It’s safe to say that there’s much more to protecting yacht than simply having enough insurance coverage.  An investment that size warrants being prepared and having an emergency plan that can be executed quickly and will enable you to make well-thought out decisions fast, even when you are under pressure.  The key is to be proactive when it comes to ensuring that you are prepared in the event of a hurricane.

Tasks You should complete ahead of Time

The following is a list of tasks that you should complete so that your yacht is protected before hurricane season gets underway:

Communicate and cooperate – make sure that you provide a back-up copy of your plan to someone you trust and can activate your plan in case you’re unable to do so.  Whenever there is a pending disaster, it’s always a good idea to have a back-up plan just in case.

Evaluate your yacht insurance policy – you should always do this at the first sign of a storm that could eventually affect your community.  Aside from the coverages included in your policy, there are extra options available such as hurricane haul-out and marine salvage protection.  These coverages are highly recommended if you’re operating a yacht on Florida coastal waters.

Items to remove – be sure that you create a list of items to remove off your yacht should the local channels and the National Weather Service predict a hurricane.  These items should include electronics, sails, and any other expensive equipment or personal items that may be on board.

Practice makes perfect – training exercises will ensure that everything goes according to plan in the event of a hurricane.  Do several practice runs and keep a record of how long it takes to complete each one.

Review your dock, marina, and storage facility contracts – they will usually provide instructions the steps you’ll need to take if a hurricane warning is issued.  You should also inquire about their hurricane preparedness plans and ensure that you include the details in your hurricane preparedness plan.

Supplies – another important task to complete when securing your yacht is to purchase any and all supplies that may be needed.  You’ll want to consider items such as:

  • chafe guards
  • dock lines
  • duct tape
  • fenders

Remember, you want to do this BEFORE a storm is bearing down on you.  That way, you won’t have to fight a bunch of last-minute, panicked people. In addition to the above, there are certain elements that you need to consider such as being able to find shelter if you’re on the water and a hurricane is imminent.  Try to find a safe harbor that is protected from the storm and trees or a sandy beach, so your yacht doesn’t incur as much damage as it would by crashing into the rocks. Ensure that your boat or yacht is covered by a comprehensive policy.