Protect Your Boat for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Sea Tow® – the nation’s leading on-water marine assistance provider – urges boaters to prepare for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season which started on June 1 and runs until Nov. 30. While the usual peak in activity occurs in Aug. and Sept., storms have formed ahead of that official start date in the last decade and 2024 is no exception.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season.
NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.
“From experience, we know that just one storm can cause devastation and uproot lives,” said Sea Tow CEO, Joseph Frohnhoefer III. “The time to prepare is now. We encourage all boaters to be prepared and understand the steps that need to be taken if a storm were to make landfall in their area to protect themselves and their boat. Sea Tow’s team of knowledgeable and experienced captains are available to help.”
The following is a list of boating tips to consider before, during and after a hurricane.
General Preparedness Prior to a Storm:
Know what your marine insurance policy covers. Read it and ask your insurance agent questions.
Some insurance companies may require owners to pull their vessel out of the water during a storm or store it in a specific location while the storm is a threat.
Ensure your policy will cover the recovery of your vessel, transportation or storage if needed, repair of your vessel or, in the worst-case scenario, the demolition and disposal of your vessel.
If your boat is kept at a marina, check your marina policies to gain an understanding of requirements and procedures.
Before a Storm
When a storm is approaching, determine where your boat will ride out the storm.
If your boat needs to be relocated on land, position it on a trailer close to a strong building to break the wind and away from debris and strap it down securely. To anchor the trailer, place blocks beneath it and deflate the tires so it doesn’t shift around due to high winds.
If the boat must stay in the water, secure it to the dock with longer, thicker lines to ensure it doesn’t sway during the storm.
Ensure there aren’t any loose items on the boat that could potentially fly around during the storm and cause more damage.
Take video inventory of all property onboard and place legal documents such as policies, licenses, and registration in a secure, dry place away from the vessel.
During a Storm
Monitor radio, TV, NOAA Weather Radio, and/or hurricane hotline telephone numbers for official bulletins for storm updates.
Do not return to the vessel until there is an official announcement that the storm has passed, or the marina is open.
After a Storm
Once it is safe to return to the vessel, inspect it for any structural damage.
If the boat was damaged during the storm, take photos, and report it to your insurance company as soon as possible.
It’s imperative to only work with licensed and insured companies to recover your vessel. In many cases your insurance company has a pre-arranged relationship with a recovery company, and in many cases it’s Sea Tow. Rest assured knowing that Sea Tow’s experienced captains are available to assist with the recovery process and prevent any further damage.
About Sea Tow®
Sea Tow has been the innovative and premier leader of on-water assistance since 1983. Servicing the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, members are provided with a 24/7 connection with Coast Guard-licensed captains. The pioneering concept, founded by Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer, was established in Southold, NY when the United States Coast Guard ceased response to non-emergency assistance calls. In 2023, Sea Tow is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of boater assistance, safety, and support.
In addition to on-water assistance, the franchise network handles salvage and recovery, responds to natural disasters, environmental hazards, and oil spill cleanups. Learn more about Sea Tow’s marine support capabilities here: https://seatow.com/marine-services/.
Visit seatow.com to learn more or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
Comments