How to Protect Your Boat During Hurricane Season

Every year, boat owners across coastal regions face the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes. To protect yourself and your vessel, all boaters should prepare and understand the steps that need to be taken when a storm makes landfall in your area. The following guide from Sea Tow outlines the steps to take before, during, and after a storm to reduce damage and stay safe.

General preparedness prior to a storm

Before hurricane season starts, review your hurricane plan and make sure you’re ready to act quickly. Preparation is your best defense when tropical storms or hurricanes threaten your area.

• Check insurance coverage: Know what your marine insurance policy includes. Some insurance companies may require boat owners to remove vessels from the water or move them to a specific storage location when a storm is imminent.
• Ensure your policy covers recovery, transportation, storage, and repairs, or even demolition if your vessel is lost.
• Review your marina’s hurricane procedures to understand requirements for mooring lines, floating docks, and boat lifts.
• Keep your evacuation plans up to date and make sure family members know their roles if you need to move your boat or trailer it inland.
• For general storm readiness, check out our Boating Safety Tips guide.

Before a Storm: How to Secure a Boat Before a Hurricane

When a storm approaches, decide where your vessel will ride out the conditions. The best protection depends on your boat type, location, and available shelter.

• On Land: If possible, haul your boat out of the water and park it on a trailer near a sturdy building to reduce wind exposure. Strap it down securely, block the trailer, and slightly deflate the tires so it won’t move in high winds.
• In the Water: If your vessel must remain afloat, secure it to the dock using longer, thicker dock lines and additional mooring lines. Position fenders to prevent rubbing damage, and use an anchor line to reduce strain.
• In a Hurricane Hole: If accessible, move your boat into a well-protected hurricane hole, a naturally sheltered area that reduces wind and wave impact. Properly position bilge pumps to manage rainwater and ensure they’re working before the storm hits.
• Remove or tie down all loose items such as cushions, electronics, and canvas tops.
• Take a video inventory of all onboard property and store important documents (registrations, policies, licenses) in a dry, secure place off the vessel.
• Learn how to protect your boat cover to prevent unnecessary damage from flying debris.

During the Storm: Stay Safe, Stay Informed

• Never try to ride out the storm onboard your vessel.

Monitor updates from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center via NOAA Weather Radio, local TV, or official alerts. Wait until authorities confirm that the storm has passed before returning to your vessel. If ordered to evacuate, follow all evacuation plans promptly—personal safety comes first.

After the Storm: Assess, Document, Recover

When the storm has passed and it’s safe to return, inspect your vessel for damage carefully.

• Check for structural damage, broken lines, or flooding.
• Verify that bilge pumps are operational and draining any standing water.
• Take photos of all visible damage and report findings to your insurance provider immediately.
• Always use licensed and insured recovery services. Many insurance companies already work directly with Sea Tow for hurricane salvage and recovery.

Sea Tow’s experienced Captains can assist with post-storm recovery and prevent any further damage to your vessel. In addition to on-water assistance, the Sea Tow network responds to natural disasters, environmental hazards, and oil spill cleanups nationwide.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Boat Owners

• Review your insurance coverage and hurricane plan early in the season.
• Inspect mooring lines, dock lines, and anchor lines for wear.
• Confirm bilge pumps and backup power sources are working.
• Know nearby hurricane holes or safe inland storage areas.
• Keep a list of emergency contacts and National Weather Service alert frequencies.
• Prepare and share evacuation plans with crew and family.

Stay Ready with Sea Tow

Hurricane preparedness is key to minimizing damage and protecting your investment. Whether it’s knowing how to secure a boat during a hurricane or choosing the safest hurricane hole, planning ahead gives you the best chance of weathering the storm safely.

If your vessel suffers damage or needs recovery after a storm, Sea Tow’s network of professional Captains is ready to help — safely and confidently. Learn more about Sea Tow’s marine support capabilities here.

FAQs

How do you secure or prepare a boat for a hurricane?

Start by moving your vessel to the safest possible location. If you can haul it out, place it on a trailer near a sturdy building to reduce wind exposure, deflate the tires, and strap it down securely. If the boat must remain in the water, double up dock lines and mooring lines, use longer, heavier ropes, and protect both sides with fenders. If available, move your vessel to a sheltered hurricane hole, which is a naturally protected area that helps reduce wind and surge impact. Remove all loose items from the deck, secure hatches, and check that bilge pumps are working properly. Finally, take photos of your boat, secure all documents, and review your insurance coverage before the storm hits. You can also read Sea Tow’s guide on what to do with your boat after a hurricane for post-storm recovery tips.

What should you do if your boat is caught in a storm?

If you’re already on the water when a storm approaches, stay calm and act quickly. Put on life jackets and have everyone remain low and centered. Point the bow of the boat into the waves at a 45-degree angle to reduce pounding. Slow your speed but maintain enough power for control. Secure loose gear, close hatches, and keep the bilge clear using bilge pumps. Use your radio to monitor the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center for updates. If lightning is nearby, stay away from metal and disconnect electronics. Head toward a safe harbor or hurricane hole if conditions allow, and never try to outrun the storm.

Is it okay to be on a boat during a storm?

No. It’s never safe to remain on a boat during a major storm or hurricane. High winds, rough seas, and flying debris can capsize a vessel or throw passengers overboard. Always move to shore well before the storm arrives and follow local evacuation plans. Once your boat is secured, monitor updates from the National Weather Service and return only after authorities confirm that the storm has completely passed.

What happens if your boat is hit by lightning?

A lightning strike can cause serious electrical and structural damage to your boat. Check immediately for injuries and signs of fire. Afterward, inspect all electronics, wiring, and antennas since lightning can burn out circuits or melt connectors. Examine the fuel system, including fuel hoses and tanks, for any leaks caused by heat or vibration. If your boat engine won’t start after a lightning strike, avoid repeated ignition attempts and call for professional help. Sea Tow Captains can assist with on-water recovery and ensure your vessel is safe before you restart any electrical systems.

Sea Tow Team

Sea Tow has been the premier leader in on-water boating assistance since 1983. We want to share news, press, tips and all things boating.