Your Boat Ready Now Hurricane season is fast approaching, and it's time to plan how to protect your boat from a storm's furies, says BoatU.S., the nation's largest association of recreational boaters. In 2000, there were 14 named storms.
Hurricanes can affect boats five ways.
The storm surge can raise the water level far above normal high tide. Winds can range from 70 - 200 mph and, as the speed of the wind increases, the damage it causes increases at a much greater rate. Waves, even in protected harbors, can build to surprising heights. Finally, hurricanes sometimes spawn tornadoes and water spouts. Long before a hurricane approaches, boat owners can do two things to help ensure their boats get the best protection possible during a hurricane.