Unfortunately, hurricane season is upon us, and if you live in an area that will be affected by big storms, you’ll need to be prepared. This includes preparing your boat so that it will be safe regardless of the weather. At Greenville Marine, we sell amazing new and used boats, but we also want to help you get prepared for bad weather. Here are some best practices for preparing your boat for a hurricane:
- Strap down your boats ashore. Boats left on shore tend to suffer less damage than boats left at docks during severe weather, but keep in mind that boats can still receive damage on shore too. If you use jackstands normally to support the hulls of your boat on land, they can be rocked back and forth from the wind, and this can cause damage over time. For even more peace of mind, store your boats on shore on high ground. This will limit the chance of your boat being underwater, even if it’s on land.
- Store your boats at marinas with floating docks and tall pilings. These allow boats to rise and fall with surge without stretching and stressing lines. Sometimes boats on floating docks receive no damage at all from hurricanes, while boats on fixed docks nearby are badly damaged.
- Make plans before a hurricane warning is posted. Don’t wait and risk the damage to your boat, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone area. Review your dock contract for language that may require you to take certain steps or to leave the marina when a hurricane may happen. Ask the staff at your marina what their plans are for severe weather.
We want you all to stay safe, and if there’s anything we can do to ensure your boat’s safety, please let us know. On another note, if you’re looking to buy a new or used boat, look no further! Check out our boat inventory at Greenville Marine and let us know what catches your eye. We are located at 3600 Greenville Boulevard in Greenville, NC. To contact our boat shop, please call (252) 758-5938. To contact our outdoor shop, please call (252) 758-5945. Come by and see us from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday, or 8:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday. We can’t wait to see you!