Tips for Preparing Your Yacht for Hurricane Season 2020

Hurricane season in Florida starts on June 1st and ends on November 30th. With the 2020 hurricane season fast approaching, now is the time to make sure your yacht will be safe and protected from upcoming storms. After helping plenty of our customers prepare their vessels for hurricane season, the experienced yacht managers at Yacht Management South Florida have some of the best tips for yacht owners trying to protect their vessels. Here is how to prepare your yacht for hurricane season 2020.

Dock At A Hurricane Safe Facility

One of the first things you want to do is ensure you reserve a spot at a hurricane safe marina or boatyard where you can dock your boat during a storm. You or your crew will have to keep close track of emerging storms to give you enough time to make a reservation. If you already have a lease or storage rental agreement with a marina or storage facility, make sure to check if it’s still active. Be sure the facility is located in a protected area and the staff is trained to provide hurricane preparation services.

Our Fort Lauderdale yacht maintenance and management company has our own full-service boatyard and hurricane safe marina located on the New River west of I-95. Dockage is reserved for clients in our monthly management program which includes ensuring hurricane readiness for yachts. If you are interested in a monthly management proposal for your vessel, give us a call at (954) 941-6447 to learn more about the services we offer.

Check With Your Insurance Company

Since owning a yacht is major investment, having yacht insurance is essential. It becomes especially important during hurricane season. First, make sure your insurance plan includes hurricane coverage. Then you must confirm with your insurance company that the marina or facility you plan on docking your vessel at during a storm is covered under your yacht insurance policy. You may need to consider other locations if your insurance company does not consider a marina or specific area safe.

Create a Hurricane Preparedness Plan

A well operated yacht will always have a hurricane preparedness plan at the ready in case of storms and emergencies. This plan of action should include the contact information of multiple previously identified hurricane safe marinas and other storm refuges. There should be a compiled list of necessary equipment and supplies that need to be brought on board including extra lines and fenders. Arrangements should be made for a licensed professional to carry out these plans and dock your yacht.

Secure Your Yacht Properly

Once it is docked, it is time to prepare your vessel for the storm. If it is docked at our marina, our yacht managers will complete these hurricane yacht preparation tasks. For clients vessels that are located in other marinas or behind homes, our dockside mobile marine service professionals will do their best to secure these vessels and ensure they are ready by completing the following protective measures:

-          Remove all loose items and portable equipment

-          Inspect all pilings

-          Double all lines

-          Rig crossing spring lines fore and aft

-          Tie lines high on pilings to accommodate tidal rise or surge

-          Install fenders and fender boards

-          Gully charge batteries

-          Turn on automatic bilge pump

Yacht Management South Florida, Inc. is a Fort Lauderdale yacht management company specializing in complete yacht care. Our team of yacht managers and technicians work together to ensure stress-free yacht ownership to all our clients. Contact us or call (954) 941-6447 to learn more about our monthly management programs!