How to Prepare a Boat for a Florida Hurricane
Marina vs. haul-out vs. hurricane hole — options for protecting a boat in a Florida storm, and what to do before landfall.
Introduction
Every Florida boat owner needs a hurricane plan filed before June 1.
Options
- Haul out and store on land (usually safest)
- Hurricane hole (protected water)
- Marina slip with proper lines (last resort)
Before landfall
Remove canvas, electronics, loose gear; double up lines with chafe protection.
FAQ
Does insurance require a hurricane plan? Many Florida marine policies do.
Dale Whitaker has spent two decades towing travel trailers, running center consoles, and camping across Florida's coasts and springs. He writes practical, field-tested guides for people buying, maintaining, and traveling with RVs and boats.
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