The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its official weather predictions for the 2023 hurricane season, and storms are on the rise. The agency has predicted that this year’s fall season will see 12 to 17 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Five to nine of those may develop into hurricanes (74-mph winds or higher) and between one and four of those hurricanes could become major category one, two or three storms (winds of 111 mph or higher).

How can boaters prepare, in the event a storm makes it to land? Soundings spoke with Capt. Nik Foster from Sea Tow to discuss what to do before, during and after a storm.

Preparation for a Storm

Before a storm, Capt. Foster advises boat owners to check their marine insurance policy. Owners are urged to find out if their insurance covers the recovery, transport or storage of their vessel after a storm. This can determine where a boat should ride out the storm.

Whether your boat will be on a trailer, lift or mooring, there are a few steps you should take to protect the vessel.

First, secure the boat as best you can. For lifts and trailers, this means getting new lines and straps. Trailers should have tires deflated and be anchored down with blocks.

If your boat is in a lift, it’s not enough to just tie it to the lift. Owners should also secure the boat to its cradle, and the cradle to the pylons. “If you’ve got a boat that’s going up on a lift, you also need to make sure that you remove the drain plug,” said Foster. “People often forget to do this critical step, and that’s problematic if there is a mass amount of flooding from heavy rains. The boats get filled up and essentially become bathtubs, which is beyond the capacity of the boat lift itself.”

Foster also encourages boat owners to ensure the boat’s batteries are charged for the bilge pump prior to the storm.

For a boat that will stay at the dock, Foster says owners should use thicker lines to keep the boat from swinging around. The same goes for boats on moorings, to avoid breakaways that can lead to collisions with other boats. Whether docking or mooring, owners should remove loose items on the boat to reduce damage.

In the event of an evacuation, dock power should be turned off to avoid live wires in open water.

During a Storm

Boat owners should take shelter during hurricanes and follow news from NOAA Weather Radio or local news outlets for storm updates. The weather technology boaters have access to today should reduce the likelihood that a boater gets caught in a hurricane while out on the water. However, it’s important to have a plan in place for this worst-case scenario. Access to a VHF radio and drinking water while avoiding shallow waters are crucial steps, says Foster.

After a Storm

“Take care of your family and your personal situation first,” says Foster. After it’s safe to return to your vessel, inspect it for damages. If there is damage, take photos and report the claim to your insurance company. In most cases, companies have pre-arranged plans with recovery companies.

Foster encourages all boat owners to take precautions before a storm hits; it’s the most important step in protecting your property, and the property of others.