NWS Hurricane Conference June 23 rd, 2009

NWS Newport Hurricane Conference June 23 rd, 2009 The Boat Owners Job When a Storm is Heading Towards You Hurricane Preparedness

“I ONCE KNEW A WRITER WHO, AFTER SAYING BEAUTIFUL THINGS ABOUT THE SEA, PASSED THROUGH A HURRICANE… HE BECAME A CHANGED MAN.” – Joshua Slocum

Overview  Hurricane Watch Timetable –What to do and when  Key Decisions –Put it on Land –Anchor Out –Run for “Sea Room” –Fixed Docks vs. Floating Docks  Summary

Hurricane Response Timetable –STAGE 1 (72 to 48 hours prior to projected storm arrival)  Monitor NOAA weather reports  Coordinate with marina/dock master and knowledgeable boating partner.  Move all trailerable boats to dry land  Move the bow of all docked boats to point towards the longest fetch  Remove all loose gear from the boat  Be sure the automatic bilge pump is functioning  If you plan to anchor out, now is the time to move your boat.

Hurricane Response Timetable –STAGE 2 (48 to 24 hours prior to projected storm arrival)  Double all dock lines and add chafe gear  Remove and store shore power cords  Remove and store canvas and sails.

Hurricane Response Timetable –STAGE 3 (less than 24 hours prior to projected storm arrival)  Final check  Leave the boat – don’t be on the dock or boat when the wind velocity exceeds 50 mph.

Hurricane Response Timetable –STAGE 4 (post storm recovery)  Beware of snakes, downed electrical wires, electrical/electronic equipment, leaking gas or fuel.  Survey your boat and note all damage – take pictures

Hurricane Response Decisions For the Boat Owner Pull the boat and store on dry land ? Generally the best solution A “no brainer” for trailerable boats Anchor out ? A good idea, BUT… it demands careful planning Consider: Safe location with good holding ground – a hurricane hole Anchors and substantial ground tackle Access Tie up to a Dock ? Floating docks – your boat is as secure as the dock Fixed docks – can you keep you boat off the dock if there is a 10’ tidal swing? Bulkhead docks – you’ll need anchors to keep the boat away from the dock.

Anchoring Out  Location  Anchors  Chain  Multiple Anchor Deployment  Plan

Anchoring Out –Location:  A hurricane hole with short fetch, good holding ground and easy access  Plan on a 10 or 15 to 1 scope  You will need plenty of swing room – assume you will drag your anchor  The shoreline should be “friendly” in case you drag anchor  A crowded hurricane hole can be worse than a rickety dock. You are as safe as your least prepared neighbor

Anchoring Out –Anchors:  The bigger the better – size counts  Bruce and Plow types are usually better because the re-set well – Danforth type anchors do NOT reset well.

Anchoring Out –Multiple Anchor Deployment:  Don’t use the “Bahamian Moor”  Three anchors in equilateral triangle, combined in middle and moored to boat works well.  Two anchors in sequence (Backed) also works well.

Anchoring Out –Anchor Rode:  Use as much as you’ve got.  Minimum of 1 boat length of chain  Make sure you use the proper size for your boat  If you use all chain, be sure to use a “snubber”  Assume you will rotate at least 360°  Nylon rode will stretch – a lot

Anchoring Out  PLAN –Use Chafe Gear –Use nylon Bridle –If you have an all chain rode, use a snubber –Avoid putting ANY storm stress on the windless. They are notoriously weak!

. Tying up at the Dock: o At a fixed, floating or bulkhead dock, the general idea is to secure the boat in such a way that it will never touch the dock structure.  Use as many lines as you can. When done, you want it to look like a ‘spider web’. All line should have the same amount of tension. Spring lines are critical.  Dock lines can stretch over 30%. Be sure your boat will not hit the dock when the line stretches in the storm.  Point the bow of the boat in the direction of the longest fetch.  While fenders may be effective under normal conditions, in a storm they are generally useless. Even the strongest fender will be ground to dust between a boat and the dock under storm conditions.  Tie off to as many solid cleats on both the boat and dock as are available. Don’t tie dock lines to insecure fixtures, e.g.: bimini supports, handrails, etc.

Floating Docks –FLOATING DOCKS:  The objective is to be tightly secured to the floating dock system.  Tie many lines to secure fittings on the boat and dock – think spider web  All line should be taught  In general: dock lines should not touch the water  Use chafe gear  BE OFF THE DOCK BEFORE THE STORM ARRIVES!

Fixed Docks –FIXED DOCKS:  REMEMBER, a ‘fixed’ dock moves in a storm – a lot. –ALSO, your boat will move up and down with the tide and surge – in a hurricane more then 10 feet.  You must tie the boat in such a way as to have enough line to accommodate the tidal surge. –This means long dock lines, BUT, don’t let the boat hit the dock –AGAIN, think spider web –Use chafe gear  The primary danger for a boat at a fixed dock is being damaged against the dock.

Bulkhead Docks –BULKHEAD DOCKS:  Similar to a cross between fixed docks and anchoring.  Use anchors to keep the boat off the dock  Has the downside of BOTH anchoring and fixed docks.

Summary: DEVELOP A PLAN: o HAVE ALL NECESSARY EQUIPMENT AT HAND: o IDENTIFY A LIKEMINDED PARTNER: o LISTEN TO THE WEATHER FORECAST AND COORDINATE WITH LOCAL DOCKMASTER OR YARD o ACT EARLY o GET OFF THE DOCKS AND BOATS BEFORE THE STORM ARRIVES.

Some Very Good References  Boatus.com –boatus.com/hurricanes/symposium boatus.com/hurricanes/symposium  Boats.com –boats.com/news-reviews/article/hurricane- preparation-plans-crucial-2328  NHC.NOAA.GOV –nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/marine_safety.sh tml