hurricane or named storm plan and your boat suffers damage from a named or numbered windstorm, your boat insurance provider may deny your claim. Insurance companies accept the risk of insuring boats in hurricane-prone areas because they assess your plan and deem it safe. Not following your hurricane plan could potentially void your policy.

Being realistic and honest with both the carrier and yourself is crucial when creating your hurricane plan. Visualize what it will be like when a named storm approaches in 10 days. What happens if you are in the Bahamas and your hurricane plan says you will be in Saint Augustine, but you can’t get back to Florida because of a breakdown or some other unpredicted event?

If a named storm is approaching, most boat insurance providers will not permit changes to your hurricane plan. It’s important not to wait until the last minute to update your plan if necessary. You should have a clearly defined storm plan that you can fully follow, so take the time to think it through while creating your hurricane plan.

2. Where will you secure your boat when a storm is approaching?

When reviewing your boat insurance hurricane plan, the most important factor that insurance companies typically consider is the location of your boat during hurricanes. Look for a marina that has a solid reputation for being a safe harbor, often referred to as a “Hurricane Hole.” If possible, secure a hurricane reservation at this marina, or even better, keep your boat there full-time when you are not cruising. If hauling out is a key component of your hurricane plans, get a haul-out contract at a boatyard well in advance of the season. While these options can be costly, they are necessary if you are in a hurricane-prone area during hurricane season.

Many cruisers do not have a marina because they actively cruise. Boat insurance companies will not accept “We will sail away from the hurricane” as a hurricane plan, as they understand that unforeseen events can make this impossible to follow. This is especially true in the Bahamas and Florida, where there is often nowhere safe to go!

IMPORTANT: If you do not have a reservation or a guarantee that you can move your vessel to a specific marina, do not include that marina in your hurricane plan. Marinas tend to fill up almost instantly when a hurricane approaches, and you may be unable to secure a reservation. The same applies to hurricane haul-out procedures: if you do not have a haul-out agreement or if your boat is not already on dry land, do not inform the carrier that you will be hauling your vessel.

3. How will you secure your boat?

Think carefully about how many dock lines you will use and what configuration the lines will be in. Include a diagram showing your boat and dock and the location of lines and fenders. Indicate the length of each line. If you are on a fixed dock, include the normal tide rise and how much tide or surge you are planning for. On floating docks, note how much rise the docks have over normal high tide.

Also think about lines and fenders and if you will have to secure any other unsecured boats nearby so they don’t hit your boat. Most damage to boats comes from other boats not being secured correctly.

Learn how to take the canvas and sails down, as well as how to store anything on deck down below. Think about what you will do with your dinghy and where you will store it.

4. Do you live far away from where you keep your boat?

If there is any chance that you are not going to be able to get to your boat to secure it and follow your yacht insurance hurricane plan, then be sure that you have someone else who can definitely be able to do this for you. The carrier will usually want you to include this on your hurricane plan. If you are going to be hauled, who will bring your boat to the boatyard? If you will ride it out in the marina, arrange in advance for a boat mechanic or yard staff that will prepare your boat according to your plan and make sure that you have the necessary supplies available for them to accomplish it. Sending a dockhand to West Marine the day before a storm hits will lead to tears and an empty wallet.

5. What is your backup plan?

Most boat insurance companies will ask if you have a backup plan in case you are unable to implement your primary hurricane plan. Review the questions mentioned above and take them into account when creating your backup plan.

6. Is your plan up to date?

Our insurance company requires that we update our plan once a year to keep it current. Make sure you check your insurer’s requirements for updating your plan. If there are no changes (or additional requirements from your insurer), it can be as simple as adding a note, “Updated for the 20XX Hurricane Season,” and sending it to them again.

Sections most insurance companies want to see on your plan.

