While Hurricane Ian clean up continues on Florida’s Gulf Coast, BoatUS is urging boaters on the eastern side of the state to prepare for Tropical Storm Nicole, predicted to reach hurricane strength in the next two days.
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Removing windage such as sails, biminis and other canvas is a wise move when high winds are forecast.
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SPRINGFIELD, Va., Nov. 7, 2022 – Hurricane Ian will likely go down in history as causing the most damage to recreational boats, ever. Now, a late-season storm, Subtropical Storm Nicole, is knocking on Florida’s east coast, and the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is asking, “Is anyone listening?”

“Ian devastated Florida’s recreational boating community for two reasons: the storm’s severity combined with no preparation,” said BoatUS vice president of public affairs Scott Croft. “However, doing nothing this time, even with a storm that may not reach Ian’s Category 4 strength, is certain to harm vessels. Boat owners need to step up now.”

Removing a boat from the water and storing it ashore is the best way to survive a storm. If that’s not possible, focus on whatever measures you can take now to ensure your boat has a greater chance for survival, such as tying down boats to a lift, or doubling lines and adding chafe protection to lines on boats kept in the water. BoatUS offers ways to do this with free hurricane-preparation videos, guides, BoatUS Magazine articles and more at BoatUS.com/Hurricanes. The website also features an Active Storm Tracker to keep you updated on the latest storm information.

To help keep boaters up to date on the direction and intensity of incoming storms, the BoatUS App offers text alerts anywhere you go.

Boat owners should check their boat insurance policies for hurricane haulout coverage that may share the cost to remove the boat and store it ashore. “All GEICO marine insurance policies will pay half of the storm preparation haulout charges, up to $1,000, to professionally haul or protect your boat in preparation for an NOAA-named storm,” said Croft.

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Suggested social media post:

.@BoatUS: Another hurricane is forecast to strike Florida: Are boaters listening? Preparation help is available now at https://bit.ly/3DUb0YW  #hurricaneprep #hurricanestrong #beready

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

Celebrating more than 55 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 800,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. The TowBoatUS® fleet is available 24/7 to assist our members on the water when boats break down or run aground with some 600 vessels and 300-plus locations across North America, bringing our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock. On the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™, helping ensure roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdowns won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and the superior service they need. Award-winning BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the U.S. with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership, while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe and our waters clean. Visit BoatUS.com.