The weather in Southwest Florida is one of the best things about the area. The area is great for people who like to do things outside because it gets sun all year. A boat can be a lot of fun with friends and family. The hurricane season is the only bad thing about Florida’s great weather.
While local residents generally know to hurricane-proof their houses, many overlook hurricane season boat prep. This article can help you keep your boat safe during a hurricane and includes an easy-to-follow checklist for doing so.
Understanding Hurricane Season in Southwest Florida
Florida’s hurricane season lasts from early June until late November. It usually peaks sometime between August and November, with most storms coming in September. The Southwest region is particularly vulnerable, due to its being closer to the Gulf of America. The Gulf’s warm water can intensify hurricanes, while some storms curve into the Gulf and return stronger.
Preparation is key, especially for boat owners, as a storm can go from category I to category IV in less than 24 hours, leaving you little time to take action.
Essential Pre-Season Preparation Steps
You can maximize your chances of successfully protecting your boat during hurricane season by preparing well in advance. Some of the steps you can take to make sure no storm will take you by surprise include:
- Follow the local news to stay up to date with hurricane forecasts.
- Find safe storage locations nearby, such as safe inland locations, special hurricane-rated facilities, and protected canals.
- Make sure your boatyard has a haul-out service you can depend on.
- Check to see if your boat’s insurance package includes adequate hurricane coverage.
- Write down all essential information, such as the above steps, to create a hurricane plan you can follow when needed.
10-Point Hurricane Preparation Checklist
Consider following this checklist as you prepare your boat for the hurricane season:
- Take out all non-essential stuff, such as personal belongings and electronics.
- Secure any loose items like sails and canvas covers, as otherwise the wind may turn them into dangerous projectiles.
- Seal all openings with marine tape to prevent water damage.
- Clean out all your boat’s drains to make sure water will flow freely.
- Use high-quality dock lines to keep your boat firmly in place during strong winds.
- Place more fenders than you usually do to protect all side areas.
- Fill up your fuel tank and close the fuel valves.
- Charge all batteries and make sure the bilge pumps work as they should.
- Take detailed pre-hurricane photos and videos of the boat for insurance purposes.
- If you must leave any items and documents on the boat, make sure they’re kept in waterproof containers.
Have Your Boat Conditioned and Maintained at Aloha Marine
Hurricane preparation is just one of the many things you can do to keep your boat in great condition for many years. Another essential step is regular maintenance, and Aloha Marine’s professional technicians will make sure every part of your boat is ready for your next adventure. Contact us today by phone or via our website.
