Boat safety is critical. You not only need to prevent emergencies, you need to be prepared for any situation. On very rare occasions, boaters need to leave their craft and enter an emergency safety vessel.
Jerry Cahalan
How to Prepare Your Boat for a Hurricane
If you own a boat that is located in the path of a hurricane, you need to make sure it is protected. The best strategy is to completely remove the boat from the path of the storm, but if that’s not possible, here are some tips prepare your boat for a hurricane.
Pull it Ashore Whenever Possible
The most important question you’ll need to ask yourself is whether you will leave the boat in the water or onto a dry location. Many types of boats must be dragged ashore to have any chance at surviving the hurricane, but others can be left in the water as long as they are properly secured.
Boats brought ashore should be stored above the anticipated storm surge, as boats can be tipped off of stands and cradles. Many prefer to strap their boats down to eyes that are embedded into concrete. This gives the boat a tight connection to the ground and can significantly reduce the chances of damage.
Not all boats, however, need to be brought ashore. But if you are planning to leave your vessel in the water, you’ll want to take every possible measure to keep it safe in a hurricane.
Double All Lines and Rigging
Proper securing of the boat is essential during a hurricane. Make sure all lines are doubled so that the chance of a break is reduced. By doubling your lines, you’ll create greater security for your boat. This should include doubling lines to the dock, as well as doubling your anchors to ensure the boat stays in place.
Check the Bilge and Battery
A hurricane is going to bring barrels upon barrels of water to your boat. Whether from rain or high waves, you can expect your boat to be inundated with water. To keep it afloat, and to maintain its quality, the bilge must be in proper working condition. Check the bilge and make sure the battery is charged.
Remove Belongings
The more you can take out of the boat, the better. Your possessions can get tossed around, ruining both the item and the boat itself. Remove any loose items from the boat and make sure all valuables are taken away, including electronics that can be removed.
Install Fenders to Prepare Boat & Dock for Hurricane
If you are leaving the boat in a marina or docked location, there could be significant damage if the boat gets loose. Reduce the chances of an issue by installing fenders that will protect your boat as well as other boats nearby. Hopefully, these fenders will never come into contact with anything else, but if they do they will protect your valuable property as well as the dock.
Get a Wonderful Boat with Beauty and Elegance
If you want a gorgeous vessel for boating on bays, lakes, or the open ocean, visit scoutboats.com today. We have a large selection of top-quality items that will ensure you enjoy quality boating for years to come!
Best Places for Boating in USA
What are the best places for boating in the USA? There are, of course, countless destinations for your boat. From coast to coast, and virtually every state in between, there are pristine waters, exciting getaways, and amazing aquatic adventures.
The “best” is a matter of opinion, but here are some of our favorite places for boating in the USA.
San Juan Islands, Washington
If you want an experience that is unique and interesting, the Pacific Northwest is a great destination and an underrated attraction for boaters. The San Juan Islands, located off Washington state, are an excellent place for wildlife and sightseeing. From orcas to pine-tree covered islands, this chain has it all. It also has a welcoming atmosphere with numerous small towns, each with their own unique charm.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is possibly the boating capital of the world. It has excellent amenities for anyone who enjoys boating, and the Florida weather ensures that you can enjoy your vessel all year long. There are glamorous resorts, wonderful beaches, seaside attractions, and everything else you could want from a boating community. Located within boating distance from Miami and, just a little further, the Florida Keys, this is a must-visit city for any boating enthusiast.
Lake Champlain, New York / Vermont
Creating roughly half of the border between the states of Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain is 125 miles long and goes all the way north to the Canadian border. There are roughly 80 islands to explore, as well as numerous historical sites. There is excellent fishing in this lake, and it’s also a great destination for water sports.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
When the Bagnell Dam was completed on the Osage River in Missouri in 1931, it created the Lake of the Ozarks, a massive inland body of water that covers roughly 55,000 acres and almost 1,2000 miles of shore. At 90 miles from one end to the other, this body of water offers tremendous fishing and an excellent opportunity for pleasure boating in the middle of the country.
Door County, Wisconsin
Making up the narrow peninsula at the northeastern corner of Wisconsin, Door County offers access to the main body of Lake Michigan, as well as Green Bay. Both of these bodies are wonderful locations for fishing and cruising, and the entire county is loaded with charming, welcoming small towns.
Santa Catalina Island, California
Boaters know that California is a must-stop state for anyone who owns an offshore vessel. From the Mexico border to the northern landscapes, there is a lot to see and enjoy in this state. One of the best destinations, among many, is Santa Catalina Island. Just south of Los Angeles, this trip gives you the chance to see dolphins, whales, and many other wildlife. You can also enjoy excellent fishing or cruise to the charming nearby resort towns.
Enjoy Your Favorite Fishing Destination with Scout!
No matter where you travel, you deserve luxury, refinement, and convenience. Contact the staff at Scout Boats and we’ll help you choose the perfect craft for your specific needs.
From offshore vessels to small fishing craft, we have everything you need for a wonderful experience!
How to Choose the Right Marina for You
Choosing the right craft is important but where you keep that boat is just as important.
Whether you have recently purchased your first boat or you are a lifelong owner, finding the right marina for your vessel is critical. For this reason, it’s essential you research the marinas in your area to find the right one for your specific needs. And below we have put together some answers for how to choose the right marina for you.
8 Types of Power Boats You Should Know
If you are going to purchase a boat, it’s important to know your options! While this list is not all-inclusive, here are some of the most common types of power boats seen on America’s rivers, lakes, bays, and ocean waters:
Taking a Boat from Florida to the Bahamas
If you want to experience one of the most remarkable, unforgettable boating trips of your lifetime, you need to take your boat from Florida to the Bahamas. In a trip of roughly 50 miles (depending on where you launch and where you land), you can make the voyage and enjoy a paradise of fishing, relaxation, and gorgeous scenery.
Although the trip is short, you need to prepare for this expedition. Here are a few tips for going from Florida to the Bahamas with your boat:
Do You Need Boat Insurance?
If you own a car or house, you likely have insurance on these items. This insurance protects you financially should your valuable property become damaged; in the case of car insurance, it also protects you if an accident occurs and damages someone else’s property.
Boat insurance works in the same way. By providing financial protection, it can be one of the most important purchases you make after buying a boat. So, should you buy boat insurance? Do you need boat insurance? For that matter, what does boat insurance even cover?
The answer, as you may have guessed, depends on many factors.
What to Look for in the Best Boats for Watersports
Today’s watersport boats are true marvels of engineering and technology. Equipped with the latest advancements and an assortment of innovations, these boats create fun and excitement on the water.
If you are new to skiing, wakeboarding, or wakesurfing, it can be hard to know which options are the best for watersports. Here are some of the features and characteristics you should look for in a watersports boat.
Visit scoutboats.com for optional features to best suit your watersports needs.
Best Boats with a Cabin from Scout
When you are looking for a boat with a cabin, you need a Scout. Cabins provide a high level of luxury, allowing you to use your boat on long overnight trips while maintaining comfort and your luxurious lifestyle. Here are four of the best boats with a cabin from Scout!
Why Do Boats Need Trim Tabs & How to Use Them
You deserve the best performance from your boat. There are many factors that go into a safe, comfortable ride, including hull design, motor quality, and water conditions. Trim tabs are another important feature that can help to create a wonderful boating experience. By optimizing the boat’s performance and handling, trim tabs are an essential part of your boat.
To get the most from your trim tabs, you need to know how to use them properly. But first, you need to know what they are.
