Boat Hurricane Prep in Miami

Hurricane Season: June through November

Atlantic hurricane season runs officially from June 1 to November 30. Peak activity for South Florida is mid-August through late October. We recommend having your hurricane plan set and your boat pre-staged by June 1, then reviewed monthly through the season.

Haul or Stay in Water: The Decision

The single biggest hurricane prep decision is whether to haul the boat out or leave it at the dock. There is no universal right answer. Key factors:

• Boat size and weight: Boats under 30 feet are usually easier to haul and store ashore. Very large boats (50+ feet) often fare better in the water at a secure marina.
• Storm intensity forecast: Category 1-2 storms favor in-water plans at protected marinas. Category 3+ strongly favor haul-out and inland storage.
• Marina quality: Some Miami marinas have good floating docks, deep basin design, and hurricane holes. Others are exposed and will grind boats against pilings.
• Yard availability: Local yards fill up fast. If you want a haul-out you need to book weeks ahead, not days.
• Storm surge risk: Low-lying yards can flood. If the boat is on stands in a flooded yard, surge can float it off and carry it into neighbors, docks, or buildings.

We help you work through this decision based on your specific boat, your marina, and the forecast. Book the call early in the season, not 72 hours before landfall when yards are already full.

In-Water Hurricane Prep Checklist

If you are staying in the water, proper prep takes hours, not minutes. Minimum prep:

• Double up dock lines: extra spring lines, breast lines, and stern lines
• Use at least 2x the normal line diameter for storm conditions
• Chafe protection on every line at every rub point (garden hose, leather, or commercial chafe gear)
• Remove all canvas: bimini, enclosure, sun covers, boat covers
• Remove outriggers and antennas that can whip and break
• Close and tape all hatches, ports, and vents
• Disconnect shore power, remove electronics where feasible
• Disconnect batteries or isolate at the master switch
• Fill fuel tanks (more weight, less condensation)
• Close all seacocks
• Document the boat with photos and video for insurance

Haul-Out Prep

If the boat is being hauled, the yard usually handles strap placement and stand setup. Your responsibilities:

• Coordinate haul-out booking weeks in advance, not during the storm watch
• Drain live wells, coolers, and any containers that can take on rain water
• Secure loose items below deck
• Remove electronics if possible
• Disconnect batteries
• Close all seacocks and fill the engine block with fresh water if the yard stores more than a few days
• Remove canvas and isinglass
• Lash the boat to the jack stands and stands to the ground where possible
• Photograph the haul-out and storage positioning for insurance

Documentation for Insurance

This is the step most boat owners skip and regret. Before every storm, document:

• Exterior photos from all four sides, bow, stern, and overhead
• Interior photos of every compartment
• Engine compartment photos
• Electronics and equipment serial numbers
• Current state of sails, canvas, and equipment
• Your written hurricane plan, dated and signed
• Dock line plan with photos of chafe protection

Most marine insurance policies require a written hurricane plan and proper preparation. Claims get denied when owners cannot document that they took reasonable precautions.

Post-Storm Assessment

When we come back after the storm, we assess damage in order of urgency. Hidden water intrusion is the biggest post-storm concern, especially in bilges, hatches, and electrical lockers. We check for:

• Hull damage at dock contact points and waterline
• Water intrusion below deck and in engine compartments
• Electrical damage from salt water or submerged components
• Rig and mast damage on sailboats
• Engine damage from salt water, debris, or flooding
• Running gear and prop damage from debris
• Fuel contamination from water intrusion

We prioritize repairs by safety and further-damage prevention, handle insurance photo documentation, and start the repair process.

Hurricane season prep should start in May, not September. Call (305) 290-2701 or request a hurricane prep consultation well ahead of the next named storm.