BoatUS can help Southern California boaters prepare for Hurricane Hilary with free online resources including how-to videos, storm-planning guides and more (credit: Amy Beth Krisanda)
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SAN DIEGO, August 18, 2023 – With Hurricane Hilary aiming for arrival in Southern California early Monday morning, recreational boat owners must prepare now to help prevent damage to their boats, according to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). The national boating organization with more than 70,000 members in the Golden State has time-tested tips and free hurricane-preparation information available at BoatUS.com/Hurricanes.

“While Hilary may be downgraded as she travels northward, the storm’s coastal path puts a lot of harbors in the crosshairs. Combined with high winds and rain, the storm could present issues for recreational boat owners,” says Scott Croft, BoatUS spokesperson. With nearly 40 years of experience in recreational boat hurricane preparedness, BoatUS offers these six hurricane-preparation tips:

1. Owners of trailerable vessels should consider removing their boats from the water and storing ashore, away from trees.
2. For larger boats, Croft says check your insurance for “Hurricane Haulout” coverage which may help foot the bill to get the boat safely out of harm’s way. GEICO policies offered by BoatUS pay for up to half of the cost (up to $1,000) to remove a vessel and store ashore.
3. If you must leave your boat in a slip, ensure lines are in good condition and consider adding extra lines, fenders and chafe protection.
4. Remove windage such as bimini tops or other wind-catching canvas, and secure or remove sails and deck furniture.
5. Ensure hatches and doors are secure, deck scuppers are clear, and heavy rains have a way to easily exit the boat.
6. Go to BoatUS.com/Hurricanes to learn more on how to prepare for Hilary. Available for free are a BoatUS Magazine “Hurricane Preparations Guide,” “Hurricane Preparation Worksheet,” and a “Guide for Preparing Boats and Marinas for Hurricanes.” A video playlist includes nine hurricane-preparation videos making it easy to understand the steps to take.

Go to BoatUS.com/Hurricanes for more.

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With #hurricanehilary aiming for Southern California, boaters need to prepare now. @BoatUS offers 6 time-tested tips for helping minimize storm damage to boats, plus free online hurricane-prep resources  https://bit.ly/3P1KMdu  #boatus #hurricaneprep #hurricaneseason #hurricanepreparation #preparedness

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 nearly 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.