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Protecting Your Boat Against Severe

Texas Sea Grant College Program Protecting Your Boat Against

by Dewayne Hollin Texas Marine Advisory Service

oatowners along the Texas coast at the same time, higher tides and are B should consider hurricane prepara‑ pushing water shoreward and is adding tion part of normal boat maintenance. even more water to already rising bay waters The entire coast is vulnerable to extended and seas. Rising water and high winds severe weather and, in many cases, extreme can batter, heavily damage, sink or devastation caused by hurricane‑related even destroy boats. tidal surges, winds, waves and rain during The position of your boat and property hurricane , June through Novem‑ relative to the center of the hurricane will ber. The best protection for you and your determine the degree of force and damage boat is advance planning. Deciding what you experience. You can rely on National to do before severe weather strikes gives Weather Service reports to determine your boatowners a chance to test and evaluate position. their plans before an emergencv. Plus, a If, as the approaches you head hurricane or severe storm can develop and on, you see a clockwise shift of motion in change direction quickly. When a weather the storm, you are about to encounter the warning is issued, there is little time to pro‑ “right” or most critical quarter of the circular tect your boat from the approaching storm motion of the hurricane (See Fig. 1). For if you haven’t already planned what to do example, if you are facing east, the storm and gathered and practiced with the neces‑ motion veers southeast. This “right” quarter sary equipment. Remember, a hurricane produces three critical forces: greater or severe storm can develop and change velocity, tidal surge and the most intense direction quickly. rainfall. Depending on the storm’s intensity, This publication outlines procedures maximum tidal surge is normally about 15 that can help protect boats during severe to 20 miles to the right of the hurricane weather. Following these procedures will eye (the relative calm area in the center of not exempt a boatowner from legal respon‑ a storm). sibility if his boat causes damage to other The “left” quarter of the storm has less property, nor will it ensure that a boat or its force than the right quarter, but is still dan‑ occupants will escape damage and injury. gerous. Since the “left” quarter is the back However, knowing what to expect from Hu r r i c a n e s a n d side of the hurricane, winds will blow from a hurricane, what storm warnings mean, the coast to the sea, changing the direction and how to best prepare your boat, can Accompanying of wave action against boats and reducing help increase chances that your boat can water depth. Your moorings should be set withstand or avoid possible damage. We a t h e r to handle this change. This publication includes a brief diction‑ Hurricane winds may reach up to 200 When a hurricane threatens, monitor ary of hurricane and severe weather terms; rnph and tornadoes often accompany storm reports and keep a log and display of a description of hurricanes and accompany‑ hurricanes, carrying their own wind and the hurricane’s position using a hurricane ing weather; a general checklist of prepara‑ rain threats and causing severe damage tracking chart. Hurricane eye positions are tions for severe weather; lists to evaluate a and casualties. Unfortunately, a variety of given by latitude and longitude to the near‑ variety of places to moor or store boats and other weather hazards usually accompany est one‑tenth of a degree, but since the eye steps to follow for each alternative; a list of hurricanes. Ten‑ to 20‑foot storm surges, position does not indicate the true possible ground tackle; descriptions of safe dry and which generally cause the most property impact of the hurricane, you should plot an wet storage areas; a list to analyze the risks loss during a hurricane, can rip boats from area 100 to 200 miles wide or 50 to 100 to your boat at its current location; and their moorings. Lowering barometric pres‑ miles on either side of the eye, to reflect the advice on what to do after the storm and if sure causes sea level to rise drastically and, potential danger zone. a boat is damaged. Ge n e r a l St e p s f o r Al l Bo a t o w n e r s 1. St e p s t o Re m a i n in The key to protecting your boat from , hurricanes or any severe threaten‑ Pl a c e —We t St o r a g e ing weather is planning, preparation and timely action. The following checklists are meant as guides only. Each boatowner needs a plan unique to his type of boat, the local boating 1. Top fuel tanks and change filters prior to environment, the severe weather conditions likely to occur in that region and the charac‑ storm season to ensure that engines can be easily started and will run to accommodate teristics of safe havens and/or plans for protection. any measures needed to protect the craft. 