Basic Boat Essentials during Hurricane Season
Many hurricane experts have already predicted that the coming next 15 years, a whole lot of hurricanes will be more active than the last. As sailors, there is really nothing that we can do that could ultimately change the outcome of these predictions. But at the very least, with the knowledge provided by these predictions, we can be prepared face them. Planning for the safety and security of your precious boat, as well as where to place your boat so that it can withstand and survive best is extremely similar to the real estate business, it deals a lot with location, location, location. And deciding what the most appropriate steps you need to take should begin before a hurricane threatens.
A secure-looking marina may not be the ideal location during a hurricane to keep your boat. There are several considerations. Does the dock master have an established conventional hurricane plan when one hits? Does the dock master have a boat transport team in standby? If not, will you as the owner of the boat, be required to evacuate?
The physical characteristics of the marina, the marina’s surroundings as well as its layout, construction and overall design of the piers all play an important role in the safety of your boat. And even with your best planning efforts, your next door neighbor may not have been so diligent in his hurricane plans. Simply put - loose boats in a marina wreak havoc and causes damage to other boats when a hurricane hits. Now if you plan to keep your boat in the marina, you will need to consider the design of your boat and slip, as well as the configuration of harbormaster. Many marinas prefer that alternate slips be vacated during the approach of a storm, while others require their complete evacuation. It is best to assess the marina dock’s condition.
Can the actual physical condition of the marina’s cleats, docks, piers, and pilings endure the tremendous forces involved in hurricane conditions? Are the pilings solid? Are cleats firmly attached?
There have been many cases that because the marina was not properly maintained and kept in pristine condition, that when a hurricane hit, it resulted in the total devastation of the community and livelihood even of those surrounding the marina. If your boat is to remain at the docks, it is recommended that you will need to work out a docking plan which is very different from your typical arrangement. For many boats, it is best to consider pointing the bow of the boat towards open water if possible. If it is not possible, then try to point the bow of the boat towards the least protected direction.
More info about boat transport you can find here: http://boattrucker.com/ http://epre.livejournal.com/1255.html Have a nice day!