5 Tips to Prepare for the 2009 Hurricane Season

Here are some tips from BoatUS to help inland boaters prepare for this 2009 hurricane season which continues through November 30:

1.  Know the storm-worthiness of your marina, and be prepared to respond by removing your boat to high ground. Some marinas and private slips or docks on rivers are vulnerable to flash flooding. While freshwater lakes do not have a problem with wind-driven storm surge, rains can quickly raise lake levels and those dockage facilities in exposed locations can also get hit hard by wind and wave action.

2.   Boats in the water at a marina or private dock should have extra lines with chafe protection added. Fenders and fender boards may also help.
3.  Clear cockpit scuppers (deck drains) of any debris so rainwater will drain freely. Make sure your batteries are fully charged and your bilge pump is operating properly.

4.  Remove “windage” items like cockpit biminis, dodgers and sails. These items are easily damaged in high winds. They also add undue strain to mooring or dock lines. If your boat is in a covered slip, lower and secure antennae and outriggers.

5.  For boats on moorings, ensure all ground tackle is in top condition and chafe protection is added to prevent a breakaway.
Boaters can get some free hurricane preparation help, including a hurricane preparation worksheet, an in-depth Guide to Preparing Boats and Marinas for Hurricanes, and checklists for what to do before and after a hurricane strikes, go to the BoatUS “Hurricane Resource Center” at BoatUS.com/Hurricanes. The web site also helps boaters monitor incoming storms with up-to-the-minute storm tracking tools with live satellite imagery.