Written by Peter Obetz, broker, liveaboard and catamaran cruiser.
Ensuring the safety of your catamaran or any vessel during hurricanes or severe weather threats, hinges on careful planning, thorough preparation, and prompt action.
Each boat owner needs a plan unique to their catamaran and where and how it is secured for a storm.
Catamaran broker/expert and full-time liveaboard, Peter Obetz, breaks it down for you in what a boat owner needs to do to get through hurricane season safely and successfully.
Develop a detailed plan NOW to secure your vessel.
Check the “hurricane plan” you likely submitted to your insurance company. Make sure you do what you said you were going to do and avoid possible voiding of coverage if you did not comply with your plan.
Remove your vessel from the marina if your insurance policy or marina lease requires it.
Determine where there is a safer place to hide your catamaran, whether it be on the hard or a “hidey-hole.”
If you are planning to pull your catamaran out of the water, be aware many haul out yards have long wait lists and have fees they charge regardless if you actually haul out. Know your area and it’s out of water storage options.
Check your lease or rental agreement with the marina to make sure you know and comply with their rules.
Consolidate your records, including insurance policies. Make sure you have recent photos of your vessel both pre and post prep, the Hull Identification Number (HIN#), phone numbers for the harbor master, Coast Guard, insurance agent etc. It’s also a good idea to get the phone numbers of your boat neighbors so you can communicate if need be.
Items of value should be marked for easy identification if lost in the storm. Label paddle boards, dinghies, kayaks, life jackets, etc. with your contact details.
Remove all mobile equipment: canvas, dodgers, enclosures, biminis, cushions, roller furling sails. Tape the covers on your electronics and consider taping any hatches prone to leaking (gaffers tape works well and does not leave residue).
Make sure all drains and scuppers are free of debris.
Decide if you are removing the main sail or not. If not, and you have a sail bag and lazy jacks, I recommend loosening the lazy jacks and sail bag and tightly wrapping all of it and the sail to the boom. The Sunbrella in sailbags is not very chafe resistant, and this will help avoid that damage.
Latch down everything you cannot remove: wheels, booms, dinghies, coolers, dock boxes.
Make sure the electrical system is turned off and unplugged from the pedestal. It’s important to confirm the batteries are fully charged so they can run the bilge pumps. Cut off all devices (not bilge pumps) consuming power that may drain the batteries to the point your pumps will not work. Take all perishable food off the boat.
Check the cleats not only on your boat but the dock as well.
Assess the attachment of primary cleats, winches and chocks. These should have substantial backing plates and adequate stainless-steel bolt sizes.
Double all lines (make sure you have them NOW vs. waiting till a storm comes), making sure they are big enough for your catamaran. Bigger is better as long as your cleats can accommodate them. Attach lines high on pilings to allow for tidal rise or surge and make sure lines will not slip off pilings. Inspect pilings and choose those that seem strongest, tallest and are properly installed. The longer the dock lines, the better a boat will be at coping with high tides. It is also essential to use chafe protectors (fire hose works well) at any potential chafing points. Chafe has been the culprit of many failures whether they be dock lines or mooring gear.
Install fenders (oversize if you have them) to protect the boat from rubbing against the pier, pilings and other boats.
Remove and secure items on the dock, lock down dock box lids, secure dock steps, put away chairs, plants, bikes and so forth.
You can also find great tips and a guide on preparing for a hurricane by visiting the Boat U.S. website.