What is the full mooring address where your boat will be secured (Name and Contact Details of the marina or residence where the vessel will be kept)?
Who is going to be responsible for the boat before and after the named storm?
How frequently do you or the person named above visit the boat?
Who else has the authority to move the boat and prepare for the storm?
How many lines and their location will be used to secure the boat?
What is the Size and Diameter of the lines?
What are the number, size, and location of the fenders?
Provide a drawing of how the vessel is to be secured.
Will all items on deck, including canvas, sails, and the tender/dingy, be removed?
Provide a list of all items that will remain on board—electronics, appliances, fittings, furniture (mattresses), etc. Take photos of each item.
If the boat is stored on the hard, how is the boat secured, and is all canvas and sail removed? Note the location of stands, blocking, ground anchors, and straps. Include contact information for the marina and a copy of your haulout contract/agreement.
What is your backup plan in case you cannot follow your primary plan above?

You can see our Vessel Hurricane Plan for 2024 here.

Supplies: Not Just A Plan, But Action

Creating a hurricane plan is just the beginning; obtaining the necessary supplies in advance is vital to executing that plan effectively. Consider assembling a kit with essential items such as fenders, lines, tarps, duct tape, and extra fuel. This proactive measure ensures you’re not scrambling at the last minute, allowing you to focus on securing your boat rather than hunting for supplies once a storm is imminent.

By starting your preparations before hurricane season, you can take advantage of sales and ample supplies. Trying to find a tarp or fenders two days before the storm hits can be almost impossible, and Amazon probably won’t get them to you in time. Watch for the Black Friday sales from the marine suppliers and stock up at a savings.

I keep two large plastic storage totes I got at Home Depot with all of my boat hurricane supplies. I have a checklist taped to each box so that I can quickly review what is inside.

Essential Supplies & Equipment

Anchor and lines — Ensure you have a reliable anchor and enough lines to secure your boat during a hurricane. Consider investing in storm-rated anchors and heavy-duty lines for increased safety.
Fenders and dock lines — Ensure your boat is protected from potential damage and securely dock it or tie it to other mooring points.
Extra fuel and oil — Always keep extra fuel and oil on board. During a hurricane, fuel shortages may occur; having a reserve supply can be a lifeline.
Protective coverings — Consider investing in hurricane-rated protective coverings for vulnerable areas of your boat, such as windows, hatches, and electronics. These coverings help minimize potential damage from high winds and flying debris.

We use adhesive plastic carpet protectors (used during construction to protect carpets in homes.) It’s inexpensive and comes in rolls 24″ to 48″ wide. It is easy to stretch across instrument panels, deck hatches, and windows (especially those that open) to seal them. We use an extra layer of tape to secure the edges from being lifted by the wind.
Emergency kit — Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit that contains first aid supplies, medications, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, and a manual can opener. Also, include any essential items that are specific to your boat, such as spare parts or tools.
Supplemental Power—Shore power is frequently unavailable to keep your batteries topped up. Consider having a portable power unit or an extra 12-volt battery available to run critical pumps for extended periods. If your boat is equipped with a generator, make sure that you have fuel and test it well before the storm.

Hint: If you also live in the hurricane zone, this is a good idea for your home prep as well. Buy bottled water, canned or freeze-dried foods, tarps, and water intrusion prevention products well before hurricane season. Watch for Black Friday sales on generators and power banks.

Boat-Specific Hurricane Preparedness

When preparing for a hurricane, it’s important to consider the specific characteristics of your boat. Factors such as size, weight, and construction materials can all affect how well your boat will withstand a storm. It’s advisable to consult professionals, like marine surveyors or boat manufacturers, to evaluate your boat’s vulnerabilities and make any necessary improvements.

Riding It Out: In the Water vs. Haul Out

Deciding whether to ride out a hurricane in the water or haul your boat out is a crucial part of your hurricane plan. Riding out a storm while on the water involves significant risks, particularly during a strong hurricane, where wave action, tidal surge, and high winds can cause serious damage. On the other hand, hauling your boat out can provide a safer option, but it requires careful preparation. Many marine insurance companies may cover all or part of the cost associated with the haul-out, which can be a great relief.

Be sure to consult with your insurance company to understand the available coverages and any deductibles that may be affected by hauling out your boat. With our current insurance policy, they will cover 50% of the haul-out costs for our 42-foot trawler. Additionally, our deductible decreases from a 30% named storm deductible to a 15% deductible if we haul the boat out of the water.

