Having a Hurricane Plan is Essential

As I sit here in Fort Lauderdale for the 65th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, watching the waves crash on the beach, I’m reminded of the immense power and unpredictability of the ocean. For those of us who live for the water, owning a boat brings a sense of freedom that’s hard to match. But with that freedom comes responsibility, especially during hurricane season. A hurricane plan isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for protecting your boat and maintaining your insurance coverage.

A well-crafted hurricane plan is more than a checklist. It’s a commitment to prepare your vessel in advance so that you’re ready when the storm approaches. Many people don’t realize that simply having a plan in mind isn’t enough; insurance carriers often require documented hurricane plans and may even deny coverage if it’s not followed. This is called a Hurricane Plan Warranty and is one of the key reasons why following through on your storm preparations is crucial. Here’s a look at what makes a hurricane plan effective and how to execute it when it counts.

1. Preparation and Realistic Expectations

The foundation of any good hurricane plan is recognizing that storms are unpredictable. Many boat owners say they’ll haul their boat out of the water if a storm approaches, but it’s essential to account for the reality that, as a hurricane draws near, haul-out spots fill up fast. A good plan doesn’t just rely on the intention to haul out; it includes a haul-out contract with a marina or storage facility in advance. This contract reserves a space to get your boat out of the water when it matters most.

Hurricane haul-out coverage, offered by some insurance policies, can help cover these expenses. Since marinas typically charge by the length of the boat, haul fees can add up quickly for larger vessels. With this coverage, your insurer may reimburse part of the haul-out expense up to a certain limit, though every carrier’s policy is different. This is worth discussing with your insurance provider to ensure you’re covered.

2. Having a Backup Plan

Creating a good hurricane plan means anticipating obstacles. Sometimes, despite having a haul-out contract, a boat may not be able to be moved because of access restrictions, bridge closures, or lack of available staff. This is where a backup plan is crucial. I recommend having a secondary option, such as identifying another marina or facility inland where your boat can be stored safely.

If your plan relies on a designated caretaker, it’s important to ensure they understand and agree to the responsibilities outlined in the plan. This might be a family member, a marina manager, or a hired professional, but whoever it is should know exactly what’s expected. As part of your backup, consider adding a secondary contact, so if the primary person is unavailable, you have a clear alternative.

3. On-Water Preparation Steps

Not every vessel will be hauled out during a hurricane. For boats remaining in the water, securing the boat to withstand wind, storm surge, and rain is essential. A good plan will address:

• Extra Mooring Lines and Fenders: To handle high winds and rough waves, consider doubling or tripling mooring lines and using chafe guards. Extra fenders can prevent your boat from repeatedly hitting the dock or surrounding structures.
• Removal of Loose Gear and Canvas: Removing canvas, electronics, dinghies, and other removable gear reduces the risk of damage. High winds can turn these items into projectiles, causing harm to your boat and others.
• Storm Surge Protection: If your boat will remain on a lift, take steps to secure the lift and consider turning off the power. Boats on a lift are especially vulnerable to storm surge, so be sure you’ve discussed with your marina the best way to handle this situation.

4. Adhering to the Hurricane Plan Warranty

Insurance carriers often require a Hurricane Plan Warranty as a condition of coverage. This means that if a hurricane plan is not followed, the carrier may deny any claims related to hurricane damage. It’s a requirement that underscores the importance of carefully preparing a plan that can actually be implemented. For instance, if your plan specifies that you’ll haul the boat to an inland location, failing to do so could result in a coverage denial. That’s why having a haul-out contract or other verification of your plan’s feasibility is so crucial.

5. A Good Plan is Useless if You Don’t Execute It

All the preparation in the world won’t protect your boat if the steps aren’t carried out when they matter. So, if your plan includes hauling your boat, make sure you’ve arranged everything well in advance and have a backup option in place. For those securing boats on the water, have your materials like extra fenders, chafe guards, and mooring lines ready to go. Execution is everything—a plan that isn’t carried out leaves your boat vulnerable and could jeopardize your insurance coverage if a Hurricane Plan Warranty is in place.

6. Reevaluating Your Plan Annually

An effective hurricane plan is not a one-and-done task. Review and update it annually, especially if anything changes—such as your primary storage location, caretaker, or boat modifications. Many carriers require an updated storm plan before renewing a policy, as it ensures that all information is current and that the boat will be protected according to best practices.

Example of a Good Hurricane Plan

Imagine a boat owner named Tom who stores his 36-foot yacht at a marina close to the coast. Tom has a haul-out contract with a nearby facility 20 miles inland that includes haul fees based on his boat’s length. His plan involves calling the marina at the first sign of an incoming storm to arrange haul-out. Tom’s insurance includes haul-out coverage, which will reimburse him up to $1,000, covering a portion of his haul fee.

In his plan, Tom has designated his brother as a backup contact. His brother has a key to the boat and full instructions on how to secure the vessel. If the marina is at capacity or there’s an issue with getting the boat out, Tom’s plan includes mooring the boat at a secondary location with double lines and additional fenders.

Why a Hurricane Plan is Worth the Effort

Having a hurricane plan ensures that when a storm threatens, you’re not scrambling to protect your vessel. Instead, you have a prearranged plan that gives you confidence. You know your coverage requirements will be met, your boat will be as safe as possible, and any steps you take will likely be reimbursable if you have haul-out coverage.

If you’re a boat owner facing hurricane season for the first time, this is your chance to protect what you’ve worked hard to enjoy. Reach out to discuss hurricane planning or to review coverage options that include haul-out reimbursements. As always, my team and I are here to make sure your time on the water remains as safe and stress-free as possible.