1. Prior to the storm season, develop a These may be needed when you return Also top off freshwater tanks aboard the detailed plan of action to remove your to check on your boat. boat, because fresh water may not be avail‑ boat from the storm area to a previously 5. Maintain an inventory of items removed able after the storm. identified safe haven to secure your ves‑ and left on board. Items of value should 2. Prior to the severe weather season, obtain sel in the marina, or to take your boat be marked with social security num‑ necessary lines, chafing gear, fenders or to a previously identified hurricane bers. ground tackle. Don’t wait until the storm hole. Specifically identify and assemble 6. Before a storm threatens, analyze how is at hand to test your plan. Try it out be‑ forehand. Stripping and securing a boat is needed equipment and supplies. Keep you will strip the boat and how long it a difficult, time-consuming task and often them together and test your plan to see will take so you will have an accurate a boatowner is simultaneously concerned if it works before storm season. estimate of the time and work involved. with securing a house and protecting family 2. Arrange for a friend to carry out your When a storm is pending, and after members. plans if you are out of town during the you have made anchoring or mooring For boats remaining in the harbor: storm season. provisions, strip the boat of all mov‑ • Double all lines. 3. Check your lease or storage rental able equipment such as canvas, sails, • Rig crossing lines fore and aft. agreement with the marina or storage dinghies, radios, cushions, biminis • Attach lines high on pilings to allow for area. Know your responsibilities and li‑ and roller furling sails and lash down tidal rise or surge. abilities as well as those of the marina. everything you cannot remove such as • Make sure lines will not slip off pilings. 4. Consolidate all records including insur‑ tillers, wheels, booms, etc. Make sure • Inspect pilings and choose those that ance policies, vessel registration, equip‑ the electrical system is cut off unless you seem strongest and tallest and are prop‑ ment inventory, lease agreement with plan to leave the boat in the water, and erly installed. marina or storage area, and telephone remove the battery to eliminate the risk • Cover all lines at rough points to prevent numbers of appropriate authorities, i.e. of fire or other damage. chafing. Wrap with tape, rags and rubber harbor master, Coast Guard, insurance 7. Close and seal openings and tape any hoses, etc. agent, , etc., windows that may break from the wind • Install fenders to protect the boat from and keep them in your possession. force. rubbing against the pier, pilings and other boats. In addition to these general steps, which should be considered no matter where you plan • Monitor the tide and storm, if possible, to leave your boat during a hurricane or other severe weather, the following specific steps and adjust lines as circumstances change. should be taken depending on the option you select. Make allowances for rising and falling tides. 3. Some fixed pier marinas provide “tide ris‑ Trailerable Boats Non‑trailerable Boats ers” or self-adjusting mooring guides that allow lines to move up or down the piling 1. Determine the requirements to load and in Dry Storage during tidal changes. These “tide risers” are haul your boat to a safe area. Be sure Determine the safest realistically ob‑ for the convenience of the boater and will your tow vehicle is capable of properly tainable haven for your boat and make hold the boat under most storm conditions, and adequately moving the boat. Check arrangements to move your boat there. but most harbor masters prefer that boaters your trailer—tires, bearings and axles When selecting a “safe” location, be sure use double lines during storm conditions should be in good condition. Too often to consider whether tides could rise or with lines also attached directly to the pil‑ a flat tire, frozen bearings or a broken surge into the area. Wherever you choose ings. Some marine hurricane protection axle prevents an owner from moving a to locate your boat for the duration of the programs suggest that “tide risers” not be boat. storm, lash the boat to its cradle with heavy used for hurricane mooring and that dock 2. Once at a “safe” place, lash your boat to lines be secured directly to pilings. lines and, based on the weight of the boat, the trailer and generously place blocks 4. Assess the attachment of primary cleats, consider adding water to the bilge to help between the frame members and the winches and chocks. These should have hold it down. axle inside each wheel. Let about half substantial back plates and adequate stain‑ the air out of the tires, then fill the boat less steel bolt sizes (Fig. 2). one-third full of water to help hold it Non‑trailerable Boats 5. Batteries should be fully charged and down. (The blocks will prevent damage in Wet Storage checked to ensure their capability to run to the springs from the additional weight automatic bilge pumps for the duration The owner of a larger boat, usually one of the storm. Consider backup batteries. of the water.) moored in a berth, has three options: Disconnect all electrical devices except 3. Secure your boat with heavy lines to fixed 1. Remain in the marina berth bilge pumps. objects. Try to pick a location that allows 2. Moor the boat in a previously identified 6. Radio equipment for monitoring weather you to secure it from four directions since safe area information should be available ocnstantly winds in a severe storm tend to rotate 3. Haul the boat during the storm threat. and change direction. Each action requires a separate strat‑ 7. Do not stay aboard. Winds, even during egy. Another alternative, running from the small hurricanes, can exceed 100 mph and storm, is not encouraged along most of the tornadoes are often associated with these Texas coast and should be used only as a storms. First and foremost, safeguard hu‑ last resort. man life. Saving a person that chooses to stay aboard may be virtually impossible.

