The Hartford

Being proactive is one of the most effective ways to protect against damage to your boat. Create a plan before a natural disaster strikes for how you will secure your boat, or if you have the option, how you will remove the boat from the water to a secure, covered place on land. By planning ahead, you can help minimize the potential damage to your vessel.

If you can remove your boat from the water:

• Research potential storage places for your boat. A dry, covered area, such as a garage is ideal.
• Make sure your towing equipment is working. Check the condition of the trailer you'll be using before the disaster hits and make sure your vehicle is able to tow the boat on the trailer to its storage location.
• Have an appropriate insurance policy in place before a disaster strikes.  Your policy may provide coverage for a range of repairs and minimize your cost to repair or replace your boat.

If you can't remove your boat from the water:

• Know the requirements of your harbor. Many harbors require certain actions to be taken if a boat is going to remain docked during a natural disaster. Talk to your harbor officials well in advance of any disaster so you understand what needs to happen if you have to leave your boat.
• Fasten your boat securely and protect against chafing. Double the lines securing your boat. Cover lines that run across the boat with a rubber hose wrapped in fabric and secured with heavy tape to protect your boat against chafing damage.
• Do not stay on board your boat. Even if your boat is secured, it's not safe for you and your family to remain aboard during a natural disaster.
• Remove any objects that could catch the wind. Sails, flags and pennants all should be removed and stored below deck.  If you can't remove the sails, fasten them as securely as possible.
• Remove equipment and valuables. Store any equipment and valuables from your boat indoors away from the boat if possible.
• Secure all ports and wheels. Make sure ports are closed and any wheels or tillers are secured so the rudder can't be turned.