Do you know how to find a safe place for your boat in a hurricane? Now is the time to decide, not when a storm is bearing down on you. Here’s what you need to know.
Summary
Many factors contribute to helping your boat survive a direct hit from a hurricane. But perhaps the most important factor is location.
As we head into the heart of hurricane season, start thinking about where to put your boat before you face an incoming storm. Here’s what I’ve learned about the best sites for helping your boat survive a hurricane. We have survived two direct hits and around a dozen other storms within fifty miles of our location.
Most articles discuss the best lines, fenders, and chafe gear to use. And sure, that’s important. But your boat is more likely to survive a hurricane if it’s in a safe spot. A secure spot protects your boat from more than just wind. You must also consider waves, storm surge, rain, and flying debris.
The best location protects from as many factors as possible.
In addition, can you reach the place you have selected in time? And can you evacuate from there?
Make sure you evaluate it in person. Don’t forget to pick a backup spot.
Tying up your boat properly only helps if it’s in the right place at the start.
For more details, listen to the full podcast or check out The Importance of Planning Where to Put Your Boat for a Hurricane.
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Links:
Comprehensive Hurricane Prep Course – https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/hurricane
All Access Pass (all courses for one low price) – https://products.theboatgalley.com/products/all-access-pass
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Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
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