2. St e p s t o Mo o r a Bo a t in a “Sa f e ” Ar e a 1. Research potential safe areas prior to hurricane season and select one on the basis of the nature of the storm. Particu‑ lar concern should be given to hurricanes and severe weather conditions from storms passing north or south of your location. Requirements for a safe haven will be substantially different according to your relative position to the storm. Ensure that water depth is sufficient to deal with changing water levels that could result from the storm (Fig. 6). 2. Practice runs should be made to deter‑ mine accessibility, depth of water and location of bridges, and to locate aides or obstructions to navigation, objects on which to secure lines and best areas to drop anchors. Keep in mind that drawbridges may not open during storm evacuations. Leave early for your safe harbor or you may not have time to get to or find a place for your boat. Be sure your mooring location does not block the passage of other boats into a waterway with moorings. Cooperation is vital. You need to act safely and prudently, and make sure you have appropriate radio equipment to monitor weather reports constantly so that you do not get caught unprepared in a bad situation. 3. Install fenders to protect the boat from rubbing against other boats. Continued

Dry Storage Safe Area Hurricane Hole Characteristics Figure 6 Consider the nature of the severe weather approaching, the nature of the boat you are protecting and your position in relation to the on-coming system. Select an area that:

• Affords natural protection from • Provides adequate depth to moor your boat • Is not likely to experience an un­due amount of floating debris • Is not likely to be subject to severe tidal surge or rising tides • Is reasonably accessible from your per‑ manent storage area • Is not subject to excessive competition for mooring • Is not located in a navigable waterway • Has bottom characteristics that facilitate proper anchoring techniques and/or moorings t e p s c o n t i n u e d Checking Out the • Are pilings structurally sound? 2. S ( ) • Is the facility properly designed and Make preparations for transportation to Marina/Storage Facility maintained to minimize the risk of dam‑ take you safely from the moored boat back After carefully reviewing severe weather age to boats from airborne debris? to land. conditions likely to jeopardize your boat and • Is the facility in an area that has been After returning to shore, carefully take analyzing alternative methods to protect subject to substantial rising tides or tidal anchor bearings on the boat to monitor your boat, you should carefully consider surge in the past? (Facilities located on movement. the degree of risk to your craft at its current the bay front in the upper quadrant of a Sample mooring techniques are illustrated location. The following checklist can help storm traditionally receive greater tidal in Figures 3, 4 and 5. Anchoring principles are covered in Figures 7, 8 and 9. you analyze risks: surges than bay front facilities on the Does the marina/storage area have a opposite lee shore.) severe weather preparedness plan? The • Is the facility located in an area that 3. St e p s t o Ha u l a Bo a t owner/operator should be able to answer provides natural protection for stored 1. Be sure that the marina can, in fact, haul “yes” to a majority of the following ques‑ boats (land mass, elevation, etc.)? your boat and safely store and secure your tions: • Is there a possibility that buildings or boat quickly. In past storms, owners have • Is there a detailed standard operating other developed areas nearby could be based their plans on this assumption only procedure for severe weather that clearly dismantled by severe weather, sending to find that the marina could not meet the outlines what staff reactions should be debris airborne that could strike and sudden demand for hauling, leaving own‑ to various severe weather conditions? Is damage boats? ers unprepared and with no alternative there a disaster preparedness kit for that • Is the facility subject to floating debris? plans. Have a prearranged contract for particular marina outlining responses to hauling and an alternative plan. particular weather conditions? What to Do after the 2. Ensure that the boat will be hauled to a • Is there a formal communication system safe location and properly secured. An that spells out the need for boatowners Storm area subject to tidal rise or surge is not a to react properly to impeding storms and viable alternative. 