In 2023, with the local tropical storm Ophelia it was “batten down the hatches“. Anticipating high winds along the East Coast through the weekend, forecasters predicted the storm will strengthen over the next day or so with winds up to 50 mph.
We tend to plan for the worst and hope for the best!
- Add Additional Fenders
- Check Existing Dock Lines & Fenders
- Confirm Your Bilge Pump Works
- Disconnect Shore Power & Water Line
- Double up on Dock Lines (AntiChafing Protection is Important)
- Double Secure Dinghy/Tender
- Ensure Exterior Drains are Not Clogged
- Keep Electronics Charged (Cell Phone, Handheld VHF, Laptop, etc)
- Monitor Surges & Weather
- Plan for a Power Outage
- Park Your Vehicle in the Highest Elevation (If Applicable)
- Remove Unsecured Dock Items (Hoses, Lock Boxes, Signs, etc)
- Remove Unsecured Vessel Items (Bicycles, Canvas, Coolers, Cushions, Seats, Tables, Water Sports, etc)
- Secure Vessel Outside Loose Items (Can’t be Brought In)
- Shut Off Propane Valves
- Take Pictures of Your Efforts (Claim Purposes, if Necessary)
- Turn Off & Unplug Anything Not Necessary (Battery Consumption)
- Wrap Lines Around Piling Poles vs Cleats (More Durable)
Not every boater may take the same measures as us or you, so do regularly inspect your surroundings! Our portside neighbors with their vessel listed for sale made no additional efforts to secure their vessel. As the storm began their vessel was like a moving ping pong ball in their slip with concern of hitting ours. With comments made during their ownership and our acquaintance neither of us felt comfortable to touch their lines for liability purposes. Fortunately, in contacting the Marina, the vessel was eventually made secure.
Whether it’s best to be anchored or tied to the docks is complex given your circumstances, personal decision along with your insurance broker and underwriter requirements. Consider and know your options.
Let’s Not Forget…
- Binge Worthy Movies
- Cozy & Warm Pajamas
- Easy Interior Projects
- Ensure Boots & Rain Gear is Readily Available
- Flashlight Accessibility & Spare Batteries
- Hearty Soup
- Practice Evacuation Drills
- Regularly Inspect Vessels Interior (Leaks)
- Regularly Inspect the Vessels Exterior (Damage, Debrie, Other Vessels, etc)
This is solely our Checklist and all Boaters’ are highly recommended to conduct their own research.
They say, “red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning“.
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