Importance of Hurricane Clubs

One of the best resources available to boat owners during hurricane season is joining a Hurricane Club at your local boat yard. These clubs often offer secured spaces and expert guidance for readying your boat for storms. However, signing up early is essential, ideally as soon as January, since these clubs tend to fill up quickly. Ensuring your spot well before the season can make all the difference when a hurricane warning is issued. Be sure to contact your boatyard as soon as it looks like your area MIGHT be impacted by a storm. Hauling and securing a boat takes time, and many yards can only accommodate a few boats a day. Getting your boat to the yard early will ensure that you are hauled in time and properly secured.

When planning to go to your boatyard, make sure that you know how long it will take to arrive and if there are any possible impediments along the route like lift bridges. Many lift bridges will stop operating when winds reach a specific speed (some as low as 25 knots). If you need to have a bridge lifted along your route, make sure you leave before winds start to pick up.

Legacy Harbor Marina Before 2 — Before Ian

Legacy Harbor Marina During — Before Ian

When to Start Implementing Your Hurricane Plan

Start implementing your hurricane plan well before a storm is on the horizon. Monitor weather reports throughout hurricane season and begin preparations when you notice storm developments. Get your Hurricane Plan in place and filed with your insurance company before the start of the season. Generally, if a storm is predicted to make landfall nearby, aim to have your boat secure at least a few days in advance. This will allow you enough time to adjust your plan if conditions change and to protect your home and family as the storm approaches.

Pre-Hurricane Preparation

At The Start Of Hurricane Season

Service the engine and ensure it is in good working condition before any storm arrives. Dealing with engine issues to move your boat when a storm is approaching can be extremely stressful, and mechanics may not be available.
Take a comprehensive inventory of your boat and its equipment. Photograph or video the vessel from various angles to document its pre-storm condition. Include photos of your engine room, generator, cockpit, furniture, appliances, mattresses, hatches, and any storage areas. Store this information in a safe, easily accessible location or upload it to a cloud storage service. This will be invaluable for insurance purposes and can help speed up the recovery process after a hurricane.
Get an updated Insurance Survey if your boat has not had a survey in the last 5 years. Make sure that your agreed loss value is understood in advance.
Review boat insurance coverage. Make sure your boat’s insurance coverage is up-to-date and adequate for potential hurricane-related damages, including both hull and liability coverage. Review your policy to understand the extent of coverage for storms and consult with your insurance agent if any adjustments are needed.
Create a communication plan with your boating partners or family members. Establish a reliable method of communication during a hurricane and assign a point person responsible for relaying critical information and instructions. Consider investing in a portable marine VHF radio or satellite phone. Your written plan should include evacuation routes, designated safe havens, and contact information for emergency services.
Inspect your boat’s safety equipment, including life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and distress signals, to ensure they are in good condition and easily accessible.

