Prestorm Recommandations

[missbelmar]

I've have seen over the past couple snow storms alot of boat sinkings of different size vessels large and small that were left in the water. A few things could have been done to maybe prevent things from going wrong. Even though i run bigger boats i do have a smaller commercial boat and i've owned a lot of smaller boats .

1) IF YOU CAN HAUL IT OUT
2) CLOSE ALL SEACOCKS !!!! When things freeze up ice will cause hoses to expand and burst. I"ve also seen this happen with sea strainers
3) Make sure all pumps are in working order.
4) Make sure all Batteries are fully charged and plug in a little trickle charger to keep batteries up to snuff.
5) On inboard boats I plug in an electric heater and leave it on 750 watts or plug in a block heater. Seal all vents . This should keep things a little warmer and prevent freezing. You can also plug a light bulb or two in your bildge section to prevent pumps from freezing. ( Believe it or not this will keep things above freezing.
6) If the winds are expected to be high and your not protected from the wind. DOUBLE OR TRIPLE your line up. Lines do freeze and can snap in this weather.
7) If you get alot of snow ... Its just like your driveway you have to shovel your boat off . SNOW DOES ADD WEIGHT to your vessel .If you leave it there to melt your pumps will work harder and cause a drain on your battery. Snow can also shift and cause unstable conditions to your vessel.
8) if you live close to your boat or you have a friend that lives close, Someone during a storm should check things periodically.

These might be something one could over look. If i know i wont be able to keep an eye on my vessel or someone trustfull i opt for the short haul example lift or trailer. I usually keep my 45 ft commercial boat @ Red's the surge during a storm is terrible there I've snapped 3/4 in lines there easily from the surge during an easterly wind , so now i just move it west of the RR bridge. Its cheaper then the inevitable.

Just my opinion
Capt Jimmy