Preparing Your Boat for A Hurricane

If you own a boat and live in a hurricane-prone area, you know how important it is to be ready before a storm hits. High winds, heavy rain, and storm surge can do serious damage, not just to your home, but to your boat too. That’s why preparing your boat for a hurricane is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your investment.

Whether your boat is tied up behind your house, stored in a marina, or kept on a trailer, you need a plan. This guide walks you through what to do before a storm, where to store your boat, and how to keep it safe when the weather turns rough.

Why Preparing Your Boat for A Hurricane Matters

Hurricanes cause billions of dollars in damage every year. Boats are especially at risk because they’re out in the open and often exposed to wind, waves, and flying debris. If you’re not prepared, your boat could break loose, crash into other docks, or even sink.

By taking the time to plan ahead, you can:

• Avoid major repairs or replacements
• Lower your insurance risk
• Keep your dock and nearby property safe
• Protect the environment from fuel or oil leaks

Step 1: Make a Plan Before Hurricane Season Starts

When it comes to hurricanes, waiting until the last minute can cost you. That’s why it’s so important to make a plan before a storm ever shows up on the weather radar. Think of this step as your hurricane game plan, a clear, simple guide you can follow when things get hectic.

Here’s what your plan should include:

A Pre-Storm Checklist

This is a list of everything you’ll need to do if a hurricane is approaching. It can include tasks like:

• Removing electronics and valuables from your boat
• Securing loose gear like canvas covers, cushions, and tools
• Topping off fuel and disconnecting power
• Doubling up dock lines and adding chafe guards
• Taking updated photos of your boat for insurance purposes

Having a checklist means you won’t forget anything important when time is short.

A Place to Secure Your Boat

Where will your boat be safest during a storm? This is a key part of your plan. Whether it’s a floating dock, a protected canal, or dry storage inland, you’ll want to choose your location early, and be ready to move your boat there before the storm hits. (We’ll cover your best options in Step 2.)

Contact Info for Marinas, Insurance, and Dock Providers

Make sure you have up-to-date phone numbers and email addresses for:

• Your marina or slip manager
• Your boat insurance company
• Any dock service providers you may need
• Friends or crew members who can help if you’re away

It’s a good idea to store these contacts both digitally (like in your phone or cloud drive) and on paper in case you lose power.

A Safe Place to Store Important Documents

Gather your boat registration, insurance papers, maintenance records, and ID, and keep them in a waterproof folder. This should go with your personal hurricane kit or evacuation bag. Some people also keep a USB drive with digital copies, which can be a huge help if you need to file a claim after the storm.

What if I’m out of town when a storm hits? Make sure someone you trust, like a friend, neighbor, or dockmate, knows where your hurricane plan is and has permission to act on your behalf. It’s always better to have a backup.

Step 2: Find a Safe Place to Secure Your Boat

When preparing for a hurricane, one of the most important things you’ll need is a safe place to secure your boat. Where you choose to keep your boat during a storm can make a big difference in how well it comes through the wind, waves, and storm surge.

Let’s walk through your main options, and why each one might be the right fit depending on your situation:

1. Floating Dock with Strong Anchoring

If your boat is docked at home or on private waterfront property, a floating dock with tall pilings is often the best option, especially in areas with storm surge. Floating docks are designed to rise and fall with the water level, so they don’t resist the surge like fixed docks do.

That flexibility is key. It helps prevent your boat from getting hung up or crushed if the water rises quickly. AccuDock’s floating docks, for example, are built from strong, weather-resistant materials and can be customized to fit your space. When paired with secure mooring hardware and tall enough pilings, they provide an ideal setup for riding out a storm.

Why not just use a regular fixed dock? Fixed docks don’t move with the water, so if the surge rises too high, your boat might float above the pilings and get damaged, or break free altogether. Floating docks are built to adapt, reducing the chance of major damage.

2. Inland Canal or “Hurricane Hole”

Some experienced boaters tow their vessels to what’s called a “hurricane hole”, a well-protected body of water that’s shielded from open waves and wind. This might be a canal, a creek, or a cove with natural barriers like trees, hills, or mangroves.