As A Hurricane Approaches

If possible, move your boat to keep it out of harm’s way. This may involve hauling it out of the water at a marina or relocating it to an area that is not in the storm’s path or is a more protected location. Hurricanes can be unpredictable and often change course at the last minute or affect wide areas. For example, when a hurricane approaches Florida, there may be nowhere to run, so hauling the boat out might be your only option.
Remove any valuable or irreplaceable items from your boat, such as electronics, personal documents, and sentimental belongings. Store them in a safe, dry place away from the potential impact of the storm. Many insurance policies have very restrictive limits on electronics and personal possessions.
Remove your dinghy from the boat and store it onshore. If you can’t, at least remove the motor. Be sure you doubly secure your dingy and make sure that the drain plug is removed so that it doesn’t fill up with water and tear the davits off the boat.
Fill your fuel tanks to capacity to reduce the risk of water intrusion. Then, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent degradation. Make sure that all of your tank caps are tight.
Inspect all mooring lines and fenders, ensuring they are in good condition and properly secured. Use extra lines to help your boat withstand storm surges and strong winds. Don’t tie your boat too tight to a dock. Storm surge in some areas can reach 10 to 15 feet! Use long lines and stretch them to other docks to allow your boat to float. Don’t tie it tight to a dock. Also, tie your boat so that it is positioned in the middle of your slip to avoid damage from rubbing against the dock if a fender fails or pops out.
Ensure all hatches, windows, and doors are closed and secured to prevent water from entering the boat. If available, use additional securing measures such as duct tape or hurricane shutters.
Remove Canvas Covers to prevent wind damage. Canvas covers and biminis can act as sails in high winds, potentially ripping the fabric and tearing the supporting structure from its fiberglass mounts. If possible, remove all covers, including cockpit and helm enclosures. If you must leave them on, secure them to your boat using lines tied over the top to cleats. This provides an extra level of security and helps prevent the covers from blowing away if they come loose. Additionally, leave an opening (preferably on the downwind side of the boat) to allow air to escape. This will help prevent wind from getting trapped inside and damaging your zippers.
Remove any loose items from the deck, cockpit, or cabin and stow them securely below deck. These items can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. If you have dock boxes either onboard or on the dock, make sure that they are secure and lock them closed. Wind can rip off the lids, and high water can float them away.
Remove or lower antennas, outriggers, and other protruding equipment that could be damaged by high winds. Sailboats should ensure that sails are lashed and loose rigging is secured—tape halyards to masts to prevent them from flapping. Spinnakers are especially prone to being unfurled by high winds, which causes sailboats to capsize or be torn from docks. Either remove or double-wrap them with a line to keep them from unfurling.
Minimize battery drain by turning off all non-essential equipment. Empty and turn off refrigerators and ice makers. Turn off fresh water pumps. Make sure that electronics are turned off and disconnected if you leave them on board. Power surges from lightning strikes are common in storms and can ruin delicate electronics. Ensure your batteries are fully charged and only key bilge pumps are connected.
Disconnect shore power to avoid potential electrical damage from power surges or flooding.
Ensure the bilge pumps are operational and have a backup power source. Inspect and test your float switches. Check that strainers and bilges are clean of debris that might clog the pump. Consider adding a backup bilge pump with its own battery supply.
Close all seacocks, including raw water intakes for engines, generators, and air conditioners, drains for air conditioning systems, grey water drains, and water intakes for anchor washes or toilet flushing.
Remove EPIRIBs or PLBs from your vessel. Authorities will have enough going on during and after a storm. Tracking down an unattended emergency beacon can delay lifesaving measures for those in true need.
Post your contact information in a prominent place near the main entry door for your boat. Include your name, address, contact phone numbers, insurance company, policy number, and phone number. Make sure to place it in a waterproof bag and securely tape it to a window where it can be read from the outside. If your boat floats away, this can help locate you when it’s found.
Abandon Ship! Don’t try to ride out the storm on your boat, either anchored or in a marina. Go ashore to a safe location. It is not uncommon for entire dock systems at marinas to be washed away during storm surges or hurricane-force winds. Hurricanes frequently spawn tornados, which can tear apart even the most protected marinas.
TAKE PICTURES AND VIDEOS of your final hurricane preparations for your insurance company. Carefully document what is left onboard and the condition of your vessel. Take photos of the bilge and your pumps. Get photos of both sides, the stern and bow.

Show how it is tied off and what you have deployed for fenders to protect the boat. It is also very important to take pictures of the boats around you. On either side, across the dock, and across the fairway. If another boat comes loose and damages your boat, these photos can help you file a claim on the other boat’s insurance.

Remember, each boat is unique, so adapt these steps to your specific vessel and consult with professionals if needed.

