Hurricane Season will officially begin on May 15^th in the Eastern Pacific Basin (east of 140°W) and on June 1, 2024 in the Central Pacific (Hawaii); both will end on November 30. The National Hurricane Center divides the Pacific into Eastern and Central Regions so your source of information depends on the location of the named storm. Keep an eye out on the NOAA site for updates being put out this month for the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season Outlook. The good news is history has shown that as we move away from El Nino and toward a La Nina pattern (what is currently happening) the Pacific should have less than usual hurricane activity due to the cooler waters, which fuel these storms. But that doesn’t mean we won’t or can’t still be hit and we should be vigilant in staying prepared.

When a hurricane comes to close to or hits you will want to be ready for storm surge, wind, waves, and rainfall. The storm surge can raise the water level far above a normal high tide, lifting boats above their docks and pilings. The wind speeds can shred sails and otherwise secure canvas off the boat and cause the vessel to blow around in the slip; and sometimes will blow from a direction that is not usual depending on how and where the storm approaches. The breaking waves and chop that are normally blocked by seawalls and other barriers can become more extreme in the harbors and cause your boat to thrash around in the slip way. Cockpit decks and windows are rarely watertight and the accumulation of heavy rains below can overwhelm bilge pumps, and deck drains and scuppers can become clogged with leaves or other debris. Each threat has its own set of preparations, but It should go without saying that one of the most dangerous mistakes a boat owner can make is to stay aboard his or her boat during a hurricane. 

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Tips for preparing your boat for a Hurricane:

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-Whether in the water or on land, reduce the surface area of your vessel. Remove all sails, covers, dodgers, canvas, and any gear stored on deck, including dinghies, small outboard motors, spare sails, fuel containers, etc.

-Consider removing expensive electronics. 

-Close all through hull valves. (Except auto bilge drains or other drains)

-Ensure that all the batteries are fully charged. Turn off all electrical equipment except for the automatic bilge pumps.

-Close and secure all doors, windows, and hatches.

-Add extra dock lines. Use as many cleats as possible to distribute the forces on these lines to a larger area.  Lengthen lines at fixed docks, if possible, to accommodate higher tide levels and storm surges.

-Add chafing gear on all dock and mooring lines where needed, especially if the lines go through chocks. The heavy strain placed on these lines significantly increases the amount of wear on them.

-Put out all of your fenders even if your boat is on a mooring.

-Monitor emergency communications and storm updates.

-Check to make sure your insurance policy will cover your vessel during a hurricane!

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Hawaii and Central Pacific Hurricane News and Products-

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?cpac

See you on the water!

-Sean Doyle