With the Atlantic season at its statistical peak, a written plan — not a last-minute scramble — is what protects your vessel. Here is the checklist we run for every managed yacht.
Hurricane season in South Florida runs through the end of November, and the weeks around its peak are when preparation decisions matter most. Every yacht we manage has a written plan on file before June 1, and we revisit it as the peak of the season approaches.
The core checklist
- Confirm your insurance policy's hurricane requirements and named-storm deductible
- Decide and document your strategy: haul-out, dock-side securing, or relocation
- Verify marina hurricane plans and cut-off dates for removal from slips
- Photograph the vessel's current condition for pre-storm records
- Test bilge pumps, battery banks, and shore-power disconnects
Haul-out versus dock-side securing
For most vessels under 100 feet, a planned haul-out is the safest option — and yards such as Lauderdale Marine Center book quickly during peak weeks. If the yacht stays in the water, double lines, chafe gear, and proper fender placement become the difference between an uneventful blow and avoidable damage.
After the storm
Once conditions allow, a supervised inspection covers the hull, dock, and systems before the vessel returns to service. Photos and findings are documented so any insurance claims are straightforward.
If your yacht does not yet have a written hurricane plan, we can build one and coordinate every step — contact our team to get started.