Hurricane season is a time when every boat owner needs to have a comprehensive storm plan in place. The sooner you do this, the better. Depending on your marine insurance policy, you may be required to submit a Named Storm Plan. This plan tells the insurance company what you intend to do with your yacht should a named storm approach. And while the threat of a tropical storm is never a good thing, having a plan is what makes the situation more manageable.
When my clients are asked by their insurance company to submit a Named Storm Plan, I am happy to help. I provide a list of what needs to be done to ensure the yacht is prepared in the event of a named storm, and then review it with the yacht owner so they understand everything I have listed. In this blog post, I am going to provide you with that list, as well as shed some light on marine insurance policies.
Hurricane Season and Insurance Companies
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the most active part of the season typically occurring between mid-August and mid-October.
If you own a catamaran, your yacht insurance company may have specific geographic restrictions during hurricane season. Many insurers establish designated hurricane zones, sometimes referred to as the “hurricane box,” with navigation limits and seasonal restrictions that vary by policy.
As a yacht owner, should you decide to keep your yacht within a designated hurricane zone during this time frame, your insurance premium may be higher. The standard deductible may not change, but the named storm deductible could be significantly higher in the event of damage caused by a named storm. This deductible is often calculated as a percentage of the yacht’s insured value, with the specific amount depending on your policy.
Additionally, your insurer may require you to submit a Named Storm Plan. See the example below.
Storm Plan for Insurance Company
The vessel will be secured in the following manner:
- All bow, stern, and spring lines will be fitted with chafe gear and doubled as needed.
- Roller-furling genoa will be removed and stored below.
- Mainsail and mainsail cover will be removed and stored below when possible. If removal is not practical, they will be securely storm-tied.
- Any cockpit or helm canvas will be removed or rolled up and secured.
- Tender will be secured or removed and stored ashore if possible. Outboard engine will be removed if possible.
- All fenders will be deployed, with fender boards added if needed.
- Batteries will be fully charged.
- All electric and manual bilge pumps will be tested and operational.
- All hatches will be secured and locked.
- All loose exterior gear will be removed or securely stored.
- All running rigging will be removed or secured.
- All helm electronics will be checked and protected as appropriate.
- All seacocks will be checked for ease of closing if needed.
- Wooden plugs or other suitable emergency plugs will be available for each through-hull fitting.
- Fuel tanks will be checked for sufficient fuel as needed.
- Engines will be checked, run, and tested.
- If a generator is fitted, it will be checked, run, and tested.
- Shore power will be disconnected when appropriate, following marina guidelines and ensuring essential bilge systems remain operational.
- Dock lines and securing arrangements will account for anticipated storm surge and changing water levels.
- The yacht’s condition will be documented with photographs before the storm.
- Monitor local and national weather services, including the National Hurricane Center, VHF radio, TV, and internet. Keep in touch with other boat owners in the area.
Extra Precautionary Measures to Be Taken if the Yacht Is at a Private Residence:
- Double lines secured to two different, structurally sound points on the yacht and ashore, using suitable pilings or other approved attachment points where possible.
- Check the area for loose items, such as patio furniture, which could damage the yacht.
- Where permitted and appropriate, lines may be secured across the canal to keep the yacht away from the dock while allowing it to rise and fall with the tide and any storm surge.
- The yacht’s anchor may be deployed if it is determined that doing so would provide additional security.
- Check surrounding docks, pilings, and seawalls for potential weaknesses that could pose a risk during the storm.
Can Someone Else Be Responsible for Your Yacht?
Yes, you may put someone else in charge of preparations. Perhaps you have left your boat in Florida, the Bahamas, or Puerto Rico during hurricane season, but you are not there to prepare for the storm yourself.
Depending on your policy, your insurance company may require the contact information for the company or person responsible if you are not present to prepare your yacht.
You should also keep your insurance company informed of any changes in location or notify them if you plan to place your yacht in dry storage rather than at a dock. If stored on land, your insurer may require specific storage details, such as supports, blocking, and tie-downs.
It is important to ensure that whoever is responsible for your yacht understands the storm plan and has sufficient time to complete preparations before conditions become unsafe.
Proper preparation is one of the best ways to protect your yacht in the event of a storm. However, no storm plan can eliminate every risk, and personal safety should always take priority. Be sure to follow instructions from local authorities and marina operators, and never attempt last-minute preparations when conditions are dangerous.
If you have any questions about how to keep your catamaran secure during hurricane season, please contact us today.
