If you live near the ocean, you've probably experienced a hurricane at some point in your life. Hurricanes can be devastating and dangerous storms, but there are ways to prepare for them and protect your boat from damage. This article will give you some tips on how to secure your boat for a hurricane, whether it's stored or still in the water with no cover over it.

Hurricane Preparation

The first step in securing your boat for a hurricane is to make sure it's ready.

- Remove loose items from the deck.

- Clean the bilge, as this will help prevent flooding during heavy rainfall.

- Prepare for rain and water by boarding up windows, installing shutters or plywood on the outside of your vessel, covering vents with plastic sheeting, and boarding up doors that aren't normally used (to prevent them from blowing open).

Remove as many loose items as possible

It’s a good idea to remove as many items as possible from your boat before the storm hits. This includes any loose items that could get blown around by the wind, such as gas cans or propane tanks.

Be sure to also remove any other flammable items that may be on board, such as matches and lighters. If you have an inflatable dinghy on deck, tie it down securely so it doesn’t blow away in high winds.

Clean the bilge, prepare for rain and water

The first thing you should do is clean the bilge, which is the lowest part of your boat where water collects. This can be done by hand or with a power washer. If you have time, keep an eye on your hull to make sure there isn't any flaking paint or other issues that could lead to leaks later on. You'll also want to cover all of your electronics with plastic covers and remove any loose items inside—things like gas cans and tools—from being thrown around during high winds. Finally, remember that if it rains at sea level it will probably rain even harder at sea level! Make sure everything on deck is securely fastened down so nothing flies off into the water when strong gusts come through during a storm surge (which we'll talk about next).

Secure all electronics

For example, you may think your boat’s electronics are safe in the bilge. That’s true, but only if you have a properly installed bilge pump. Without an adequate drainage system, water can easily accumulate and damage sensitive equipment like computers and other electronics.

The same applies to any electrical components that aren’t waterproofed: Solar panels are great for charging your batteries, but they won't survive a storm if they aren't properly secured or protected with weatherproofing materials.

Tie up your boat

Tie up your boat using lines that are twice as long as you think you will need. When selecting rope, only use a rope made for marine use (e.g., polypropylene or polyester) and make sure it is rated to hold at least three times the weight of your boat. Make sure there are no kinks in the line when securing it to docks or moorings, which could weaken its strength.

Use bow and stern lines first, then springlines if possible; this will help prevent swinging and keep the boat more stable during high winds. If using more than one springline on particularly large vessels, be sure they are secured tightly so they don’t slip off during rough weather conditions! For smaller vessels without springlines available to them, other options include using blocks tied off around bollards (or posts) underneath decks rather than attaching directly onto cleats/rungs installed along gunwales/decksides closest to water where waves can cause damage should anything get dislodged from beneath deck levels instead of being tied securely into place above water level locations."

Double up on straps and lines

Another tip is to use a double line system when securing your boat. When attaching the dock lines, try to use two lines on each side of the boat and dock, rather than just one line. This makes it more difficult for any wind that's pushing against your boat to move it away from its mooring point.

Also, try to attach all four lines from your anchor as well as from your dock with a double line system so that you're able to keep your boat secure in case any hurricane-related storms cause major damage in nearby areas or rip apart docks and piers—which could make it hard for boats like yours to remain safe during strong winds.

Get the heaviest line available and check lines frequently throughout the storm. It's important to ensure that your boat is securely tied up. It's a good idea to check the lines regularly throughout the storm, because conditions can change quickly in bad weather and it doesn't take much for a line to break free or get damaged. If you're unable to get to your boat during the storm, tie it up as best you can and hope for the best.

You don't need to lose your boat to a storm

If you can't store your boat, and it's not safe to leave it in the water, then make sure that you've at least prepared it for the storm. Make sure you have all of the right gear and know how to use it. If possible, get a friend or family member who knows how to handle a boat—they'll be able to help if anything goes wrong.

If you're planning on staying with friends or family during Hurricane Season (or whatever season), make sure they know what needs to happen before any major storms hit so that everyone stays safe!

Store your boat if you can

If you have the option to store your boat, do so. If you can't store your boat in a dry place, it's best to take it out of the water completely. This way, any damage caused by flooding will be minimized and your boat will be more likely to survive the storm and not be damaged.

Key takeaways

If you want to enjoy a hurricane, you can always go to one of the many shelters that will be available. If you have a boat and need to store it, there are many companies that specialize in this service. They will come out and do everything from fueling up your boat to making sure it is properly secured so nothing gets damaged during the storm.