Hurricane season has been in full swing for months now, but as those along the eastern United States know, September is when the giant storms start to take aim. While the potential impact and landfall of these storms is unknown, boaters still should be prepared and know what steps need to be taken.
“It’s hard to predict how many named storms and hurricanes will actually make landfall, which can be detrimental to lives, homes and our watercraft,” said Captain Joe Frohnhoefer III, Sea Tow’s chief executive officer. “We urge all boaters to start planning now, just in case a storm takes aim at their state.”
With this in mind, Sea Tow offers boaters the following tips from its experienced Coast Guard-licensed Captains on how to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.
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Ensure You’re Insured. A boat that is damaged by a hurricane can wind up costing far more to fix than a marine insurance policy costs annually. Review your boat policy’s requirements and be sure to comply with them. Boat owners whose insurance requires them to relocate their vessels out of a hurricane zone should do so by the date specified in their policy.
Man with a Plan. Most insurance providers require a formal written Storm Plan detailing where and how your boat must be secured during a major storm. Designate a responsible person to execute the plan if you are out of town when a hurricane threatens.
No Loose Ends. Check with your marina, storage facility or the owner of the private dock where your Whaler is moored to be sure the boat can remain there during a hurricane. If it can stay, know the procedure for securing not only your boat, but those docked around it, as well. A boat that breaks loose in a hurricane can wind up damaging yours.
Smooth Move. If you have to move your Whaler from its current slip in the event of a storm, decide where you are going to have it hauled before a hurricane is forecast. Check with your local Sea Tow operator to see what pre-storm haul-out services are offered in your area.
Shoot Your Whaler. Make an inventory, preferably by video, of all valuable fixed items such as marine electronics that you cannot remove from your boat. Store all important documents, including your marine insurance policy, in a secure place off the vessel.
Lastly, keep an eye to the sky and closely monitor local and national weather services, including NOAA Weather Radio and the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov.
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Every new Boston Whaler comes with a standard 95-day Sea Tow Trial Membership, and yearly membership options offer a range of services including free boat towing and fuel drops. Whaler owners are also eligible to receive 14 months for the price of 12. Just use the code BWF when you visit seatow.com.