Boating: Sea Tow offers storm prep tips for boaters

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]onitor the storm track via both local and national weather services, including NOAA Weather Radio and the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center at NOAA […].

[highlight color=”black”]…[/highlight]Store the boat’s important documents, including your marine insurance policy, in a secure place off the vessel.

[highlight color=”black”]…[/highlight]Remove all detachable items from your boat, such as canvas, sails, cushions, fishing rigging, portable electronics and antennas.

[highlight color=”black”]…[/highlight]Lash down everything that you cannot remove, including booms, tillers, wheels, etc.

[highlight color=”black”]…[/highlight]Make an inventory, preferably by video, of all valuable fixed items that remain onboard, like chart plotters and other marine electronics.

[highlight color=”black”]…[/highlight]Deflate your dinghy and store it and its outboard motor off the boat. If it’s a fiberglass dinghy, store it in an indoor facility if possible.

[highlight color=”black”]…[/highlight]Lash your boat down securely if it is on a trailer. Use tie-downs to anchor the trailer to the ground, let the air out of its tires, and weigh down the frame.

[highlight color=”black”]…[/highlight]Disconnect your boat’s battery. If it is in a facility with shore power, be sure all power is turned off and all shore power cords are stowed securely.

[highlight color=”black”]…[/highlight]Center your boat in its slip if it is docked in a marina or a private berth. Double-up all dock lines and make sure they are of sufficient length to compensate for excessive high water.

[highlight color=”black”]…[/highlight]Put out enough scope, if your boat is anchored. Inspect all anchor rodes and chain and replace any that are worn or rusted. Set extra anchors as necessary.

[highlight color=”black”]…[/highlight]Do not stay with your boat or try to ride out a storm on board. No matter how valuable your vessel is to you-both financially and sentimentally-it’s not worth your life.

About Sea Tow

30th anniversary log_Final 2Now celebrating its 30th anniversary year, Sea Tow Services International Inc. is the nation’s leading on-water assistance provider. Established in 1983 by Founder & CEO Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer, Sea Tow now serves members in more than 100 locations throughout the United States, Europe, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. For a full list of membership benefits, how to become a Sea Tow member, or to inquire about becoming a Sea Tow franchise owner, please visit seatow.com.

In addition to providing peace of mind on the water 24/7 to Sea Tow members and other boaters, Sea Tow also offers innovative, free boating safety and information services to the public, including the Sea Tow App for smartphones, Sea Tow’s Automated Radio Check Service, and the nonprofit Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Station program. For more information, click here […] or here […].