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9 Hurricane Prep Tips For Boaters
Photo stock from Pexels
Being a New England boater means keeping an eye on hurricanes. Sure, we might not get hit with these powerful storms as often as places farther south. But, when we do, they can cause a tremendous amount of damage. That’s why all Northeast boaters should know what to do if a hurricane approaches. Here are a few tips to help you navigate hurricane season.
Plan Ahead
Hurricanes are notoriously unpredictable. Even if one looks like it is going to miss you, you should still take precautions and be prepared to act.
Head Inland
If a hurricane is approaching and you can pull your boat out of the water, do so and head inland. The best way to keep you and your boat safe from a hurricane is to not be there when it hits. Act early, as you don’t want to be scrambling last-minute with everyone else.
Secure Loose Items
If you can’t get out of the area, prepare your boat for the storm by removing loose items that could fall off the boat—appliances, chairs, coolers, and more.
Check Your Boat Is Watertight
Carefully inspect your boat, checking that all of your vessel’s windows, doors, hatches, and portholes are secured and watertight.
Cushion Your Boat
Chances are high winds and stormy seas are going to knock your boat around pretty hard. Cushion your boat from any impacts by surrounding it with extra fenders, old tires, and anything else that can protect it.
Grab Your Insurance Policy
Remove your boat’s insurance policy and any other important documents from your vessel. If you need them, you’ll want them to be secure.
Record Your Boat’s Pre-Storm Condition
Make sure to take lots of photos and even video recordings of your boat’s condition prior to the storm. That will help when dealing with your insurance company.
Tie Your Boat Down
Secure your vessel by dropping anchors fore and aft, and double-check that they’re secure. Double all lines and set up crossing spring lines fore and aft. All lines should be secured high on pilings because of strong storm and tidal surges.
Never Ride Out A Storm
The coast during a hurricane is an extremely dangerous place and conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Don’t even think of trying to ride out the storm on your boat. Your boat can be replaced; you can’t.
Written by Dan Mathers
Dan is the editor of New England Boating & Fishing and the former associate editor for Offshore Magazine. His freelance work has appeared in Backpacker, Adirondack Life, Cape Cod Life, South Shore Living, and many other publications. Dan loves exploring the New England outdoors. He enjoys paddling, camping, hiking, and running ultramarathons.
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