1. Safeguarding human life is more impor‑ that outlines the requirements they need 3. Make plans in advance to get safely from tant than protecting or checking on your to fill to protect their craft and to fulfill your boat’s refuge site to wherever you boat. Driving may not be safe after the their responsibilities to the facility? plan to stay during the storm. When plan‑ storm. Wait to check on your boat until • Does the owner/operator have a battery ning your route, consider the possibility travel hazards are removed. Boatowners operated NOAA alert radio system and a of flooded roadways, excessive traffic and should be aware of hazards such as dan‑ other storm-created hazards. portable AM/FM radio system to allow gling wire, fuel leaks, weakened docks. the staff to keep up to date on weather bulkheads, seawalls, bridges, pilings and changing local events that could floating under the water, etc. Take your affect the severe weather preparedness records, including insurance policies, plan? Should you consider adding a Ground Tackle your marina lease agreement, a list of radio system that has a weather channel authorities to contact, etc., with you to and a VHF radio for marine communica‑ System facilitate any prompt action needed to tions? A ground tackle system might in‑ protect your craft. • Is the facility adequately staffed and clude: 2. An owner is obligated to take reason‑ equipped and are employees trained to • Double anchors set at a narrow angle able measures to protect his craft if it is effectively and efficiently carry out the (less than 45 degrees). damaged or in jeopardy, even though severe weather plan? • Two 45‑pound Bruce anchors or the craft is insured. Conduct a thorough • Is there a formal program to train boat‑ a combination Bruce and Plow an‑ check for seaworthiness and damages. owners in methods and their responsibili‑ chor. Report your findings immediately to your ties to plan, prepare and protect their • 100 to 150 feet of 5/16 inch chain, insurance agent. boats? Remember, it is not the marina’s followed with 300 feet of 3/4 inch 3. Make sure you know the insurance nylon anchor rope. responsibility to prepare the boat for severe weather; the boat owner must company ‘s responsibilities, your respon‑ Double or triple chafing gear on a sibility to the company and what you bridle through the chocks, with enough make ready the boat by following the are required to do to try to protect the chafing gear to protect the line should it severe weather preparedness plan. craft from further damage. Understand wrap around the bow of the boat. • Is there a plan, or have specific provi‑ the surveyor’s responsibility and his After cleating, the bridle can be led sions been made, to haul and remove to the primary winches and then to the large boats that are dry or wet stored relationship to you and the insurance primary cleats (as backup). from the tidal surge area? company. With this system, take time to set each • Have safe wet areas been identified and 4. If the boat is submerged, after raising it, anchor hard by backing down on each have owners been advised about the pickle the engine immediately. If the boat for several minutes or turning the boat requirements to properly anchor their is obstructing a navigable waterway, you around 180 degrees and setting the an‑ boats in these areas in a timely fash‑ must try to remove it immediately. chor with the boat in forward gear, then ion? 5. If your boat was damaged but not sub‑ turning the boat head‑to‑wind to secure • Is there a plan for removing trailerable merged, check it over thoroughly for the anchor to the tow. Use extreme cau‑ boats? seaworthiness, potential damages, leaks tion in anchoring with this system. • Have evacuation routes been identified or equipment losses before attempting to The Danforth anchor is more difficult and owners notified of the same? move it, in the event of damage to your to set hard in the mud bottom: it does • Are pilings where craft are moored of vessel or another person’s property, not dig as deeply as the Bruce and the adequate size, properly installed and obtain full details and report them to Plow anchors. Once loose, it tends to properly maintained to restrain craft your insurance company promptly. skip along the bottom. during severe weather? Acknowledgements The author acknowledges the coop‑ eration of the marina operators, designers, planners and owners, marine surveyors, marine agents and recreational boaters who assisted in compiling this guide. Special ap‑ preciation is extended to the Houston Yacht Club for allowing us to use their Hurricane Preparedness Plan and to members of the Marina Association of Texas for reviewing the material in this guide. Dewayne Hollin is the Marine Business Management Specialist for the Texas Ma‑ rine Advisory Service.

