How to prepare a boat for a hurricane
During hurricane season, it’s important to have a plan to protect your boat in advance of severe weather. One of the best ways to prepare your boat is to store it on dry land and secure it with hurricane anchors or straps. If your boat is in the water, inspect all dock lines, install spring lines and bumpers, and remove anything that could be damaged. Before hurricane season, take a detailed inventory, review your boat insurance policy, and closely monitor weather patterns.
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Prepping for hurricane season
The official hurricane season in the Atlantic basin is from June 1 to November 30, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That means boat owners should consider prepping in May or April. Here are a few things boaters can do to get ready for the season.
Take an inventory
Create a detailed inventory of everything on your boat. This could include:
- Electronics
- Safety equipment
- Navigation tools
- Personal belongings
In addition to making a list, consider taking video and photographs of each item and recording the overall condition of the exterior and interior of the boat. It's also a good idea to create copies of documents like your boat title, registration, and insurance. Keeping an inventory helps you stay organized and makes it easier to file and verify an insurance claim if your boat is damaged in a hurricane.
Stay informed of upcoming weather
Pay attention to the daily forecast and any trends during the season. Use radar apps like NOAA Weather Radar or use the National Weather Service radar to track storms and identify storm conditions. Your marina may have an emergency alert system to keep you updated on any potential storms in your area.
Review your boat insurance policy
Read through your policy carefully, and contact your agent or insurer if you're unclear about how your watercraft may be covered against damage from severe weather.
Storing your boat
Knowing where and how to store your boat can help prevent or minimize damage during a hurricane, whether you're storing your boat on land or in the water.
Storing your boat on land
- Remove the hull drain plug and ensure your boat's bow is at a higher angle than the stern
- Remove loose items from the interior cockpit and bilge
- Tie down or remove anything that could catch the wind
- Remove loose personal items and electronics
- Remove (and securely store) any ownership documents
- Use a tight-fitting mooring cover or a custom storage cover to protect the boat's interior
- Make sure your bilge pump is operational, including its auto-float switch
- Tie the boat/trailer down to the ground using hurricane spikes
Pro tip:
If you're storing your boat in protected inland water areas like a river or canal, consult Progressive's hurricane preparedness checklist for protected waters.
Storing your boat in the water
- Remove personal items, loose equipment, canvas, and glass windows
- Keep the canvas installed if your boat has no self-bailing cockpit
- Plug your vessel into shore power to fully charge batteries and keep the bilge pump operational
- Make sure the bilge pump is operational, including its auto-float switch
- Inspect all dock lines, replacing any that are undersized or show any wear at all
- Consider going up a size or more when replacing your lines
- Install spring lines and bumpers to prevent damage from your boat banging against the dock
- Find robust dock cleats or new concrete or pliant wood pilings that can properly secure the dock lines — using secure dock lines can protect against damaging storms and higher tide levels
Check out Progressive's hurricane preparedness checklists for rack storage, trailerable boats, and wet slip.
Progressive is an official sponsor of Discover Boating, a leader in advancing boater education, which offers its own hurricane preparation checklist.
What to do after a hurricane
When it's safe to return to your boat:
- Inspect your boat: Check for hull cracks, dock damage, or signs of flooding. Be cautious around fuel or electrical systems.
- Dry the boat interior: Remove cushions and open hatches to air out the cabin and prevent mold.
- Document damage: Take photos and notes of all visible damage before making repairs.
- File an insurance claim: Contact your insurer or agent as soon as possible. Be prepared with your inventory list, photos, and any other relevant information related to your boat's features or contents.
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