How to Prepare Your Boat for a Hurricane in Florida

Hurricane season is part of boating in Florida. Being unprepared doesn’t have to be.

When a tropical storm or hurricane begins moving toward Florida, protecting your boat can quickly become another item on an already long list. The best approach? Have your plan ready before the forecast puts Southwest Florida in the cone.

Whether your boat is kept on a lift, at a marina, on a trailer or in storage, here’s how to prepare your boat before severe weather arrives.

START BEFORE THERE’S A STORM

Your hurricane boat plan shouldn’t begin when watches and warnings are issued.

Decide ahead of time where your boat will go and how you’ll secure it. If you plan to trailer your boat, know where you’ll take it. If it stays on a lift, understand the proper storm procedure for your specific boat and lift. If you use a marina or storage facility, know its severe-weather policies.

Storm preparation gets much easier when the decisions have already been made.

CLEAR THE DECK

Anything that can move in high winds should come off the boat.

Remove seat cushions, fishing gear, coolers, electronics, water toys, removable tables and other loose equipment. Secure or remove canvas and properly stow your bimini.

Think beyond protecting the items themselves. In severe winds, unsecured equipment can become a projectile and cause damage to your boat, dock or surrounding property.

CHECK THE SYSTEMS THAT MATTER

Before conditions deteriorate, make sure your boat is ready to handle heavy rain and extended exposure to the elements.

Check your:

• Bilge pump

• Batteries and connections

• Drainage

• Fuel level

• Dock lines

• Fenders

• Safety equipment

If your boat needs maintenance or you discover an issue while preparing, don’t wait until the weather arrives to address it.

The Boat House offers marine service throughout Southwest Florida, with locations in Cape Coral, Naples and Port Charlotte.

BOAT ON A LIFT? HAVE A PLAN.

Keeping a boat on a lift during severe weather requires more than simply raising it and walking away.

Storm surge, wind and rising water can put tremendous pressure on both the boat and lift. How a vessel should be secured can also vary based on its size, the lift and the property.

Recently, @BoatMagnet and Cody at The Boat House Cape Coral joined Gulf Coast News to demonstrate steps Southwest Florida boat owners can take when preparing a boat on a lift for severe weather.

Boat on a lift? Here’s how to prep it for a storm →

Always follow the recommendations for your specific vessel and lift rather than assuming the same setup works for every boat.

TRAILERING YOUR BOAT? MOVE EARLY.

If your hurricane plan involves trailering your boat inland, don’t wait until evacuation traffic begins.

Before hurricane season, inspect your trailer tires, bearings, lights, winch, straps and hitch. Confirm your tow vehicle can safely handle the combined weight of your boat and trailer.

Choose your inland destination ahead of time and avoid areas prone to flooding, falling trees or debris.

The earlier you can safely relocate your boat, the better.

CONSIDER BOAT STORAGE BEFORE THE WEATHER CHANGES

For some Southwest Florida boat owners, the easiest hurricane preparation starts with where the boat is stored.

The Boat House offers indoor, outdoor and valet dry stack boat storage in Cape Coral, giving local boaters options beyond leaving a boat exposed at home or repeatedly trailering it.

With valet dry stack storage, you can request your boat ahead of time, have it launched for your day on the water and return it to the facility when you’re finished.

Explore Boat Storage in Cape Coral →

Learn About In & Out Boat Storage →

Storage availability and storm procedures may vary. Contact The Boat House directly for current availability and severe-weather policies.

DON’T FORGET YOUR INSURANCE & DOCUMENTS

Take current photos and video of your boat before a storm. Document the hull, engines, electronics, interior and any major equipment.

Keep your registration, insurance information, serial numbers and important records somewhere accessible away from the boat.

It’s also worth reviewing your marine insurance policy before hurricane season so you understand your coverage and whether your insurer has specific storm-preparation requirements.

AFTER THE STORM, INSPECT BEFORE YOU GO

Blue skies don’t automatically mean your boat is ready to head back out.

Inspect the boat for visible damage, check electrical systems and batteries, look for water intrusion and examine your engine and propeller area. If the boat was exposed to storm surge or sustained significant weather, consider having it professionally inspected before operating it.

Waterways can also change after a major storm. Debris, damaged markers and submerged hazards may be present even in areas you know well.

PREPARE NOW. BOAT MORE LATER.

Florida weather can change quickly, but your hurricane plan doesn’t have to.

A little preparation before a storm can make a major difference when severe weather approaches. Know where your boat will go, keep up with maintenance, secure what you can and give yourself enough time to act safely.

And if you’d rather spend less time worrying about where to keep your boat, The Boat House Cape Coral offers storage and in & out services designed to make boat ownership easier year-round.

EXPLORE CAPE CORAL BOAT STORAGE →

VISIT THE BOAT HOUSE CAPE CORAL →

VISIT THE BOAT HOUSE NAPLES →

VISIT THE BOAT HOUSE PORT CHARLOTTE →