Hurricane Preparation

[Ran139]

In the north east we have Isibel to think about with winds predicted around 140 mph. I'm debating having my boat pulled and put on stands vs. doubling docklines. My rationale is that unless I am there to adjust the dock lines the boat will sustain damage by the storm serge, which could be four feet or more.
  Besides stripping all canvas is there anything else I should do?

[Mike Smith]

Ran -

I think it's a toss up. Here on the Gulf Coast we just expect to be hit every year and a lot of folks have their boats hauled. Others anchor out in relatively protected waters like the intracoastal waterway, or find a well protected hurricane hole or just add lines at the dock. If you get a direct hit, none of it will matter anyway (i.e., Opal).  If you have the option, I'd have your boat hauled.  At least you won't be bumping into anything.  But do it soon, a lot of other folks will have the same idea.

Mike and Jan Smith
S/V Breezer
www.mikejansmith.com

[rwilkinsii]

are you on a floating dock?? I would think that if you were then you should be fine as far as the surge goes.. Thats what i've been told adn that is why i am on a floating dock now as appose to a fixxed dock with risers on them.. Just my $.02 worth.. If i've been mislead please let me know...

Rich Wilkins
Houston Tx
86 c34
S/V Lil Tiger
Geaux Tigers!!

[mvazmina]

To add my 2 cents, make sure you have plenty of chafe protection on the lines and put out as many fenders or fender boards as need to protect against rubbing the dock or the boat in the slip next to you. The activity will really work on them. Also you may want to disconnect shore power and remember to close up all your vents.

[Gene Regan]

Ran,

  Be prepared to go it in the water if you can as the hard is definetly unfriendly in a big blow.

  Double all lines and chafe guard them as well,
 also call your insurance co and check coverages ,and pay attention to accessories coverage.Sails and electronics and refrige and ac and nav equip , dinghy and dingy engine and instruments at helm and auto pilot are not part of hull value. I just called my agent and confirmed this info ans increased my coverages on accessories and contents and the cost was minimal, also made him fax me confirmation of additional coverage.

  Be aware and be prepared, and hope and pray that we are all spared from any storm.
  By the way where are you on the Barnegat, we are moving up to Mariners from Cape May this fall hopefully.

Gene Regan
713 Freedom

gene regan

[Frank Stich]

Ran,

Excellent questions!  I'm curious as to whether I should get underway and find an anchorage or just double up the docklines as well.  Hauling is not an option this late in the game.  My boat is in Deale, MD. The dock is constructed from wood piles, the outboard piles have plenty length above the water and would not submerge unless we have a surge of 9 feet or so.

[Mike and Theresa Vaccaro]

One other thought:  Get some current pictures or video tape of your boat, including any preparations you may make.  Hopefully, you'll be spared any damage; but in the event of a storm, it's a good idea to document things.

Best of Luck!

Mike Vaccaro
"Spirit" '88 Hull 563

[Roc]

Double up you NEIGHBOR'S dock lines also.  Your boat may be well prepared, but if your neighbor's boat breaks loose and hits yours, your preparation was worthless.
 ;)
Roc-

[Norris Johnson]

Good answers. I'm in Palacios, Texas with floating piers. We just went through Claudette in July. Only thing I would add is tie your boat as far from the finger pier as you can and can still board it comfortably (~ 2 ft). Remove your head sail!! We only had 90 mph winds with gusts to 110 mph and the damage in our marina was limited to toe rails and staunchions when the boats heeled over and the head sails with roller furling were blown out in some cases. (~ 6 out of 50 boats)

[fairwinds]

ran
i also am in the barnegat on forked river. we are in a slip, bow first. the marina owner visited everyone yesturday and advised us to remove all canvas, double all lines and make the bow lines adjustable from the bulkhead, as he and his crew will tend them. i also ran aft spring lines to my winches and the base of my mast. i figure they are probably the strongest attachments on the boat. anybody have thoughts on this ??? my biggest concern is the swaying of masts!!! i'm thinking if we get 140mph winds & 4-5' surge, it won't matter how well tied up she is, the pilings probably won't hold.

[captran]

We don't have alot of experience but...We're on the hard in Ft Pierce 10 months a year (Late August-June).  The boat is stripped except for a piece of grommeted canvas over the main hatch and a small solar panel locked with cable to the traveler.  I guess that's why we pay the big bucks for insurance.  It looks like Isabelle is weakening somewhat but I'd rather be on the hard than at a dock.  If you look at causes of damages I think docks breaking loose and other peoples boats going bump in the night present a greater risk.  Now if there was a backwater place with a good mooring away from all other boats that might be better than a dock.  Boat US Sea worthy had an interesting artical about the stretch of dock lines wet vs dry recently if you do decide to tie to a dock.  Last summer Cristobal only had a few hours of 50 knot winds in the Abacos and several boats were severely damaged when the concrete pilings at Walkers Cay broke and the rebar poked a few holes.  We've decided that if a storm threatens while we're cruising, we'll find the best hole we can, secure her and dingy to shore and try to get a room or a flight out.  Felt moderately helpless in 50 knot winds anchored in an open anchorage.  In 100+ I doubt there's a whole lot you can do during the storm.  If you're in a location away from the storm surge obviously you're alot better off.  Good luck!  Hopefully it will continue to weaken and maybe shift farther North. (presumably the farther North it goes it will be over cooler waters and less the intensity).

[Mike Smith]

Good luck, Ron (and everyone else in the path of Isabel)!

Mike and Jan Smith
S/V Breezer
www.mikejansmith.com

[Ran139]

I am on stands in the Forked River well north of the path of Isabel. I wish Ron and everyone else in the Chesepeake area the best furtune in weathering the storm.

[Ted Pounds, "Molly Rose"]

As I recall the BoatUS folks feel the best protection for your boat is to haul it (in addition to the other stuff like stripping canvas, etc).  The logic being, I think,  that it it's out of the water it can't sink.  We don't have hurricanes here in the midwest, but a few years back a small tornado passed over our yard in early spring, before most boats were launched.  A couple of boats toppled (one landed on "Molly Rose") but there was no significant damage.  Although one of the starage sheds got a bit torn up.  Just some more thoughts...  Good luck to all on the East coast; we'll keep you in our prayers.

Ted

[captran]

As I'm watching the bouy data I'm hoping you all fare well.  Ron, sounds like a good place and that you're as prepared as you can be.  Hope those of you going through this give us a report.  Many thanks.  Good luck.