Moving Your Family To A New Place

Nothing compares to enjoying a relaxing day cruising around in your boat on calm waters. Unfortunately, there will also be days when the ocean, lake or river isn't so peaceful, and a storm threatens to tear your boat apart. Luckily, with a little preparation and some quick thinking, it's possible to save your boat from being damaged – or even destroyed. If you can't put your boat in storage, here are a few tips to help ensure it stays as safe as possible during the storm:

Is Moving My Boat the Best Option?

The option to move your boat before the storm is the best option available, especially if you have time and a boat storage unit available. The best place for your boat during any type of storm is on land in a secure facility.

Check out a site like http://www.getepicstorage.com to learn more about storage options if you don't already use an on-land facility.

If a storage facility isn't available and you live in a coastal town, according to Practical Sailor, your next best option is to find a "hurricane hole." These are marinas that are designated as safer during storms and are generally found in inland lakes or other smaller, more sheltered waterways.

However, if the hurricane hole in your area isn't within a few miles or if there are several boaters with the same idea, this might not be a feasible option, either.

In some cases, the best option is to leave your boat where it is. For example, if your boat will be secured to a small dock, make sure to tie it to the dock several times and anchor the boat, as well. If you're in a marina, inquire about any safety plans they have in place.

Whatever your situation, the most important thing to remember is that if you're forced to keep your boat in the water, your main goal should be to prevent it from banging into anything large enough to cause damage.

Remove These Items Immediately

Once your boat is as secure as possible, your next step should be removing anything from the deck and inside the boat that could cause damage.

When it comes to your boat's topside, here are a few of the things you might have stored on deck that should be removed:

• Unused anchors

• Deck chairs

• Extra lines, sails, booms or fenders

• Hoses

• Decorative items

• Coolers or any other items used to store or prepare food

After you have removed anything that isn't necessary or attached to the boat's exterior, it is time to move to the boat's interior. Take out any personal items, such as clothing, toiletries or decorative pieces. Clear the cupboards of any food and remove the boat's navigational gear or other gadgets.

Remember that leaving anything behind on your boat could cause some serious damage if it is tossed around in the storm.

Preparing Your Boat For the Storm

Now that everything that isn't attached or necessary has been removed, it's time to make your boat as secure and safe as possible. Begin by sealing any drawers, cabinets, windows, hatches, instrument gauges and vents with duct tape. This will help keep the water damage to a minimum, especially in places that are difficult to clean or repair.

In addition, it's also vital to make sure your boat's batteries are completely charged, the bilge is clean and the switches and pumps are working properly. Also, make sure that your fuel tank is full. In addition to preventing damage that can occur when fuel is allowed to move freely in a half-empty tank, a full tank of gas will come in handy if you need to move the boat quickly once the storm is over.

From making sure your boat is secure to removing anything that could fly around and cause some serious damage during the storm, it's important to prepare your boat from the high winds and dangerous waves. However, while you're making sure your boat is secure, don't forget to make sure you are safe, as well. Never stay on the boat during a storm; seek shelter at the first sign of inclement weather.