Hurricane Preparation Seminar

Outline from a Club Cruceros 2013 Seminar
by Dennis & Susan Ross

Preparation of the Boat - It Pays to Plan Ahead

• Remove Sails, Dodgers, Biminis, and Other Windage
• Tie Down Everything!
• Extra Lines, Chafe Gear, and Fenders
• Fuel and Water (Including Watermakers)
• Close Thru Hull Fittings—Except Cockpit/Deck Drains
• Ports/Hatches/Dorades/Vents
• Lighting and Electrical/Electronics
• Bilge Pumps and Alarms
• Engines, Generators, Pumps, and Impellers
• Halyards and Lines Aloft
• Wind Generators and Solar Panels
• Outboards, Dinghies/Tenders, and Kayaks

Preparation of the Crew and Belongings

• Interior Temperatures Can Be Over 100°F (150°F On The Hard)
• Important Papers—Originals/Copies -- Ashore or Digital Vault
• Mask/Snorkel/Foul Weather Gear
• Medications and Perishable Provisions
• Flammables and Propellants

Anchor vs. Marina Berth vs. Hauling Out

Anchoring Issues

• Ground Tackle
• Security
• My Boat Was Fine—It Was The Unattended Boat That Hit Me.
• Unsupported Supposition—Many (Most?) Boats Left Unattended At Anchor Will Have Problems (Ask Anyone In Puerto Escondido.)
• Bail-Out Plan
• Pets

Marina Berth Issues

• Advance Reservations and Back-Up Plans
• Who’s Watching My Boat?
• Fenders, Lines, and Chafe Gear
• Marina Readiness and Coordination With The Marina Staff
• Who’s Next To You and Are They Ready As Well?
• To Stay Aboard Or Not To Stay Aboard

Dry Storage Issues

• Making Advance Reservations for Haul Out
• Yard Readiness and Coordination With The Yard
• Securing The Stands
• Dirt Or Concrete?
• Who’s Watching My Boat?
• Rain = Interior Flooding (LEAVE YOUR BILGE PUMPS ACTIVE!)
• Who Is Going To Pick Up My Boat When It Falls Over?
• Back-Up Plan If The Yard Cannot Haul Your Boat

Storm, What Storm? - Where To Find Information While "Up North"

• National Hurricane Center
• Weather Underground – Tropical Weather Page
• Joint Typhoon Warning Center
• EEB Mike
• BajaInsider
• Storm Pulse - This is a subscription, but very good
• HurricaneZone.net
• Mexican Meteorology Service

I'm Insured So I'm Not Worried

(Assuming You Have More Than Liability Insurance)

• Read Your Policy—Including The Fine Print
• Remember The Terms “Acts of God” and “Named Storm”
• The Other Guy’s Insurance Covers His Boat—Not Yours!
• The Marina’s/Yard’s Insurance Covers Them—Not Your Boat
• Take Pictures Of Boat Exterior, Interior, and Expensive Equipment
• List Of Equipment and Gear
• Recent Marine Survey
• Policy In Safe Place

Coming Home

• The Race Against The Storm—Can I Get Back Before The Storm Hits?
• Driving – Check Road Conditions Before You Start
• Flying – Many Flights Are Canceled or Diverted With Hurricane Threats.
• Burro – May Be The Only Choice So Reserve Early
• Visiting Hours—When Can I Get To My Boat? (i.e. Jimena 2009 in San Carlos)

Repair and Recovery Issues

• Securing The Boat Against Theft and Further Damage
• Do-It-Yourself Or Authorization For Someone To Act On Your Behalf?
• Pre-Arranged Haul-Out For Repairs
• Photographs, Videos, Documentation, and Damage Surveys

Miscellaneous Tips

• Duct Tape and Blue Tape – Be Careful -- Glue Hardens and Color Bleeds
• Fuel Stabilizers
• Storage of Outboards and Gas Generators
• Flexible Vane Impellers
• “Hurricane Plan” – See Attached

Resources

• Boat US Brochure
• Boatsafe.com
• Hurricane Archive Maps
• NHC Mariners Guide
• The Boat Galley Articles on Surviving Hurricane Marty in the Sea of Cortez
• Article by Gwen and Don on S/V Tackless II about Hurricane Preparation in Baja

The following is a Heavy Weather Plan that has been accepted by several insurance underwriters who asked for a “hurricane plan.” Feel free to plagiarize/modify as desired to meet your needs.

Heavy Weather Plan

Planning Phase

• Check weather on hourly basis if named storm is predicted for general cruising area
• If feasible, make arrangements to move inland as far as possible to reduce exposure to wind and storm surge
• Find a location protected from direct wind and wave action if possible
• If available, locate in a basin or harbor with quality docks and breakwaters
• Consider negotiating a Hurricane Haul-Out Storage Agreement to reserve a protected location in advance
• Charge all rechargeable flashlights and handheld communication devices
• Top off fuel and water tanks 24 hours prior to storm, if possible, and remove diesel and gas jerry jugs from rail mounts

Securing the Boat

• Batten down all hatches and ports to protect interior
• Utilize spring, bow, stern, and breast lines as appropriate with proper slack and leads
• Double up all lines and place extra fenders
• Protect lines w/neoprene or fire hose at chafing points
• Clear cockpit drains and bilges
• Check batteries and primary and secondary bilge pumps and set to auto
• Close all non-essential through hull fittings
• Stow or secure all loose articles
• If at anchor or mooring, set all available anchors with additional chafe gear and snubbers
• Dive anchors and or moorings, if safe to do so, to assure they are secure
• Obtain extra lines, fenders, chafe guards as necessary
• Remove Vulnerable Equipment and Important Documents:
• Remove sails and secure booms with extra lines to provide additional support
• Consider removing canvas covers, dodger, bimini tops, BBQ, and other non-permanently attached items to streamline the vessel’s profile and minimize wind damage
• Secure tender on davits with additional lines or secure tender on board or remove to shore, as feasible
• Secure or cover exterior electronics and other items that may attract thieves and vandals following the storm. Consider removing interior electronics if vessel will be inaccessible for several days
• Remove personal valuables (i.e. jewelry, computers, etc.) from vessel, if possible
• Remove vessel documentation, logs, insurance policies, and other important papers