Preparing Your Boat For Hurricanes

Every marina has different rules for what must be done by boat owners in the face of an approaching hurricane. In the wake of Katrina and Wilma, states are beginning to pass laws requiring boat owners to prepare their boats in certain ways. In light of all this information, some of it conflicting, what are the most important things a boat owner must know to protect themselves and their boat during a hurricane?

There are two basic rules that most experts agree offer the most important advice. First, plan ahead for what you will do when a hurricane approaches. That means checking your contract with your marina to see what they require and checking with your state for any additional regulations. You should also check with your boat insurance company to see if they have regulations that may affect your coverage. Conduct a dry run during the off-season to be sure you fully understand how much time is necessary to move or prepare your boat.

Second, under no circumstances is it safe to attempt to ride out a hurricane in your boat. There is a persistent myth that being on a boat in open water is safer than being on land during a hurricane, but the facts do not bear it out. Hurricane winds and tides can carry boats far inland or even sink them. Your boat is not worth risking your life.

Moving your boat is always the best way to prevent damage if at all possible. However, this requires arranging for inland storage space well ahead of time. Also, many boat owners are not aware that drawbridges are often locked down before a hurricane to facilitate the evacuation of people from low-lying areas. This increases the importance of moving your boat as soon as a hurricane watch is issued for your area.

Some areas have flotilla plans in place in order to move the maximum number of boats in the shortest time. Your local emergency management office will issue flotilla information in advance of a hurricane. If you are planning on joining a flotilla, be sure that your boat is properly maintained and fueled.

If moving your boat is not a possibility there are some simple things you can do to minimize damage. Remove all portable items from your boat such as electronics, antennas, dinghies, sun shades, oars or any other item that may blow around and cause damage. Be sure that any remaining items are securely lashed down. Obtain rope and other supplies to secure your boat well in advance as these items may be in short supply before a storm.

Boat Loans

Owning a boat of your own is a matter of privilege. You can explore the wonders of the sea with your own boat rather than renting a boat, which is available for a limited time span. What is stopping you from buying a boat of your own? Is it lack of sufficient funds in your account? If your answer is yes, then no need to worry any longer, boat loans are here to help you get your dream boat.

Boat loans ,facilitate the UK residents with an opportunity to buy a boat of their choice. For some of you a boat may be a passion while for others it could be just a luxurious item. You can choose the boat that suits your personality and need from the variety of boats available in the market ranging from a powered speed boat to a narrow boat and a house boat to a smaller cruiser.

If you have decided to take a boat loan you need to keep few points in consideration. First and the foremost thing you need to do is to decide which boat do you wish to buy and find out its price, this will help you in determining how much funds do you need. The next thing is to unearth how much money do you have which you can invest in purchasing the boat. Both these steps will help you in finding how much money do you exactly need to borrow with a boat loan.