Advanced Hurricane Checklist For Boat Owners 2024

April 24, 2024

Hurricane Barry was a nice little test for all of us to be READY.

Weather Channel: 24 named storms, 11 hurricanes, 6 major hurricanes.

Tropical Storm Risk: 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, 5 major hurricanes.

Long-term average, according to the National Hurricane Center: 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, 3 major hurricanes.

The peak of the season is in September and we can still experience a hurricane up to November.

Get to know your dock mates; exchange telephone numbers and agree to help each other.
Rehearse your mooring plan with everyone who may be involved.
Buy your extra line, chafe gear and fenders NOW so you will be prepared. A hurricane can develop very quickly.

Primary Mooring Lines – Check size, condition, and length.
Spring Lines – Check size, condition, and length.
Check vessel cleat size to be sure primary/spring lines will fit on one cleat.
Chafe gear – use clear vinyl, water hose or leather (punch a hole at each end of the hose to secure it to the line with a smaller line to avoid sliding).
Rehearse storm mooring procedures.
Plan your evacuation route.
Update insurance coverage and locate vessel papers.
Photograph your vessel, inside and out, in case of a possible insurance claim.

Here are some more articles about hurricanes and how we can prepare.