How To Help Your Boat Survive A Major Storm
Lack of proper preparation is the major cause of boat damage in a storm. Theres no excuse for that type of loss. What can you do to reduce your risk?
Know Your Ground Tackle
Is your mooring really a 1,000-pound mushroom with 3/4-inch chain? It may be worth hiring a diver to find out, preferably before a storm threatens. Likewise, all shackles, chains, and mooring pennants should be examined at least once a season to make sure they are in good shape. If the condition of any component of the system is questionable, replace it. If your insurance adjuster sees a corroded through piece of chain or a mooring pennant that is badly worn, he may well be reluctant to approve your claim in case of loss.
In crowded harbors, permanent moorings may lack adequate scope to deal with the high tides associated with storm conditions. It may be possible to increase scope for a storm by replacing or lengthening the mooring pennant. Just as with an anchor, the holding power of a permanent mooring is increased by additional scope. Some moorings are equipped with large, inflatable surface buoys. The positive flotation of these buoys may reduce the holding power of the mooring in extreme high tides, so it may be worth removing the buoy before a storm. Just don’t forget to replace it before casting off the mooring pennant once the storm is over.
For more advice on preparing your boat for an upcoming storm, purchase out Bill Seiferts Offshore Sailing, 200 Essential Passagemaking Tips today!
