Plans for boat owners
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Plans for boat owners should include ways to secure their vessels as soon as weather forecasters predict that tropical weather could be a threat. The Coast Guard recommends that boat owners get in touch with local marinas for advice on protecting vessels during tropical weather.
Check on lease and storage rental agreements and find out who is responsible for doing what to protect property.
According to an article written by Chief Warrant Office Jim Krzenski, Commanding Officer United States Coast Guard Station, Fort Pierce, published on the Web site, Boatsafe.com, "It would be wise to have your boat properly secured long before any public evacuations notices are issued. Waiting too long to make preparations may trap your boat at its present location, or worse, result in you being in a dangerous location during a storm."
He wrote that boaters should take heed that draw bridges are authorized to remain closed as winds approached gale force winds of 34 knots or greater.
Several options are available for people with trailerable boats, according to Krzenski.
- Tow the boat to a safe location away from the storm
- If at all possible store the boat in a secure, covered building. Boats stored out in the open run the risk of being damaged by flying debris and falling trees.
- Fill the hull with water, with manufacturer's approval, and throw the anchor out so if storm surge reaches the dry land the boat has a better chance of staying put.
The U.S. Coast Guard also recommends that boats on trailers be stored on dry land above likely flood areas when possible.
- Remove all loose items and ensure that the boat is tied securely to the trailer.
- Secure the trailer using heavy lines attached to fixed objects. If possible, secure the boat and trailer in all four directions. Remember that trees are often blown down in storms.
- Cut off electrical systems, remove batteries and shut off fuel lines at the tank to reduce threat of fire damage.
- Place blocks between the frame members and axle inside each wheel. Owners of light boats, upon approval of the manufacturer, may want to consider letting about half the air out of the tires.
People with nontrailerable boats should arrange for a local marine dealer to haul the boat out of water and place it in protective dry storage. Boat owners also may choose to relocate the boat to a previously identified safe place.
Owners who cannot get their boat to a safe spot should reinforce moorings and put out extra mooring lines. For boats 20 foot long or less, mooring line should be 3/8 inch or larger. For boats 20 to 34 foot long, mooring line should be 1/2 inch or larger. For boats 35 to 45 foot long, mooring line should be 5/8 inch or larger, and for boats longer than 45 feet, mooring line should be 3/4 inch or larger. Leave enough slack in the lines so the boat can move up with the rising tides. Cover lines with chafe protectors, with can be double neoprene garden hose cut along the sides, at points where the lines are likely to wear.
Other protective measures include using extra fenders, used tires work in an emergency; securing all hatches and windscreens; taking down the mast when possible.
Remove all moveable equipment possible, such as canvas, sails, dinghies, and cushions. All loose items should be removed from decks and superstructures and from the area around the mooring.
Tie down items that cannot be removed, such as tillers, wheels and booms.
"Leave nothing unsecured," the Coast Guard literature said.
Boat documents, radios and all other valuables should be removed from the vessel prior to the storm. Make a list of items removed and those left on board.
Never leave a boat on davits or on a hydro-lift.
Other methods of protection include:
Anchoring the boat in a protected harbor where the bottom can allow a good anchor hold. According to Boatsafe.com, anchoring provides an advantage by allowing the boat to respond to wind and water changes without hitting docks or other boats when moored. Heavy and extra anchors are required. Anchor line lengths should be a minimum of six to nine times the depth of the water.
Hurricane holes are ideal locations to moor a boat during a hurricane, according to Boat Safe. Hurricane holes are deep, narrow coves or inlets surrounded by trees that can block the wind and allow a tie-off for anchor lines. The best location for a hurricane hole is far enough inland to avoid the most severe wine and tides, yet close enough to reach under short notice. Now is the time to look for hurricane holes if making plans to use that method.
Recommended anchorage locations include:
- Up river as far as possible.
- The lee side of spoils islands in Tampa Bay.
- Riviera Bay, if water depth is sufficient.
- Old Tampa Bay north of the Howard Franklin Bridge, (north of the Courtney Campbell Causeway is preferred) near the Pinellas coastline.
- A sheltered bay, if water depth is sufficient.
Boaters should not take recreational vessels out to sea to ride out the storm.
"Most boats are not designed to withstand the large seas and high winds generated by these severe storms," Krzenski wrote.
All boaters should know the Coast Guard frequencies in case of emergency. The frequencies are Channel 16 VHF/FM or 2182 MHZ.
Boat owners should use caution when checking on their vessel after a storm. The Coast Guard recommends checking with local authorities before entering any storm-damaged area.
"Boat owners should not place themselves in danger to get to a boat," the Coast Guard said.
Other things to remember:
- Do not try to enter damaged boathouses or marinas until authorities say its safe.
- Do not try to reach a boat that has been forced into the water and is surrounded by debris until authorities provide safe access.
- Do not try to board a partially sunken boat; seek salvage assistance from a professional.
- If a boat has been washed inland and is stranded, do not approach it until authorities say its safe. Downed electrical lines could be hidden or harmful debris.
- Watch out for and report any oil, gasoline or chemical spills to the Coast Guard or local emergency agencies.
Boaters should remember that after a storm, navigation aids may not be working or may be moved from their charted locations. Other means of navigation should be used if moving vessels after storms have left an area.
More information on hurricane planning for boats is available by calling the United States Coast Guard, Marine Safety office, at (813) 228-2189 or the county's emergency management office at 464-3800.
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