Ge n e r a l Pr o c e d u r e s t o Pr o c e s s a Ve s s e l Da m a g e o r Lo s s Cl a i m

Once you determine you have a loss, the 5. Have your inventory list, receipts, in‑ mates and firms to do the repairs, the following steps should be taken to process ventory pictures, pictures of damages insurance company issues a check with your claim: and repair estimates ready for inspec‑ both the repair firm and boatowner/ 1. For the record, photograph the dam‑ tion by the adjuster/surveyor. You will mortgagee listed as payees on the aged vessel and make a list of all need to provide both a “proof of loss” check. damages and suspected problems. If and “release/payment order.” 10. When the work is completed to the the vessel is in peril, take all necessary 6. After conducting the survey, the survey boatowner’s satisfaction and approval, steps to preserve the vessel and prevent files a surveyor’s damage report with the check is co-signed and the repair further damage. Do not begin repairs the insurance company, and may send firm is paid. other than those necessary to prevent a copy to the boatowner, if required. 11. Keep in mind that, with all the confu‑ further damage. 7. The boatowner files a statement of loss sion accompanying the aftermath of 2. Promptly call your insurance agent to with the insurance company explain‑ a hurricane, the underwriters will first report the claim or loss. Estimate the ing what took place, when, where and settle claims having all the appropriate percentage of damage — cosmetics, why. It includes specific lists of known paperwork completed. water damage, total loss, etc. damages along with sketches or draw‑ 12. In the event of a total loss, when it 3. Contact repair yards to get estimates ings. comes time to settle the loss, be pre‑ for repairs. You do not have to wait for 8. In the event of a dispute, the procedure pared to surrender the vessel’s docu‑ an adjuster/surveyor to get estimates. is for the boatowner to hire a second mentation papers, original insurance 4. An adjuster, insurance company surveyor/adjuster, at his expense, to policy, any remaining equipment and surveyor or independent surveyor represent his side of the dispute. A the damaged vessel. acceptable to the insurance company third party will be designated to listen 13. If a total constructive loss of the vessel will be instructed to survey the dam‑ to both sides and arrive as a decision. exists, a check is issued by the insur‑ aged vessel. The boatowner can elect In some cases, it may be necessary to ance company to the boatowner and to hire a second independent survey involve your attorney in the state insur‑ mortgagee, usually for an amount equal of the vessel. The boatowner should ance commission. to the agreed value of the fair market arrange to accompany the surveyor 9. If the boatowner agrees on the esti‑ value of the vessel. on the initial damage survey. Se v e r e We a t h e r Te r m s Advisory —A message released by a hur‑ Hurricane ‑ A tropical (a storm ricane or tropical storm threatens a coastal ricane center, usually at 6‑hour intervals, that rotates counterclockwise) with sus‑ area, small craft are advised to remain in updating information on the storm or tained winds of 74 mph or greater. port or not to venture into the open sea. hurricane, including watches and warnings Hurricane Advisories ‑ Messages issued Storm Surge ‑ A rise in tide caused by whenever they are in effect. A special advi‑ by the National Hurricane Center summariz‑ a hurricane as it moves over or near the sory is a warning given any time there is a ing all coastal warnings in effect, including coastline. It can be much higher than mean significant change in weather conditions or hurricane watches, a description of the sea level with high, breaking waves, higher change in warnings previously released. An storm, its position, anticipated movement than the normal tidal rise. immediate advisory updates information in and prospective threat of landfall. advisories at 2‑ to 3‑hour intervals, when‑ Watch ‑ Tornadoes and severe ever a watch or warning is in effect. Hurricane Watch ‑ The first alert when are possible in your area. a hurricane poses a possible, but as yet Flash Watch ‑ Flash flooding is ‑ A tornado has been uncertain, threat to a certain coastal area. detected in your area. Take shelter. possible within a designated area. Small craft advisories are issued as part of Warning ‑ Flash flooding has a hurricane watch advisory. Tropical Depression ‑ A rotary circulation been reported or is imminent and people at the surface of the water with a sustained ‑ When associated with wind speed of 38 mph or less.­ in affected areas should take necessary a hurricane or tropical storm, a warning precautions. of sustained winds in the range of 55 to Tropical Disturbance ‑ A moving area of Warning ‑ A warning of sustained 73 mph. thunderstorms of tropical origin that main‑ tains its identity for 24 hours or more. winds within the range of 39 to 54 miles Small Craft Warnings ‑ When a hur‑ per hour.

Single copies free Texas Sea Grant College Program Texas A&M University MS 4115 College Station, TX 77843

http://texas-sea-grant.tamu.edu Publication supported in part by Institutional Grant TAMU-SG-84-511(r) NA16RG1078 to Texas A&M University by the National 3M April 2006 Sea Grant Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric NA16RG1078 Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. A/F-4