If you go this route:

• Use long, strong lines with plenty of slack to handle rising water
• Tie off in multiple directions (like a spiderweb) for balance
• Add fenders or bumpers to prevent rubbing against walls or other boats

This can be a good choice if your area doesn’t have floating docks or you’re trying to avoid crowded marinas.

What makes a good hurricane hole?

Look for calm, narrow water with good holding ground (like mud or clay) and minimal fetch, meaning, there’s not a lot of open water for waves to build up speed. Avoid areas near open bays or with heavy boat traffic.

3. Dry Storage or Trailer

If you have a trailerable boat, taking it out of the water and moving it inland is often your safest option. High ground, far away from trees and power lines, is ideal.

To prepare:

• Park on a flat, solid surface (not soft ground that could shift)
• Block the trailer wheels and secure the tongue to prevent movement
• Use heavy-duty straps or chains to anchor the boat to the ground
• Remove the drain plug so rainwater can escape
• Cover the boat securely with a tied-down tarp or fitted cover

Can I leave my boat on the trailer without tying it down? No, strong winds can lift boats off trailers. Even if your boat is out of the water, it still needs to be secured to the ground to prevent tipping, sliding, or flying debris damage.

4. Marina with a Storm Plan

If your boat is docked at a marina, talk to the marina manager about their storm prep rules. Some marinas:

• Require you to move your boat out before a storm
• Offer hurricane-rated docks with tall pilings and floating sections
• Provide storm mooring services for an extra fee
• Limit access to the docks once a warning is issued

Ask ahead of time what you’re responsible for, and don’t assume your marina will take care of your boat for you.

What should I ask my marina?

• Do you have a hurricane policy?
• Are your docks floating or fixed?
• What kind of pilings and mooring systems do you use?
• Can I reserve space in advance during storm season?

Finding a place to secure your boat may take a little planning, but it’s worth it. The right spot, and the right setup, can help your boat ride out the storm safely and save you thousands of dollars in damage or repairs.

Step 3: Tie and Protect Your Boat the Right Way

Once your boat is in a safe location, whether it’s in the water or on land, the next step is to secure it properly. A good tie-down job can make all the difference when winds pick up and the water starts to rise. Don’t just tie it and hope for the best, take the time to do it right.

If Your Boat Stays in the Water

Boats left in the water are at risk of bouncing around, crashing into docks, or breaking free entirely. Here’s how to keep yours as safe as possible:

• Use Extra Dock Lines (and Cross Them): Use strong, weather-resistant lines and double them up if you can. Run lines in an “X” pattern at the bow and stern to hold your boat steady from all angles. This helps keep it from drifting too far in any direction.
• Add Chafe Protection: Wherever the rope rubs against the boat or dock, it can wear down and eventually snap. Add rubber hoses, towels, or commercial chafe guards to protect these spots from friction damage.
• Use Spring Lines: These lines run diagonally from the front and back of your boat to the dock. They help control the boat’s side-to-side movement, especially during rough waves or strong currents.
• Remove Sails, Canvas, and Loose Items: If your boat has sails, biminis, cushions, or anything that could catch the wind, take them off. Flying objects aren’t just dangerous; they can also tear your boat apart or damage someone else’s property.
• Seal Hatches and Vents: Prevent water from getting inside by making sure all hatches, portholes, and vents are tightly sealed. You can use marine-grade tape or plastic sheeting for extra protection.

What kind of dock lines should I use? Look for braided or double-braided nylon lines. They’re strong but still have some stretch, which helps absorb shock from waves and wind.

If Your Boat Is on Land or a Trailer

If you’ve hauled your boat out of the water, it still needs protection. Hurricanes bring strong winds, flying debris, and flooding, so being on land doesn’t mean your boat is completely safe.

• Block the Tires and Tie Down the Trailer: Use heavy-duty wheel blocks to prevent the trailer from rolling or shifting. Then, use strong straps or chains to tie the trailer down to ground anchors, concrete blocks, or other fixed points.
• Remove Electronics and Valuables: Don’t leave GPS units, radios, tools, or personal items on board. Even if they’re secured, water and wind can still damage them.
• Seal Fuel Lines and Vents: Close off all fuel vents and openings using tape or vent covers. This helps prevent water from entering the fuel system and protects against leaks.
• Cover the Boat: Use a strong, tight-fitting cover or shrink wrap to protect the boat’s interior. Make sure the cover is tied down well so it doesn’t blow off.

