Hurricane Tip for Mariners
NOTICE TO MARINERS
NEVER STAY ABOARD A VESSEL IN A HURRICANE
One of the most dangerous mistakes a skipper can make is to stay aboard his or her boat during a hurricane. Several accounts given in claim files indicate that there is little, if anything, a skipper can do to save a boat when winds are blowing over 100 mph, tides are surging, and visibility is only a few feet.
When a hurricane is approaching, the best advice is to prepare or move your boat when a hurricane is a substantial possibility, even before a watch is issued.
GET YOUR BOAT OUT OF THE WATER IF AT ALL POSSIBLE:
REMEMBER, BOAT RAMPS WILL BE EXTREMELY BUSY AT THE TIME CLOSE TO THE STORM.
When a hurricane is approaching, you should certainly do everything you can to protect your boat: Secure extra lines, set out anchors, add chafe protection, strip the boat above and below decks, etc. Do whatever it takes, and then head inland. Your boat can be replaced; you can’t.