Chesapeake Bay Irene preparations...

SeaNile

SeaNile

Well-Known Member
Aug 16, 2010
1,522
Chadds Ford, PA
Boat Info
2003 50 Sundancer
Engines
Cummins QSM11
This storm looks like the real deal. Latest is saying eye will pass right over Cape May on Sunday afternoon. That means for me on the Upper Chesapeake a Cat 2 storm, calling for 5-10" of rain, etc. Cockpit canvas will stay on but all other canvas and supports will be coming off. I'll leave it plugged into shore power, confirm bilge pumps are working and if I can get to the boat on Monday am, depending on roads, I'll be there to see how the marina made out.

What is everyone doing for this storm?
 
Agreed. I'm in Georgetown. On a floating dock which helps. Added an extra fender...another spring line...tight to dock to avoid the boat moving too much....canvas is on and secure. Marina manager will make frequent checks....hoping for the best.
 
Going down tomorrow to remove the canvas and enclosure. Its new and expensive so I don't want to take a chance on it. I'll be covering the electronics/helm switch panel with plastic taped down with gorilla tape butotherwise feel the helm and cockpit are water proof. We'll see.

Our marina is not pulling boats which was my preference. I may still decide tomorrow to run around the corner to another marina to have it pulled. Not sure yet.

I was planning on disconnecting the power cord as there may be a very high storm surge and the power cord might get yanked out causing damage.
 
I am in PA on the Delaware River, just north of the Chesapeake. What is your advice on pulling vs. not pulling? I have the ability to throw it on the trailer if I choose. According to the weather they are expecting anywhere from 40 to 80 mph winds.

Doug
 
Marcus E said:
Agreed. I'm in Georgetown. On a floating dock which helps. Added an extra fender...another spring line...tight to dock to avoid the boat moving too much....canvas is on and secure. Marina manager will make frequent checks....hoping for the best.
Click to expand...
Don't depend on the Marina Manager he's got 200 other things to worry about! If you live close, stay close!!
 
douglee25 said:
I am in PA on the Delaware River, just north of the Chesapeake. What is your advice on pulling vs. not pulling? I have the ability to throw it on the trailer if I choose. According to the weather they are expecting anywhere from 40 to 80 mph winds.

Doug
Click to expand...

I would put it on the trailer and drive it inland.
 
I'm in Great Oak Landing, fixed docks and pretty open to storm surge from the Bay... will not haul out but going down tomorrow to double up on lines, extra fenders, secure the dinghy on land, most likely take down the canvas... kind of sucks as I was planning an extended trip for next week.
 
douglee25 said:
I am in PA on the Delaware River, just north of the Chesapeake. What is your advice on pulling vs. not pulling? I have the ability to throw it on the trailer if I choose. According to the weather they are expecting anywhere from 40 to 80 mph winds.

Doug
Click to expand...

If I had a trailerable boat and a trailer, I would pull it and take it to high ground.
 
Made the call this afternoon to pull her out. The track keeps moving to the west and I don't like it. We'll see on Monday if it was the right call. Headed down to take down the canvas put on the cockpit cover and hope for the best for all of us!!!
 
Turtlesboat said:
I would put it on the trailer and drive it inland.
Click to expand...

Jack380AC said:
If I had a trailerable boat and a trailer, I would pull it and take it to high ground.
Click to expand...

Paulkarlsven said:
Yank it out and take it inland, you are not going to lose anything by doing that and may ultimately save your boat from being damaged. It is a no brainer imo.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to pull it Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. I went down to the marina this evening to see if people started pulling their boats or not. I only saw only a few boats pulled as of right now. I'm assuming more are coming out tomorrow or Saturday. We will see.

Doug
 
I'm on the Potomac in DC. I was at the marina tonight. Almost no boats have been pulled. Everyone appears to have just tied on more lines and fenders.

A mega yacht is going to ride out the storm with us tied to the outside of our most exposed dock.
Pic: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=32582711&l=ace0043b42&id=1034616557

They were headed to NJ, but decided to stop here for the storm.
 
I called the marina manager and they are recommending not to pull. My marina is technically a hurricane hole and very well protected as it's right on the C&D Canal. I'm still heading down Saturday am to double all the lines and remove all but the cockpit cover canvas.
 
I plan to take photos of the boat with a recent newspaper taped to her. If this will be the biggest storm in fifty years,the photos will show the insurance company my storm prep and condition of the boat.

My slip neighbor, age 77, planed to sleep on his boat like he does every Saturday night. I told him this would be one Saturday night to stay at home.

Good Luck everybody and be safe.
 
For what it's worth, trust those of us from South Florida who have weathered several hurricanes. Remove ALL canvas and isenglass. At higher than 70 MPH you just need a few snaps to let go and the rest is history. Anywhere water can enter your panels, consoles, salon, etc. it will. Consider duct tape on door seams, companionways etc. Make certain your batteries are fully charged, as your bilge pumps will be running frequently. Lower antennas, light masts, etc. Check your neighbors boats, if they are tied incorrectly or have loose coverings, their lack of preparation could destroy your boat. Your insurance policy will likely not cover these items. Our storm policies here have a 10% hurricane deductible. I've been thru every Florida hurricane since 1956, once they start it's too late to think about what you might have done. Good luck!
 
Alegria said:
Made the call this afternoon to pull her out. The track keeps moving to the west and I don't like it. We'll see on Monday if it was the right call. Headed down to take down the canvas put on the cockpit cover and hope for the best for all of us!!!
Click to expand...

I decided to pull the boat. I figure the couple or few hundred for the pull and relaunch is the best option. Pull the boat and find out it wasn't really necessary, I'm out $300. Don't pull it and find out it was necessary, I'm out a boat.

FWIW, I called my marina yesterday morning and they were no longer "taking reservations" to pull boats. They had the space to store them, but the amount of boats being pulled took up all the time slots.
 
It's weakened a bit but this will still be the strongest and longest storm I have ever experienced. Cat 1 is still no joke.
 
Cat 1 for the east coast is a BIG deal. Sort of like getting an inch of snow in Florida.

Well beyond normal experience.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,241
Messages
1,429,108
Members
61,122
Latest member
DddAae
Back
Top