Yacht Hurricane Plan: A Complete Guide for Safety and Protection

Hurricanes can pose a serious threat to yachts, whether they are docked in marinas or anchored offshore. The powerful winds, heavy rain, and storm surges associated with these weather phenomena can cause devastating damage. If you own a yacht in hurricane-prone regions, it’s crucial to be proactive and well-prepared to minimize the risk of damage and ensure the safety of both the vessel and its crew.

This guide will walk you through essential hurricane preparedness steps, address frequently asked questions, and help boaters understand insurance policies and coverage specifics.

What Is a Hurricane Plan for a Yacht?

A hurricane plan for a yacht involves detailed preparation to minimize damage during storms. It includes securing your vessel, choosing a safe location, maintaining emergency equipment, and understanding your responsibilities as outlined in your insurance policy.

1. Know the Hurricane Forecast and Stay Informed

Before you start preparing your yacht, stay up-to-date with weather reports and hurricane forecasts. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) and local meteorological agencies provide accurate and timely information regarding hurricanes. The sooner you know a storm is approaching, the more time you’ll have to take the necessary precautions.

• Track the Storm: Follow the storm’s path, intensity, and projected landfall to determine the potential impact on your location. Websites like NOAA and apps like Storm Radar give real-time updates on storm paths, intensities, projected landfalls, and storm surge risks.
• Activate Alerts: Set up notifications and alerts on weather apps, TV, or radio to receive real-time updates.

2. Secure Your Yacht’s Docking Location

If your yacht is docked in a marina or at a dock, ensuring the docking area is prepared for the incoming storm is critical. Here’s how you can do that.

• Double Check Lines and Fenders: Ensure that your yacht’s lines are secure and of adequate strength. Use heavy-duty dock lines, spring lines, and fender boards. Additional extra fenders provide an extra layer of protection. Ensure your lines are long enough to handle rising water or a tropical storm.
• Prepare for Chafing: Protect your ropes from wear by adding chafing gear at contact points such as pilings and cleats. These prevent rope breakage during high winds.
• Remove or Reinforce Sails: If your yacht has sails, remove them or secure them tightly to avoid damage. This will prevent the wind from catching the sails and causing damage to the mast or rigging. The same goes for dinghies, bridge enclosures, and cockpit coverings.
• Tie Down Everything That Can’t Move: Tillers, wheels, outboard motors, ladders, grills, and booms should all be secure.
• Check for Docking Adequacy: Some marinas may be susceptible to storm surges or flooding. If you suspect that your current marina won’t withstand the storm, consider relocating your yacht to a safer location or choosing a dock further inland.

3. Prepare Your Yacht’s Safety Systems

Ensuring your yacht is prepared for the storm involves checking its equipment and systems to ensure they are reliable.

• Storm Anchors: If your yacht is anchored offshore, use a reliable and robust storm anchor. Ensure it is the correct size and weight for your vessel. Double-check your anchor lines and ensure they are long enough to provide ample room for your yacht to swing and avoid collisions.
• Check Bilge Pumps and Batteries: Test your bilge pumps to ensure they are functioning correctly and can handle excess water in the event of a flood on your yacht. Also, check the batteries to ensure they are fully charged and can power critical systems, such as the bilge pump, lights, and communications, in case of power loss.
• Secure Your Electronics: Protect sensitive electronic devices, such as GPS, radar, and radios, by storing them in waterproof containers. This will prevent water from damaging these vital components. Alternatively, remove loose items like these to prevent damage.
• Stock Emergency Supplies: Keep your yacht well-stocked with emergency supplies, including life jackets, flares, flashlights, first aid kits, spare hoses, extra food and water, and any necessary medications.

4. Minimize the Risk of Flooding

Flooding is one of the most damaging aspects of hurricanes, so preventing water from entering your yacht is a top priority. Here’s our advice.

• Check Hull for Leaks: Inspect the hull and deck for any existing leaks or damage. Seal any gaps or cracks using marine-grade sealants to prevent water from seeping in. Ensure the drain plug is secure and adjusted properly.
• Secure Hatches and Ports: Lock down hatches, ports, and Bimini covers to prevent water from entering.
• Protect Below Decks: If possible, move any valuables or equipment stored below deck to higher levels. The bilge area should be clear to allow water to drain efficiently if needed.

5. Consider Moving Your Yacht

If the mooring location is vulnerable or prone to surges and flooding, consider moving your yacht to safer inland marinas or a boatyard. Here are some other options to consider.

