Preparing Your Sailboat for a Hurricane
During a hurricane your sailboat can be in severe jeopardy even if the storm doesn't pass near to you. The most important thing is to make preparations in advance. As a storm grows close the weather can make it difficult to prepare your boat and supplies could already be sold out. There are different strategies you need to be aware of if your boat is moored at a dock or kept in dry-dock on a trailer. If at all possible it is always best to try to move your boat inland and toward high ground.
If your boat is moored at a dock it is important to re-enforce the moorings and double check that the cleats on the boat and dock are secure. Attach double lashings at each of the four points you are tied off to, and make sure to move the attachment higher up on the pylons to allow for the rising tide. During a rough storm the lines will chafe along the boat, which can cause one of the lines to break free and slam your boat into the dock. Cover any points that make chafe with leather, plastic or rubber coverings to prevent a line from breaking free. Old garden hose cut into sections will work well for a line covering. Secure any equipment from the deck down below and pull any outboard engines to be stored. Secure bumpers and tire to the sides of the boat to prevent damage from the dock.
If your sailboat is stored on a trailer make sure to lash the boat down to the trailer at more than one place. Tie the boat down to four different points to secure objects. Follow the advice above in removing any equipment possible and storing anything possible down below. Drain the air from the trailers tires and place chocks (Bricks, wood or cinder blocks) in front and behind the wheels. Strip the boat down as much as possible and try to place the trailer in a secure location with enough distance from other boats.
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