The hurricane season runs from 1 January to 31 December er june to November 30, 2019 in the North Atlantic. That is to say, for 5 months, there are more or less significant risks of tropical storms. These threats are determined by NOAA (Agence américaine d'observation océanique et atmosphérique en français). For this year, 40% of forecasts predict a hurricane season close to normal.
That is, there will be 9 to 15 storms, of which 4 to 8 could turn into hurricanes, of which 2 to 4 could be major.
Under these conditions, it is important to anticipate the hurricane period and prepare your boat in the event that it does. After all, nothing is ever certain and charter companies do not stop rentals.
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10 tips to protect your boat
1 - Remove everything that can be removed from your boat: sails, canvas, cushions, halyards, fittings, electronics and antennas. Secure anything you can't remove, such as the boom, tiller(s) or wheel.
2 - Store your tender and its outboard motor (if applicable) away from the boat and indoors, if possible.
3 - Do not leave important documents, such as boat registration, on board.
4 - Disconnect the shore power supply. If your boat is on a pontoon where this electrical installation is located, make sure that the power is cut off and that all power cables are properly stored. This could prevent electrical fires.
5 - If your boat is on a trailer, attach it. Use fasteners to secure the trailer to the ground. Empty the air from the tires and make the chassis heavier.
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6 - If your boat is on a travel lift, remove it. If possible, store it ashore in a less vulnerable place.
7 - If your boat is in a marina, center it in its harbour square. Double your mooring lines and make sure they are long enough to compensate for rising water. Check that the boats moored near your boat are securely secured. If they come loose after the hurricane, they could damage your boat and the boats of others.
8 - If you are at anchor, also double your moorings. Inspect all mooring lines and your chain. Use only equipment in good condition or new. You can also anchor on two anchors if necessary.
9 - Check your bilge pump twice. Make sure that its power is sufficient for prolonged operation, especially during heavy rainfall. In some cases, the batteries are not powerful enough to dry the bottom and cause the boat to submerge.
10 - The most important advice is not to stay with your boat or in your boat during the storm. No matter how valuable your boat is, it is not worth risking your life.
