Considering all the bad weather the east coast is about to get, I thought it was important
to give some pointers on insuring that your boat is secure and safe during severe weather while
in wet storage.
Before any storm, make sure you have all the line and fenders you will need. Don't wait until
the last minute to get your supplies. Make sure you keep your eye on the weather, and have
everything secured well in advance of any bad weather heading your way, and most importantly
don't get caught out in your boat during bad weather!
Here is the procedure for mooring your boat during bad weather:
- Double check all your cleats, winches and chocks to ensure a secure fit. Make sure you have
substantial back plates and adequate stainless steel bolt sizes.
- Double all lines.
- Rig crossing lines fore and aft.
- Secure lines high up on pilings to allow for rising or surging tides.
- Ensure lines won't slip off of pilings.
- Go over pilings carefully and choose ones which seem strongest and tallest.
- Utilize fenders to protect boat from rubbing.
- If possible, adjust lines as the storm changes, making allowances for rising and falling
tides.
Please realize that while some marinas provide self-adjusting mooring guides that allow lines to go up and down with the tides, most harbor masters prefer boaters to use double lines during storm situations with lines also attached directly to the pilings. Also, many experts say not to use self-adjusting moorings during
hurricane conditions.
Hopefully none of you will need to worry about these things, but make sure you go over these
guidelines well in advance of needing them. If you are unsure of anything, check with your
harbor master as to what their recommendations are.
Until next time, see you on the water! |
