Hurricane Guide for Yacht Owners

Understanding Hurricanes

Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms with strong winds, heavy rain, and potential storm surges. They can cause significant damage to boats and marinas if proper precautions aren’t taken.

Key Terms to Know:

• Hurricane Watch: Issued when hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.

• Hurricane Warning: Issued when hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.

Preparing Your Yacht for Hurricanes

1. Develop a Hurricane Plan:

• Know Your Marina’s Plan: Understand the hurricane procedures and policies of your marina.

• Create a Boat Plan: Decide whether to haul out, tie down, or seek shelter elsewhere based on the storm’s severity.

2. Secure Your Yacht:

• Any boat in the water should be secured in a “hurricane hole,” which means a snug harbor protected on all sides from open fetch and unrestricted storm surge. 

• Whenever possible, boats on lifts or davits should be stored ashore. If the boat must be left on its lift, remove the drain plug so the weight of accumulated rainwater won’t collapse the lift. If the tidal surge reaches the boat, it will be flooded, but leaving the plug in place is likely to result in more serious structural damage.

• Double-Check Lines: Ensure all lines are securely fastened and have chafe protection.

• Replacing dock lines: Inspect your lines regularly and replace them every few years, especially if they show signs of wear like fraying or weakness. Choose 2 or 3-strand nylon lines and size them based on your boat (3/4″ minimum for boats over 34ft). Use long lines for fixed docks to accommodate water level changes.

• Protecting dock lines: To prevent chafing and breakage, use chafing gear like old fire hoses or rubber garden hoses around the line where it contacts the dock. Alternatively, use dock lines with a thimble (reinforced loop) at the end, where a short chain connects to the dock cleat. When anchoring, use mooring snubbers to absorb shock and reduce stress on the lines.

• Double-check Cleats: Ensure your dock cleats are secure by checking the backplates for worn or corroded nuts and bolts. Tighten or replace them as needed.

• Fenders: Use fenders abundantly to protect your boat from bumps. Tie them horizontally against vertical pilings and vertically when tied to a dock.

• Anchors: Fluke-type anchors are most effective as they dig into the seabed for better hold.