Preparing your watercraft for an impending hurricane is essential to minimize damage and ensure safety. Here are some of the best things to do to prepare your watercraft for a hurricane:

1. Secure the boat: Move your boat to a safe location, such as a dry dock or hurricane hole, and secure it with additional mooring lines, anchors, and fenders. Remove any loose items from the boat, such as sails, canvas covers, and cushions.

2. Remove electronics: Remove all electronics and portable items from the boat, such as radios, GPS devices, and batteries, and store them in a safe, dry location.

3. Close hatches and ports: Close all hatches and ports tightly to prevent water from entering the boat.

4. Check bilge pumps: Make sure your bilge pumps are in good working order and can handle heavy rain and flooding. Consider installing additional bilge pumps as a backup.

5. Cover the boat: Cover the boat with a hurricane-resistant cover or shrink wrap to protect it from wind and debris.

6. Turn off all electrical systems: Turn off all electrical systems, including batteries, circuit breakers, and shore power connections.

7. Document the boat: Take photos or videos of the boat before the storm to document its condition and any pre-existing damage.

8. Monitor the storm: Stay informed about the hurricane's track and intensity and follow all evacuation orders from local authorities.

9. Have a plan in place: Have a hurricane plan in place and make sure all crew members are familiar with the plan and their roles in the event of a storm.

These are some of the best things to do to prepare your watercraft for an impending hurricane. It's important to plan ahead and take all necessary precautions to protect your boat and ensure safety.

Relevant Links -

1. Boat Hurricane Preparation Checklist: BoatUS offers a comprehensive checklist for preparing boats for hurricanes, covering topics such as securing the boat, removing electronics, checking bilge pumps, and covering the boat. This resource provides detailed steps and recommendations to help boat owners effectively prepare their watercraft for impending storms: Boat Hurricane Preparation Checklist - BoatUS
2. Hurricane Preparedness for Boaters: The United States Coast Guard (USCG) provides guidance on hurricane preparedness for boaters, including tips for securing boats, removing electronics, and monitoring storms. This resource emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and taking proactive measures to protect both boats and boaters: Hurricane Preparedness for Boaters - United States Coast Guard
3. Hurricane Preparation Tips for Boaters: Discover Boating offers a guide to hurricane preparation for boaters, featuring tips for securing boats, removing electronics, monitoring storms, and developing a hurricane plan. This resource provides practical advice and insights to help boaters navigate the challenges of hurricane season safely: Hurricane Preparation Tips for Boaters - Discover Boating

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