If your boat is moored, docked, or stored in a recreational harbor on the East Coast, the threat of hurricanes is a very real concern. Even the least severe Category 1 hurricane can have devastating effects in today's crowded harbors. These high density areas can be disasters waiting to happen because of the close proximity of vessels to one another, faulty mooring maintenance, and lack of hurricane preparedness. Although the harbor manager, harbormaster, or port director tries to ensure that boats in their harbor are safe, the final responsibility falls upon the boat owner.
Owners are ultimately responsible for their vessel.
Creating a plan and being ready for a hurricane starts well in advance of the boating season. When vessel owners prepare their vessels for the boating season, they should also prepare a hurricane plan. This plan should review all the options available. Prior to the hurricane season, decisions should be made as to where the safest place for the vessel would be, the adequacy of the present mooring or dock, and what type of equipment is necessary to have on board. The following are options for safeguarding recreational boats.