See full version: Tips for Preparing Your Boat, Dock, and Boat Lift for a Major Storm
If you cannot remove your boat and your boat lift’s cradle doesn’t rise high enough to keep it above the potential storm surge, there are extra steps to take. It is still advisable to raise your boat as high as the boat lift goes, secure your boat to the lift, and use long ropes to secure your boat to anchor points. Even if the storm surge lifts your boat off the boat lift, the long anchor ropes will help keep it near your property. here
Assuming you have enough warning and the time to do so, the best course of action you can take with your boat is to remove it from your boat lift and store it away from the potential storm surge in a safe place. If you cannot remove your boat, raise the dock lift as high as you can in an attempt to keep the boat above the storm surge, and don’t forget to secure your boat to the lift. Also, remove plugs from your boat so water can drain out and not overload your lift. here
It’s been a record 10 years since the state of Florida has suffered a direct hit from a major hurricane. The state’s official hurricane season started on June 1, and with months to go until the season officially ends on November 30, there’s no better time than now to learn how to prepare your waterfront property for a potential tropical storm or hurricane.
Preparing Your Boat more
If your boat lift has a low-profile installation, it is possible the tide surge could bring corrosive saltwater right into your boat lift motors, switches, and covers. Remove these items from your lift and store in a safe, dry place. Those with a sealed direct-drive system should remove the gear unit as well. Before you do though, lower the cable down to its lowest point as the cable will free spool back down regardless. Last but not least, tighten all the nuts and bolts on the lift so you don’t lose any small parts during a potential storm. [links]
The best place to store your boat is on land — winter storms or a failed thru-hull can't sink a boat that's not in the water. Cradles, jackstands, dry-stack storage, and trailers are your choices. Larger boats are usually stored ashore on jackstands. Make sure that the stands sit on plywood so they can't sink and that they are chained together so they can't slip away from the boat. If you store your boat on a trailer, you'll extend the life of the tires if you take the load off of them with blocks. It also makes it harder to steal your boat. more
Nearly all engines use raw water for at least some parts of the cooling system, and this water must either be drained or replaced with antifreeze. Mistakes in this step lead to the vast majority of the freeze claims in the BoatUS Marine Insurance files. Outboards can usually be drained easily simply by tilting the engine all the way down, but for inboards and I/Os the preferred method is to circulate antifreeze throughout the cooling system. Typically, a bucketful of antifreeze is sucked into the engine's raw-water intake, replacing the water. Sea strainers need to be drained or filled with antifreeze too, because ice can crack them open and sink the boat during a thaw.
Once you've determined which method of storage works best for your boat, be sure to evaluate your boat insurance to make sure you're fully covered. Be aware that many storage facilities don't cover damage to your boat should a fire or roof collapse occur at the facility. Not all homeowner's insurance policies will cover the boat while stored at the residence. here
If you decide to store in the water, your job is to prevent thru-hulls from allowing water in (close all but cockpit drains), be certain your bilge pump works well (test it by putting some water in the bilge and letting the float switch actuate), and make sure your boat is tied so strong winds can't bang it against the dock (use long spring lines and have chafe guards on every line). Whether ashore or in the water, a well-fitting cover will prevent the cockpit from filling with water or ice during winter storms. here
There are no specific warnings or advisories for lightning but all thunderstorms produce lightning. A lightning strike to a vessel can be catastrophic, especially if it results in a fire or loss of electronics. If your boat has a cabin, stay inside and avoid touching metal or electrical devices. If your boat doesn't have a cabin, stay as low as you can in the boat. [links]
Thunderstorms can be a mariner's worst nightmare. They can develop quickly and create dangerous wind and wave conditions. Thunderstorms can bring shifting and gusty winds, lightning, waterspouts, and torrential downpours, which can turn a day's pleasure into a nightmare of distress. here
Boaters should use extra caution when thunderstorm conditions exist and have a plan of escape. Mariners are especially vulnerable as because you may be unable to reach port quickly. Do not venture out if thunderstorms are a possibility. If you do venture out and recognize thunderstorms nearby, head to port or safe shelter as quickly as possible. Ultimately, boating safety begins ashore with planning and training. Keep in mind that thunderstorms are usually brief so waiting it out is better than riding it out. [links]
Chances are when you are on the water, you will occasionally encounter fog, making navigation a challenge. Fog forms when air over a warm water surface is transported over a colder water surface, resulting in cooling and condensation. Fog is usually considered dense if it reduces visibility to less than 1 mile. It can form quickly and catch boaters off guard. Visibility can be reduced to a few feet, disorienting boaters. Learning to navigate through fog (or avoiding it) is critical to safe boating.
Weather can make your time on the water wonderful or deadly. It is vital to know how to respond to fog, thunderstorms, rapid wind shifts and other dangerous weather. [links]
A sudden change in wind speed and/or direction will have a significant impact on boaters. Wind speed and direction are the primary forces creating waves. When are rapid changes in wind speed and direction most likely?
Engines: Because the engine is likely the most expensive piece of gear you'll have aboard, proper engine winterization is crucial. From cracked blocks to fractured manifolds and risers, engines are particularly susceptible to costly freeze damage. Review your engine manual so you correctly complete all manufacturer-recommended steps for protection against freezing weather.
Air-conditioning System: Drain or purge all water, including the raw-water strainer. An alternative is to flush the system with antifreeze; just be sure the entire system is protected (the seacock, strainer, pump, and all downstream plumbing).
Boats Stored On A Trailer: Check winter covers, verifying that each is in good condition and properly secured. Trailered boats, without the benefit of sitting in temperature-moderating water, feel the cold before their docked brethren, so double-check that all systems have been properly winterized. High winds can topple trees, so choose a storage area out of danger.