Evacuation Orders

In certain situations, evacuation might be the safest choice, or authorities may issue evacuation orders for your area. Please adhere to these safety protocols:

Plan early. Plan your evacuation route and destination in advance. Consider potential traffic congestion and limited fuel availability during the evacuation.
Secure your boat — If time permits, follow the steps mentioned earlier to secure your boat as effectively as possible before leaving. Remove all valuables and ensure that the lines, fenders, and hatches are properly secured.
Notify authorities — Notify the marina, and local authorities of your evacuation plans. Include your contact information and the location where you plan to evacuate your boat.
Monitor weather conditions — Stay updated on the storm’s progress and possible effects on your planned evacuation route. Modify your plans if necessary to ensure your safety.
Follow local guidelines — Follow all evacuation orders and guidelines from local authorities. They possess the expertise to make informed decisions about your safety.

During The Storm

Do Not ride the storm out onboard. Being on your boat during a storm puts not only yourself but others at risk. Many authorities will not attempt a rescue during the height of a storm. You can always replace a boat, that is what insurance is for, you can’t replace yourself!
Stay off docks and away from marinas. While you may be tempted to attempt to further secure your vessel during the storm, high winds, waves, and water can create many hazards, including drowning, electrocution, and being hit by flying debris. Trying to pull a 16-ton boat that’s being blown by 90 mph winds is beyond the strength of most and can cause severe injuries.
Stay inside where it is safe. Don’t attempt to drive to your marina to check on your boat during the storm, there is little you can do during the height of the storm and you put yourself at risk by being outside.

Post-Storm Actions and Boat Recovery

After the storm is over and it is safe to move around, it’s time to see how well your preparations fared.

Make sure that it is safe for you to go to your boat. Follow any instructions from local authorities and respect road closures and curfews. Check with the marina staff to ensure that docks are safe to walk on and that electrical power has been turned off if there is water on the docks.
Watch for contaminants in the water. Water may contain contaminants such as fuel and sewage. Docks may have lines, hoses, power cords, and other debris on them. Wear protective boots if wading through standing water.
Assess damage. Inspect your boat for any visible damage or signs of water intrusion. Document the damage with photographs and notes to assist in insurance claims. If your boat has been severely damaged or is partially sunk, do not go aboard. Boats can be unstable and shift or sink unexpectedly.
Inspect fuel and oil tanks for leaks. If any leaks are detected, take immediate action to prevent further contamination and potential hazards.
Be aware of wildlife that may have used your boat as a refuge during the storm. Snakes, rodents, and even alligators frequently use boats as refuges during storms.
Check the bilge pump and ensure it is functioning properly. Remove any excess water from the bilge to prevent further damage or sinking. Clean your bilge pump strainers and switches from anything that might have washed into them.
Assess the condition of the engine and electrical systems. If there is any doubt about their integrity, have them inspected by a qualified professional before attempting to start them. Water in your fuel tanks or oil pan can be addressed, but once you start your engines damage will be quick and severe.
Notify your insurance provider of the damage and initiate the claims process. Provide them with all the necessary documentation, including photographs, videos, inventory lists, and any other supporting evidence.
Prepare for secondary events. In areas along rivers or where there is significant tidal action, flooding can occur hours or days after a storm passes. Talk with your marina staff to see if they are prone to flooding from storm runoff and prepare accordingly.
Keep your boat disconnected from shore power until the marina staff give the all-clear. Surges as utility companies reconnect power can damage your electrical system. Also, you want to be aboard to deal with any shorts or other issues when power is restored. If you need power, run your generator to top up your batteries or temporarily connect to shore power while you are on the boat, then disconnect after.
Don’t move your boat right away unless you are instructed to by authorities or marina staff. If your boat was hauled out, wait a week before bringing your boat home. During storms, there is frequent shoaling, and debris is washed into the water. Allow time for waterways to be cleared and for the Coast Guard to survey and mark any new shoals that may have developed. Be extra careful of partially submerged items like docks, boats, and vehicles. Also, if the water is still high, keep your speed to an idle so as not to create a wake that can damage flooded homes along the shore.

Creating a hurricane plan for your boat is essential for safeguarding your investment, ensuring safety, and reducing the potential effects and financial losses of severe weather. By understanding the importance of preparation, obtaining necessary supplies, and documenting your efforts, you can navigate hurricane season with greater confidence. Remember, being proactive is the best strategy when faced with nature’s fury.