Hurricane Irma – How to Secure Your Boat

If you can’t put your boat inside or trailer it out of harms way, and your only choice is to tie your boat outside at your dock or in a local harbor –  here are some tips to best secure your boat against Hurricane Irma.



A sample storm arrangement: note the spring lines, which were the longest lines, are now the shortest. Stern lines are extended one or two slips away. Additional bow lines lead across to the next dock or to storm anchors placed out from the slip.

On a face dock, position the boat farther (the farther, the better) than usual from the dock and add offshore lines to hold the boat away from the dock. Offshore lines can lead to distant pilings or trees, such as across a canal, or to anchors if the bottom provides adequate holding.

 

 

Anchor your boat in a protected harbor where the bottom can allow a good anchor hold. An advantage to anchoring is that the boat can more easily respond to wind and water changes without striking docks or other boats than when moored. Heavy and extra anchors are needed for this option and enough line should be on hand to allow a scope of at least 10:1 for each anchor.

Hurricane Holes are ideal locations to moor your boat during a tropical storms, high winds and even hurricanes. These deep, narrow coves or inlets are best when surrounded by sturdy trees which block the wind and provide a tie-off for anchor lines.  A hurricane hole needs to be far enough inland to avoid the most severe winds and tides.

Good luck and be safe!