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Photos: Take photos of your boat after preparations are made, in case you need them for an insurance claim.

After The Storm: Before you start your boat, if your boat is gasoline powered check your blower vent to make sure it isn’t filled with water and trapping gas fumes . A boat in the water should only be secured in a well-protected marina.

Insurance Documents: If you have filed a hurricane China Outboard Engines wholesale factory plan with your insurance company, locate it and follow it. Water can surge over the seawall and flood the harbor or basin. You’ll also need to check the security of your shore power connection. This includes any loose fitting item that might be ripped off by the high winds. If your boat yard is not paved, make sure the jack stands are on plywood or another solid surface. A seawall or sandy spit that normally protects a harbor may not offer any protection in a hurricane.

Flying Hazards: Remove canvas, sails and loose items that could be lifted by the wind and become hazardous flying objects. Tie down straps or chains can mitigate this somewhat. Make sure your batteries are fully charged and always have extra batteries charged and close by. Tie your dock lines so they can be adjusted from the dock, and consider using snubbers.Location: Choosing the most storm-worthy location for your boat is probably the number one consideration you need to make. There may not be a perfect location, depending on your physical location, but you must think through your options ahead of time and have a plan if needed. Ensure that you have a plan in place to receive safety warnings and alerts.

Electrical Power: Remember that power may go out or be disconnected. Some insurance companies will pay for half of the expense of hauling your boat as storm prep, but storing your boat on the hard isn’t a guarantee of safety. Many times these boats are left in the streets once the water recedes. A fixed dock will require you to keep a frequent eye on it to loosen and tighten the lines and the water surge changes. Shut down everything you can to conserve battery power for your bilge pumps. If you are on a fixed dock, make sure your lines are long enough to allow for the rising water. Winds can cause it to rock in the jacks, throwing it off balance and causing it to fall.

Docking: Double up dock and fender lines and add chafe guards to keep your lines from fraying. Remember that your fenders may be lifted by the wind and become useless, you’ll need to cross tie your boat to hold it away from the dock. If the engine and other machinery was submerged or had gotten wet, it should be flushed with fresh water and then filling with fuel. Breaking waves or water surges can rise over the banks and lift the boats off of their jack stands.

Stay Informed: Keep a good check on weather updates and be sure you have a battery operated radio with extra batteries available.