Should I keep the boat on the trailer or take it off? It depends on your setup. If your trailer is properly blocked and tied down, it’s safe to leave the boat on it. But in very windy areas, some people prefer to remove the boat and support it with jack stands and tie-downs.

Step 4: Don’t Forget About the Dock

Your boat isn’t the only thing at risk during a hurricane, your dock can take a beating too. Loose parts can become flying hazards, and weak spots may collapse under pressure. Here’s how to prepare your dock:

• Upgrade to a Floating Dock (If Possible): Floating docks are built to rise and fall with the water, which makes them ideal for handling storm surge. Unlike fixed docks, they don’t fight against rising tides, they move with them. AccuDock’s floating docks are a great example of a system that’s built for this kind of storm resilience.
• Use Marine-Grade Materials: Replace rusted or weak hardware with marine-grade aluminum or stainless steel. These materials are built to resist corrosion and hold strong under pressure.
• Tie Down or Remove Dock Boxes and Furniture: Anything not bolted down can become dangerous during a storm. Remove benches, storage boxes, trash cans, and decorative items.
• Add Fenders Between the Boat and Dock: Fenders (or bumpers) absorb shock and prevent your boat from smashing into the dock during rough water. Hang them low and in multiple spots for the best protection.
• Inspect Pilings and Supports: Check for cracks, rot, or movement in your dock pilings and frame. Make repairs before hurricane season starts.

How do modular docks help during storms? Modular dock systems like AccuDock’s can be taken apart, moved, or adjusted quickly before a storm hits. After the storm, they’re easier to repair or reassemble than traditional docks.

Step 5: Back Up Your Boat Info

Just like you’d keep copies of your home insurance, you should back up important boat documents too. If your boat gets damaged, these records will make the claims process much smoother.

Here’s what to save:

• Your Boat Insurance Policy: Make sure it’s current and includes hurricane coverage. Some policies have separate deductibles for named storms.
• Photos of Your Boat Before the Storm: Take clear pictures of the exterior, interior, equipment, and serial numbers. These help prove the condition of your boat before any damage occurs.
• Registration, Title, and Maintenance Records: Keep everything in a waterproof folder or bag.
• Digital Backups: Save copies to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) or a USB drive you can take with you if you evacuate.

Do I need to notify my insurance provider before a storm? It’s a good idea to call them before hurricane season to review your coverage and ask if they require any prep steps for your policy to stay valid.

Step 6: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Storms can change fast. A small tropical disturbance can turn into a major hurricane in just a day or two. That’s why you need to start your prep as soon as a storm is 72 hours out, or even earlier.

Why early prep matters:

• Boat ramps get crowded
• Marinas may close or stop helping with tie-downs
• Stores run out of supplies
• Roads may be blocked due to evacuation orders

Having a clear plan ahead of time saves you from the last-minute scramble, and gives you peace of mind.

Extra Tips to Help You Stay Ready

• Check your gear: Look over ropes, cleats, and hardware regularly
• Use strong materials: Don’t use cheap ropes that might snap under pressure
• Stay informed: Sign up for local weather alerts and hurricane updates
• Get help if needed: Make sure someone else knows your storm plan in case you’re out of town

Why Floating Docks Make a Difference

Floating docks are one of the best upgrades you can make to keep your boat and property safer during a storm. Unlike fixed docks, they move with the water instead of fighting against it. That means less strain on your boat and your dock.

AccuDock floating dock systems are built to handle changing water levels and strong weather. They’re made with durable, high-quality materials and can be customized to fit your space. Whether you’re a homeowner or run a commercial marina, they’re a smart investment for hurricane protection.

Start Preparing Today

Preparing your boat for a hurricane takes a little effort, but it’s worth it. From choosing a place to secure your boat to tying it down the right way, every step helps protect your property, your neighbors, and your peace of mind.

Looking for better storm protection? AccuDock’s floating dock systems are designed to give you more confidence when the weather gets rough. Contact us to learn more or to speak with a dock specialist about the best dock solution for your property.