For a lot of us, the boat is the reason we chose Apollo Beach. So when a storm shows up in the forecast, the boat plan is usually the first thing on our minds. Is yours on a lift behind the house, or does it live at a local marina? Either way, the best time to make the plan is before the season gets busy.
How do you prepare your boat for a hurricane?
Start with the decision that has the longest lead time: will you haul out? Getting the boat out of the water and secured on land is usually the safest choice, but haul out and dry storage spots fill quickly once a storm is in the forecast cone. Call your marina or boatyard early in the season, ask about their hurricane plan, and get on their list. Ask your boat insurer whether your policy helps pay for a named storm haul out and what they expect you to do.
Should I leave my boat on the lift during a hurricane?
It is a common choice in our canal neighborhoods, but it carries real risk. Storm surge can raise the water high enough to float a boat off its cradle, and high wind can work a boat loose on the lift. If the boat has to stay, talk with your insurer and lift installer about how it should be secured on your specific lift, strip off canvas, biminis and anything that catches wind, and keep up with the lift’s maintenance before the season. If you can move it to land, that is usually the better option.
How do you secure a boat that stays in the water?
Double your dock lines and use longer lines that give the boat room to rise with surge, add chafe protection where lines cross cleats and pilings, and set extra fenders. Remove canvas, electronics, cushions and loose gear. Make sure batteries are charged and bilge pumps work. Take photos of the boat and the setup for insurance, and keep the hull ID and policy number on your storm card.
How do you protect your dock and seawall?
Bring in or tie down everything on the dock, including chairs, kayaks, grills and dock boxes. Turn off power to the lift and dock at the breaker. Note any loose boards, cracked pilings or seawall gaps before the season and get them repaired, because small problems get bigger in surge. After the storm, stay off the dock until you can see it is solid and the power is off.
What should you do after the storm?
Wait for the all clear, then photograph the boat, lift, dock and seawall before you touch anything. Call your insurer, make only the repairs needed to prevent more damage, and keep every receipt. My Apollo Beach Hurricane Prep Kit has a full before, during and after checklist, and the Waterfront Home Checklist covers docks, lifts and seawalls when you are buying or selling.
If you have questions about your home, your dock or your flood picture, call or text me at 509-294-6818 or email shawna@27northrealty.com. I am Shawna Calvert with 27North Realty, the #1 agent in Apollo Beach by total sales volume in Stellar MLS from January 2025 through August 2026.
This is general information, not insurance, legal or emergency management advice. Always follow official orders from Hillsborough County and the National Hurricane Center.