Hurricane season in Florida can change in an instant, and when a storm is on the horizon, there's often little time to spare. If you own a boat in Sarasota, preparing before hurricane season begins is one of the best ways to protect your investment and minimize potential damage.
Whether you keep your vessel on a lift, in a marina, or on a trailer, having a plan in place can make all the difference when severe weather threatens.
Related Blog: Navigating the 2025 Hurricane Season: Key Updates and What They Mean for Coastal Communities
Planning Matters When it Comes to Vessel Size
When it comes to protecting your boat from a hurricane, the size and type of vessel play a big role in how you should prepare. For boats that you can trailer away from the coastal area, that’s your best option. No matter the size, boats either have to be hauled out or securely tied down during a tropical storm. When you have a boat on a dock lift, you should not leave your boat on the boat lift during a hurricane.
Finding the Nearest ‘Hurricane Hole’
When land storage is not an option, locating a designated hurricane hole is the next best option. Hurricane holes are the best-designed locations because they are usually coves that have shelter from the destructive winds of a storm. With the innovation of floating docks, boats can rise with the storm surge.
Dockwa gives links to reserve dockage in many marinas in different states. Depending upon your location, there are three Florida hurricane holes to contact that will offer better protection in the event of major tropical storms.
- "Gulfport Marina" is on the Gulf Coast, located in Pinellas County, not far from St. Petersburg, FL.
- "Safe Harbor Burnt Store Marina" is also on the Gulf Coast in the town of Punta Gorda, FL.
- "Rivers Edge Marina" is on the Atlantic side in the city of St. Augustine, FL.
How Do You Prepare Your Boat for a Hurricane?
1. Create a Hurricane Kit
If you are unable to prepare your vessel personally, make arrangements with a trusted friend, family member, or boating professional who can execute your hurricane plan.
Your hurricane kit should include essential supplies, emergency contact information, dock lines, fenders, flashlights, batteries, and a detailed preparation checklist.
2. Safeguard and Remove Important Documents and Valuables
Keep boating records organized and easily accessible.
Important documents may include:
- Boat registration
- Insurance policies
- Equipment inventories
- Marina or storage agreements
Remove these records and any valuables from the vessel before severe weather arrives.
3. Seal Openings to Avoid Water Seepage
You will need tape that will not harm your boat's surface but will keep water from seeping into your lockers and the inside of your boat. Seal off your lockers and outside cabinets. Even though most storage areas have drains, they can clog. Any hatch leading into your boat's interior needs taping. Wherever water can accumulate, you want to seal the openings to keep water out.
4. Remove Canvas and All Loose Items
Items exposed to strong winds can quickly become hazards.
Remove:
- Canvas covers
- Sails
- Cushions
- Deck furniture
- Loose accessories
Anything that cannot be removed should be secured tightly with ropes or appropriate fastening systems.
5. Clean Out Drains to Keep Water Flowing Out
While you're sealing off your boat's hatches and lockers, be sure all drains are free of leaves and other debris that can build up. Animal hair can also cause drains to clog. Blow drains out with your hose to make sure water can freely flow out.
6. Secure Your Boat by Properly Tying Down
You want to make sure you have the proper lines to keep your boat from breaking free. For your vessel to have protection from banging into the docks, you must deploy enough fenders. The Boat U.S. Guide to Preparing Boats and Marinas for Hurricanes gives excellent visual aids for tying down boats in marinas and on moorings.
7. Get a Pump Out and Close Fuel Valves
To help keep our waters clean of sewage, it's a good idea to get a pump out. As another added precaution, you should close off your fuel valves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Boat Preparation
Should I leave my boat on a lift during a hurricane?
No. Boats should not be left on lifts during a hurricane. Storm surge, wave action, and high winds can damage both the vessel and the lift system.
What is the safest place for a boat during a hurricane?
The safest option is typically hauling the boat out of the water and storing it inland. If that is not possible, a protected marina or designated hurricane hole may provide additional protection.
When should I start preparing my boat for hurricane season?
Preparation should begin before hurricane season starts on June 1. Having a hurricane plan in place allows you to act quickly when a storm is forecast.
Being prepared is what makes a difference in making it through these big storms. As Southwest Florida's largest and most reputable marine construction company, Duncan Seawall is ready to help you prepare your waterfront for hurricane season at a moment's notice. Download our Hurricane Season Checklist & read our hurricane-related blogs so you can be ready and stay safe this hurricane season.
