Hurricane Checklist

[SailNet]

Hurricane Checklist

Moving the Boat

• If you want your marina to haul your boat, give them as much notice as possible.
  
• If you trailer your boat, drive it to a safe location or move it inside a sturdy garage. Do not park it under trees or power lines, or between buildings. Drive stakes into the ground and lash down the trailer and boat.
  
• If you decide to move your boat to a hurricane hole, consult the many helpful articles by our experts at SailNet. From the home page, enter keyword hurricane.

Clear the Decks

• Remove the engine on your dinghy and deflate it.Store the engine and dinghy safely ashore or lash the dinghy to your boat.
  
• Don sail covers or better yet, remove all sails.
  
• Remove the boom and lash it to the deck.
  
• Remove extra halyards. Attach the shackles of all halyards to a single line, then raise them all together to the top of the mast.
  
• Roller-furling headsails should be removed if possible. If not, make sure all loose sails are securely lashed with several turns of the sheets.
  
• Remove all canvas biminis, dodgers, hatch covers, etc., along with frames. Cover all electronics and lash them securely.
  
• Remove BBQ grills, antennas, portable seating, cushions, etc.
  
• Recharge all handheld VHFs in case you need them.
  
• Remove and stow the shorepower cord.
  
• Remove all valuables, including documents, portable electronics, passengers, and crew.

 Docklines and Chafe Protection

Order your SailNet Hurricane Prep Pack.

• 
  
  Double up all docklines.
  
  
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  Use high-stretch 3-strand Nylon, and make the docklines long enough to accommodate storm surge.
  
  
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  Add chafe gear on all lines at all chafe points. Use cut water hose, fire hose, or leather.
  
  
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  Deploy every fender you can get your hands on. Bigger is better.
  
  
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  If time permits, photograph your boat secured in its slip for insurance purposes.

Flood Prevention

• Empty the bilge.
  
• Clear all drains so they drain freely.
  
• Fully charge your batteries to ensure that the bilge pump will operate.
  
• Close all seacocks.
  
• Seal hatches, ports, lockers, and vents with duct tape.
  
• Batten down all the hatches to prevent torrential rains from entering the cabin.

Now leave the boat and secure yourself!