Hurricane Season Boat Prep: A Helpful Timeline

Hurricane season brings serious challenges for boat owners. Strong winds, storm surges, and flooding can damage or destroy vessels that aren’t properly protected. You’ll need to secure loose items, protect your engine, and choose the right storage location. Follow this helpful timeline to prepare your boat for hurricane season before the next storm hits.

Two Months Before Storm Season

Ideally, you’ll want to start prepping long before storm season officially kicks in. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, while the Pacific season starts a bit earlier on May 15.

It’s a good idea to have a written plan detailing where your boat will be during storms. Marina storage, dry dock facilities, and trailer removal each offer different protection levels. This is when you would contact storage facilities to secure your spot.

One Month Before Expected Storms

After securing a storage location, you have time to remove all loose items from your boat’s deck and cabin. Electronics, cushions, and equipment can be dangerous projectiles in high winds, so it’s best to put these items in a secure indoor location.

Check your insurance policy coverage, and take photos of your boat from multiple angles. Document any existing damage or wear. These photos will prove valuable if you need to file claims later.

One Week Before Storm Arrival

Fuel your boat up, and add fuel stabilizer to prevent contamination. Top off all fluid levels, including engine oil and coolant. Fresh fluids protect internal components during extended storage.

Install storm shutters or plywood over windows and hatches. Secure all hatches, ports, and ventilation systems to prevent water intrusion. Double-check that bilge pumps work properly and batteries are fully charged.

Two Days Before Storm Impact

Move your boat to its designated safe location. If trailering, drive to an inland area away from flood zones. Marina slips should have extra dock lines in a crisscross pattern to distribute loads evenly.

Disconnect shore power, and remove batteries if possible. Electrical systems can short out when exposed to saltwater, causing fires or expensive damage. Store batteries in a dry location above potential flood levels.

One Day Before Hurricane Conditions

The final check is to turn off all through-hull valves, except bilge discharge. Close seacocks to prevent backflow during storm surges.

Strip your boat of sails, canvas, and any remaining loose gear. Even small items can cause significant damage when propelled by hurricane-force winds. Secure dock lines with chafe protection at contact points.

After the Storm Passes

Wait for authorities to declare that conditions are safe before returning to check your boat. Floodwater may contain debris, chemicals, or electrical hazards that aren’t immediately visible.

If your marine engine is submerged during a storm, don’t attempt to start it. Water contamination can cause permanent damage to internal components. Professional assessment and proper recovery procedures are necessary to prevent costly repairs.

Follow this helpful timeline to prepare your boat for hurricane season. Taking a systematic approach removes the stress of last-minute preparation when storms threaten.