• Haul Out Your Yacht: If possible, use a boat lift or jack stands to transfer your yacht to land. This is one of the most effective ways to protect your vessel from storm surges, winds, and flooding. Dry storage or shipyards are ideal choices for severe storms. However, not all marinas have facilities for hauling out yachts, so plan ahead. Once you’re in a safe place, use wheel chocks or blocks to prevent the boat from rolling.
• Move to a Protected Harbor: If hauling out is not feasible, try to move your yacht to a more sheltered harbor or a location that’s less likely to experience storm surges or high winds.  Relocate to protective bays or coves for mooring away from hurricane paths. Use additional anchors to stabilize the yacht against high winds.
• Anchor Offshore: If moving your yacht to another dock isn’t an option, consider anchoring your boat in a location that is safe from the storm’s predicted path and protected from rough waters. Double-check that the anchor can handle severe low tide or shifting currents.

6. Ensure You Have the Right Insurance Coverage

A clear understanding of your marine insurance ensures that you’re fully prepared for hurricane-related claims.

• Review Your Boat Insurance Policy: Inspect policy limits on your declaration page, policy terms and conditions, coverages, exclusions, and endorsements. Go over your policy’s details, including:
  • Coverage limits for storm surges and physical damage
  • Increased hurricane deductibles for named storms
  • Required steps as part of your hurricane plan
  • Salvage clauses and liabilities for damages
• Named Storm Deductible May Apply: Check if your policy has an increased hull (physical damage) deductible for hurricane damage. Many insurers will have a higher deductible for named/numbered storms.
• Salvage Charges: When a covered loss occurs and hull coverage is in place, generally, the salvage charge (if applicable) is covered under the hull/physical damage section of the policy.
• Storm Plan: A few yacht insurance policies require the yacht owner to fulfill their storm plan to be eligible for coverage.
• Verify Your Coverage Location: Where your boat is secured during a hurricane could affect your coverage. Ensure that your marina or selected location complies with your plan’s stipulations.

7. Develop an Evacuation Plan

In extreme cases, you may need to evacuate the area. Don’t leave it until the last minute—have a plan in place for yourself and your crew.

• Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with nearby roads, shelters, and evacuation routes well in advance of hurricane season.
• Safety First: If you’re unable to secure your yacht in time, prioritize your personal safety. Ensure you have an evacuation plan for you and your crew, and always keep life-saving equipment, such as life jackets and a fully charged phone, on hand.

8. Be Prepared to File Claims in Case of Damage

When a loss occurs, boat owners should take prudent measures without delay to prevent further damage to their yacht and save the receipts to review with an adjuster.

• Document Your Yacht: Take detailed photos or videos of your yacht and all of its equipment before the hurricane season begins. This documentation can help in the claims process if you need to file a loss after the storm.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: If your yacht has been affected by a hurricane, it’s crucial to act swiftly and efficiently when contacting your insurance company. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the claims process:
• Be Clear and Detailed: When speaking with the claims adjuster, be thorough in describing the damage. Provide all the necessary documentation, including photographs, a list of damages, and any other evidence required. The more precise you are, the faster the claims process will go.
• Understand the Next Steps: Ask your insurer about the next steps, including when an adjuster will assess the damage, what forms or documents are needed, and how long the process will take. This will give you a better idea of what to expect.
• Follow Up Regularly: Stay in touch with your insurance company to track the status of your claim. Regular follow-ups can ensure that your case is moving forward and that any additional information needed is provided in a timely manner.

Final Tips for Hurricane Season

Preparing your yacht for a hurricane is no small task, but taking the proper precautions can help protect your vessel from severe damage. From securing your yacht in a safe location to ensuring your safety systems are functioning, each step you take will increase the likelihood of your yacht surviving the storm. Always stay informed, and don’t hesitate to evacuate if necessary. With the proper preparation and planning, you can face hurricane season with peace of mind knowing you’ve done everything you can to protect your yacht and crew.

Hurricane prep isn’t just about protecting assets. It’s about prioritizing safety, both for your yacht and all who sail aboard it. If you require additional guidance or want to ensure your boat insurance aligns with comprehensive hurricane protection, contact Wallace Welch & Willingham Marine Insurance.

Stay safe and be proactive when it comes to hurricane preparation—your yacht will thank you for it!

FAQs

How do I create an effective hurricane plan for my yacht?

Start with routine maintenance, review insurance coverage, and outline specific actions to take during hurricane season.

What happens if I cannot follow my hurricane plan?

Notify your insurer immediately. Some policies may still offer partial coverage, but failure to meet critical requirements could result in non-payment of claims.

Is my dock address the same as my mailing address for insurance purposes?

It’s essential to confirm this with your insurer. The location of your yacht during the storm often affects coverage.