Posted: 4:16 am
July 20, 2008
THOUGH Bertha is now just a storm heading toward the North Atlantic and no threat to land, I'm starting to think we are overdue to be hit.
This could be the year a major hurricane makes its way up the coast, and there is no time like the present to be ready.
The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.), with 40 years of experience gained from post-storm recovery efforts and thousands of hurricane-related insurance claims files, has four tips that can help your boat make it through a major storm.
* Make your hurricane plan now. Year after year, some boaters are lulled into believing a storm won't come their way and fail to make a serious effort until a hurricane is forecast. By then, there may be no one available to haul their boat ashore and stores may be sold out of basic hurricane supplies such as rope, anchors or fenders.
* Speak to your marina staff about their hurricane plans. The best hurricane damage prevention requires full cooperation with your marina or boat club. Does your marina have a hurricane club? Get details.
* Review the free hurricane planning resources at www.BoatUS.com/hurricanes. Take advantage of the BoatU.S. online hurricane preparation worksheet, guide, and other storm-planning information. When a storm approaches, the Web site's "spaghetti" models can help you track where it may come ashore.
* BoatU.S. is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters, providing its 650,000 members with a wide array of consumer services, including a group-rate marine insurance program that insures nearly a quarter million boats; the largest fleet of more than 500 towing assistance vessels; discounts on fuel, slips, and repairs at more than 885 marinas; boat financing; For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call (800) 395-2628.
