Weathering the Storm: Preparing for Hurricanes with BoatBot
When a major storm approaches, time is scarce and conditions change quickly. Marinas and yards book up, supplies run low, and small oversights can lead to major damage. Boats face risks that homes and cars do not: storm surge can lift vessels from trailers or break moorings; high winds can turn loose gear into projectiles; and saltwater intrusion can silently damage electrical systems and engines.
Advance planning and thorough documentation reduce losses and speed recovery. A digital workflow in BoatBot ensures you have a repeatable process, a timestamped record of preventive steps, and a single source of truth to share with insurers, marinas, and service pros.
Step 1: Create a hurricane action plan in BoatBot
Before hurricane season, assemble a plan and store it in BoatBot so it’s available from your device. Your plan should outline your storage strategy, hauling logistics, local procedures, insurance details, and communication tree.
| Component | What to include | Where in BoatBot |
|---|---|---|
| Storage strategy | Haul out, relocate, or secure in place; criteria for each | Boat Documents |
| Hauling logistics | Marina/yard contacts, account numbers, pre-booked spots | Vendor Manager |
| Local procedures | Marina, harbor, or municipality rules during storms | Boat Documents |
| Insurance details | Policy number, deductible, coverage limits, agent contact | Insurance folder in Documents |
| Communication plan | Who can act on your behalf if you’re away | Checklist Manager |
Step 2: Use BoatBot’s hurricane preparation checklist
Stress can cause important steps to be missed. A structured, digital checklist keeps you on track and creates a timestamped trail that proves you took reasonable precautions. Customize the sample list below inside BoatBot to match your vessel and storage situation.
Hurricane Boat Preparation Checklist
Exterior
- Remove canvas, Bimini tops, enclosures, and sails where applicable.
- Double up dock lines with appropriate scope and add chafe protection.
- Disconnect shore power and nonessential electronics.
- Secure hatches, ports, deck gear, antennas, and dinghies.
- Add extra fenders and spring lines to minimize hull contact.
Interior
- Shut off fuel and propane; close seacocks as appropriate.
- Remove valuables and portable electronics; stow loose cabin items.
- Photograph engine bay, helm, electrical panel, bilge, and cabins.
- Turn off nonessential breakers; verify bilge pump automation.
Trailered Boats
- Move to high ground; remove drain plugs; lower tongue if needed.
- Chock and block wheels; deflate tires slightly to reduce movement.
- Use ratchet straps to tie down to ground anchors or fixed points.
Documentation
- Upload photos and notes to BoatBot.
- Verify insurance docs in your BoatBot profile.
- Log date and time for each completed checklist item.
Step 3: Document everything before the storm
Visual documentation is crucial for both claims and resale. Capture clear, well-lit photos and attach them to your BoatBot record so they are secure and easy to share.
Before-and-after photo targets
- Hull and topsides, transom, through-hulls, and hardware
- Engine compartment, sea strainers, batteries, and electrical panel
- Mooring lines, cleats, chafe gear, fenders, and anchors
- Helm and navigation electronics; interior cabins and lockers
- Trailer frame, winch, tires, and tie-downs
These assets support insurance claims and feed your BoatFax report, establishing verifiable proof of responsible ownership.
Step 4: Post-storm assessment and recovery
Return only when authorities deem it safe. Start with documentation before moving or repairing anything. In BoatBot, create a post-storm log and add notes, photos, estimates, and invoices in chronological order.
- Record findings by system: structural, mechanical, electrical, rigging.
- Upload quotes and service orders; tag items that relate to insurance.
- Schedule follow-up inspections and maintenance reminders.
Step 5: Insurance claims and the power of BoatFax
Insurers process large volumes of hurricane claims. You can accelerate resolution by providing organized, timestamped evidence directly from BoatBot.
- Pre-storm proof-of-condition with dates and locations.
- Checklist logs showing preventive actions taken.
- Post-storm photos, estimates, and repair documentation.
BoatFax compiles this history into a shareable record that also strengthens future resale value by demonstrating diligent care and transparent maintenance.
Step 6: Review, learn, and improve for next season
After each event, review your BoatBot logs to refine your approach. Identify gaps, update your checklist, and pre-position supplies or yard commitments earlier in the season.
- What steps were most effective or unnecessary?
- How did storage location and hardware perform?
- What gear should be upgraded before next season?
Hurricane preparation tips from CaptainAI
- Act early: begin your BoatBot checklist when forecasts indicate potential impact, not when warnings are issued.
- Prioritize surge: lines and fenders should account for vertical movement as well as lateral load.
- Chafe protection: use heavy-duty chafe guards and consider sacrificial lines set to take load first.
- Power planning: disconnect shore power; verify bilge pump batteries and float switches are operational.
- Documentation discipline: take wide shots and close-ups; include serial plates where relevant.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start hurricane preparations?
Begin executing your plan as soon as the forecast shows a realistic threat. Early action ensures yard availability and reduces last-minute errors.
Is it better to haul out or secure in place?
It depends on surge predictions, local facilities, vessel type, and timeline. Your hurricane plan in BoatBot should define criteria for each choice and list the contacts to execute quickly.
What proof do insurers typically ask for?
Pre-storm condition photos, timestamps for preventive
