Being prepared

M

mx8

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with the rumor of Danny maybe coming this way I want to ask the more storm seasoned in the group for opinions.
As I mentioned in the "big boat on a mooring" thread I`m keeping my boat (40`, 18000lb express) anchored in front of our house on the Ct River while waiting for dock approval from the DEP. It currently has an anchor fore and aft, angled well out into the river and a bow and stern line secured to trees on shore. The all chain rode, oversize plow in on the roller, not being used for mooring. The system has held fine through weeks of fast moving currents due to the rains, several thunderstorms, huge snagged trees, but no tropical storms or himmacanes. As it is not too far from shore my concern is that a good wind out of the southeast could push it on shore if an anchor lets go. Do I buy more anchors or just hop in the boat and anchor it in a lee area, staying aboard to hold it in place. i`m talking tropical storm for the drive it around scenario. Full fledge hurricane i`m thinking I don`t want to be on it.
 
I would not take a chance. I would have the boat hauled and blocked. This thing could turn into something more than what is being reported. your insurance may not cover you if they find that the boat was not properly secured.
 
FYI, some insurance policies will pay to have the boat hauled if there is a named storm warning for your area declared. check your policy.
 
I agree, I have arrangements for the hurricane /hauling scenario, i was thinking of a 30 to 50 mph tropical storm, I am 20 miles inland in a valley......
 
how about just bringing it to a local marina and putting it in a transient slip for a few days? there are certainly plenty to choose from right down the river from you and with plenty of room. this is just temporary and for something less than 50 mph winds.
 
I`ve made arrangements with one.I`m just trying to cover all the bases.
 
If you're not in a position to move the boat I'd take the stern anchor and make it fast to the bow. It'll still do it's job and the boat will be free to swing bow to the wind.
 
Go into Hamburg Cove and pick up a mooring. You'll be fine there.
 
I know when Isabelle hit MD, people that stayed on their boats to adjust things made out fine. Those that left them alone had so-so results. I think the above advice of a marina is good, as long as you're there to adjust the lines through the storm. If the place has floating piers, are the pilings tall enough should there be a storm surge? Mooring balls are great too, as long as they're in good shape and are anchored well enough for your size boat and the conditions (obviously, being from MD, I have no knowledge of what's available around you).

20 miles inland sounds like you should be fine with a little bit of prep work (and perhaps staying onboard).
 
Kurt we are already on ours, it looks like unless this storm wraps around like a North Easter we should be ok. We were on the boat last year for the entire Mothers Day Storm. We came within 18" of the docks floating off. Our little cove marina looked like the wide open Ocean. Winds here were in the high 60's. It was exciting. We have floating docks and we are protected from all the other boats we are parallel to the dock all the other boats are in fingers on the other side of the dock or across the marina in fingers. The dock is toour port side and the marsh is 30 feet to our starboard side. I have a feeling looking at the weather and pressure gradients we are going to probably have a rain and minor wind event only. But we are still keeping our eyes on the XM weather and the NAVTEX receiver and VHF NOAA weather alerts.
Bill
 
Thanks for the feedback, my feeling was the best bet would be on the boat, on a mooring or two anchors away from pilings and docks. There is no room to swing in front of the house without putting it in harms way in the channel.The closest marina isn`t any more protected than I am so if it looks like it will get bad, (which it doesn`t, at this moment) I`ll take it to the cove or anchor it behind a lee and stay with it.
 
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