Navigating Hurricane Season: Boat Preparation and Safety Tips

by Yoshika Sangal | Jul 16, 2025 | Expertise, Safety Tips 

Owning a boat along the East Coast or Gulf means that hurricane season isn’t just a concern, it’s a reality. Preparing in advance of a storm can minimize the risk of damage to your boat. Discover Boating offers a checklist and storm safety tips to help boaters plan ahead and recover confidently after the storm clears.

Before the Storm: Preparing Your Boat

Stay Alert: Use a trusted weather app to track developing systems early. Monitoring forecasts in advance provides valuable time to plan and act effectively.

Relocate: Safely relocate your boat ashore or out of harm’s way before conditions worsen. Acting early helps you avoid evacuation traffic and improves outcomes.

If You Can’t Relocate, Secure Your Boat:

• Remove loose items and all equipment that isn’t permanently installed.
• Add extra fenders or other padding to shield your boat from nearby docks, pilings, or other vessels.
• Use multiple dock lines and drop an anchor for additional protection against strong winds and currents.
• Ensure all hatches are secured and sealed and use covers if available to help keep rain and seawater out.
• After you’ve secured your boat, evacuate immediately and follow all official safety advisories.

Post-Storm Safety

• Wait until it’s safe: Do not attempt to return to your marina or storage site until local authorities confirm it is safe to do so.
• Inspect and Start Cleanup: Inspect the boat thoroughly and remove any mud, moisture, and debris as soon as possible to avoid mold and long-term damage.

Hurricanes can be unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. By planning ahead, staying informed, and following proven safety steps, you can protect your boat.

For more information or to contact our specialists, visit https://www.intactspecialty.com/en/ocean-marine/home.page.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute and is not intended to take the place of legal or risk management advice. Readers should consult their own legal counsel or other representatives for any such advice. Any and all third-party websites or sources referred to herein are for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Intact Insurance Group USA LLC (“Intact”). Intact hereby disclaims any and all liability arising out of the information contained herein.

Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, Intact Ocean Marine, and National Marine Underwriters are marketing brands for the insurance company subsidiaries of Intact Insurance Group USA LLC. Our solutions are backed by the financial strength of Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Intact Financial Corporation (TSX:IFC), rated A.M. BEST A+ | FITCH AA | MOODY’S A1

Coverages may be underwritten by one of the following insurance companies: Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, a New York insurer; Homeland Insurance Company of New York, a New York insurer; Homeland Insurance Company of Delaware, a Delaware insurer; OBI America Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania insurer; or OBI National Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania insurer. Each of these insurers maintains its principal place of business at 605 Highway 169 N, Plymouth, MN 55441.