A practical hurricane checklist for boat owners in Puerto Rico: the plan before the season, what to do when a storm is forecast, and what to do after it passes.
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the most activity usually from August through October. In Puerto Rico, every boat owner needs a plan, and the owners who come through a storm best are the ones who made that plan in May, not the day the cone appears on the news. Use this checklist as a starting point and adapt it to your boat, your marina and your insurance policy.
Before the season: make the plan
The big decision is where the boat will ride out a storm: hauled out on land, in its slip, or moved to a more protected spot. Hauling out is often the safest choice for boats that fit, but lift and yard space fill up fast when a storm is coming. Many marinas keep a priority list and have their own hurricane rules, so read your slip contract and ask what they expect from you.
If the boat will stay in the water, think about the worst case, not the average storm. Storm surge can lift the water level well above normal, so lines that look perfect at high tide may be far too short. Floating docks usually rise with the surge; fixed docks and pilings do not. Walk your slip with that in mind, and ask your neighbors what they plan to do, because a poorly secured boat next to yours is a risk to both.
Pre-season checklist
- Decide: haul-out, stay in the slip or relocate, and book it in writing
- Read your insurance policy: named-storm deductible, required actions and haul-out coverage
- Photograph the boat inside and out, and keep an inventory of equipment
- Store your documents, policy and marina contacts in the cloud and in a waterproof bag
- Buy extra dock lines, chafe guards and fenders before the shelves empty
- Check bilge pumps, float switches and batteries
- If someone else will prepare the boat, agree on it now, with keys and instructions
When a storm is forecast: 72 to 48 hours out
Follow the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service office in San Juan, and act early. Marinas, haul-out yards and captains all get busy at the same time. If the boat is moving, it should move while conditions are still calm and there is time to secure it at the other end.
Secure the boat
- Remove canvas, biminis, enclosures, cushions and anything that can catch wind
- Take off electronics, documents and valuables
- Double the dock lines, lead them for a big surge, and add chafe protection wherever they touch
- Add fenders and keep the boat off the dock and pilings
- Close seacocks except cockpit drains, and seal hatches and vents
- Charge the batteries so the bilge pumps can run, and switch off everything else
- On land: strap the boat down, open the drain plug and remove anything loose
Never stay aboard during a hurricane. Boats can be replaced; people cannot. Leave early and follow official evacuation guidance.
After the storm
Wait until authorities say it is safe to go to the marina. Docks can be damaged, power lines can be down and the water can hide debris. When you can reach the boat, document everything before you touch anything, because your insurer will want to see the damage as you found it.
Post-storm checklist
- Photograph and video all damage, then call your insurer
- Check lines, cleats and chafe gear, and re-secure the boat
- Pump the bilge and look for leaks, cracks and water in the fuel
- Don't start engines that were submerged; have them checked by a mechanic first
- Rinse and dry electrical connections before turning systems back on
Can't be here when a storm hits?
Many owners are traveling or live off the island part of the year. That is what our hurricane relocation service is for: when a storm is coming, we move your boat to a safer harbor or coordinate the haul-out, and send you photos when it is secured. The key is to get on our list before the season, so your boat, keys and plan are ready when every hour counts.
Get on our hurricane list.
Tell us about your boat and marina now, and we'll have a plan ready before the next storm.