Here is list of questions and answers designed to help boat owners in hurricane-prone areas prepare for a storm. Based on the post “Boat Hurricane Plan Resource Guide,” it can be used as a quick reference guide at the beginning of hurricane season or when a storm is on the horizon.
Core Strategy & Physics
- Q: What are the most critical factors that determine whether a boat survives a hurricane?
- A: While wind speed is often the focus, the three details that actually sink most boats are chafe gear, piling height, and storm surge.
- Q: Which is more dangerous to my boat: wind or surge?
- A: Surge is the primary destroyer. High surge can submerge seawalls and breakwaters, turning a protected harbor into an open bay with massive breaking waves. It can also cause floating docks to lift right off their pilings if they are too short.
- Q: How many lines should I use if I’m keeping my boat in a slip?
- A: You should use a “Spider Web” strategy, suspending the boat in the center of the slip using at least 12 lines.
Equipment & Setup
- Q: What is the best type of line to use for storm preparation?
- A: 3-strand nylon is recommended because it can stretch up to 40% of its length, which acts as a shock absorber. These lines should be at least as long as the boat—doubling the length is even better to provide a lower “angle of pull” and allow the boat to rise vertically with the surge.
- Q: Is PVC tubing a good way to protect my lines from chafing?
- A: No. Using PVC is a “dangerous myth” because it acts as an insulator. Nylon lines generate heat as they stretch; PVC traps that heat, causing the line to melt from the inside out and form “micro-welds.” Instead, use polyester (Dacron) sleeves, which are more abrasion-resistant and do not trap heat.
- Q: Is my boat lift the safest place for my vessel during a storm?
- A: Not necessarily. Boat lifts are considered mechanical liabilities during a hurricane. Heavy rainfall can add enough weight to collapse the lift machinery if the drain plug isn’t pulled, and a high surge can float the boat off its bunks, causing it to grind against pilings or motors.
Insurance & Documentation
- Q: What insurance coverage should I look for before hurricane season starts?
- A: Check if your policy includes Named Storm Haul-Out Coverage, which may reimburse you for moving the boat before a storm. You should also ensure you have an “Agreed Value” policy rather than “Actual Cash Value,” so you receive a payout based on the original settled amount rather than a depreciated value.
- Q: What evidence do I need to provide for an insurance claim?
- A: You must prove “due diligence”. This includes taking pre-storm photos of the hull, interior, and serial numbers. Most importantly, take a “Final Shot” of the boat in its full storm configuration to prove you took reasonable measures to safeguard it.
Safety & Planning
- Q: Should I stay on my boat to adjust lines as the storm comes in?
- A: Never. This is the most dangerous mistake a boater can make. Visibility in 100-mph winds is zero, and even “sheltered” areas can experience life-threatening seas.
- Q: When is the best time to start preparing my boat’s hardware for a hurricane?
- A: During the off-season. True preparation involves inspecting cleats for proper backing plates and upgrading the height of your pilings (to 18 feet, if possible) long before a “cone of uncertainty” appears.
I hope you found this list helpful. If you did be sure to share it with your fellow boaters on your forum or social media platform.