Be Ready for Storm Season: Your Complete Guide to Storm Preparedness at Freeport Marine Supply

As storm season approaches, it's crucial to ensure that your boat and property are prepared to weather the elements. At Freeport Marine Supply, we understand the importance of readiness, and we're committed to helping you stay safe and secure through any weather event. From expert advice to essential boating supplies, we’ve got you covered.

Essential Storm Preparedness Tips and Resources

Preparing for storm season requires careful planning and the right supplies. To help you stay ready, here are some of the most important resources and tools we offer:

• Storm Preparedness Guide for Boaters

Location: Leave in the Slip vs. Haul Out?
Deciding whether to leave your boat in the water or haul it out depends on the severity of the storm and local conditions. Boats left in the slip should be properly secured, but hauling out may be safer in extreme weather.

Stored Ashore:
Boats stored ashore should always be securely strapped down to prevent movement during high winds or flooding.

Canal Storage:
Storing your boat in a canal is one of the best options for in-water storage as it offers more protection from rough waters.

Chafe Gear:
Adding chafe gear to dock lines is essential to limit failure during strong winds and rough seas.

Mooring Storage vs. Dock Storage:
Mooring storage can provide greater safety during a storm compared to dock storage, as it allows the boat more room to move with the surge.

Marina Security After the Storm:
Once the storm passes, check with your marina about security protocols to ensure your boat is safe and undamaged.

Make an Equipment List:
Prepare a detailed list of supplies you’ll need before, during, and after the storm. This includes essentials like extra dock lines, fuel, and emergency gear.

Strip the Boat Down:
Remove electronics, important documents, perishables, and any loose items from the boat to prevent damage or loss during the storm.

Add Extra Lines and Lengthen for Surge:
Secure your boat by adding extra lines, chafe gear where necessary, and lengthen the lines to accommodate storm surges.

• ➡️Click Here for Our Comprehensive Pre-Storm Checklist: Use our easy-to-follow checklist to make sure you have everything you need, from securing dock lines to stocking up on fuel.

• Post-Storm Recovery Tips:

Recovering from a hurricane is undoubtedly stressful, and we hope you and your loved ones are safe. If your boat has sustained damage, it's essential to reach out to your insurance company right away. Meanwhile, once it is safe, follow these steps to safeguard your boat and mitigate further issues:

• Remove Equipment: If it's safe and possible, take out any equipment from the boat to protect it from theft or vandalism.

• Prevent Weather Damage: Regardless of the boat’s condition, clean and dry it thoroughly to avoid additional problems like leaks, mildew, or mud.
• Treat Wet Engines: If your engine or machinery has been submerged or wet, rinse them with fresh water and then treat with diesel fuel or kerosene to prevent corrosion.

• Handle Salvage Carefully: If the boat is sunk or needs to be moved by a salvage company, let your insurance company manage the arrangements. Avoid signing any salvage or wreck removal agreements without first consulting your insurance claims representative.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your boat and reduce potential damage after a hurricane. Stay safe, and let your insurance company assist you through the recovery process.

Storm Season Essentials at Freeport Marine Supply

At Freeport Marine Supply, we are dedicated to serving boaters during the most challenging weather conditions. Whether you're preparing ahead of time or dealing with the aftermath, we have a wide selection of products designed to help you protect your vessel and stay prepared for the unexpected.

Some of our top storm-preparedness products include:

• High-Strength Rope and Dock Lines: Secure your boat with durable lines that can withstand harsh weather.
• Chafe Gear: Prevent damage to your lines with quality chafe protection.
• Fuel Containers: Ensure you have ample fuel storage for your boat during the storm.
• Bilge Pumps: Keep your boat dry and afloat with reliable bilge pumps.
• Marine Batteries & Charging Systems: Make sure your boat’s electrical systems are fully powered and ready for any emergency.
• Foul Weather Gear: Stay dry and protected with high-quality foul weather gear designed for harsh conditions.
• Boots: Equip yourself with durable, waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
• Fenders: Prevent damage to your boat with sturdy fenders that cushion impacts and protect your vessel from the dock.
• Chains: Use strong chains for additional security and to keep your boat firmly anchored in storm conditions..

Explore our some of our storm-preparedness supplies to get equipped for the next storm.

Stay safe and prepared for every storm—visit us at Freeport Marine Supply today!

For more information or assistance, feel free to contact us.