Shearwater Yacht Club
Canadian Forces Sailing Association

Recommended Actions to reduce weather damage to your boat.

Alternate Dockage Site:

Boat owner’s, at their sole discretion, may move their boat from the SYC docks prior to any closing of the marina for storm preparations.

Doubling the lines:

It is recommended that the owner double the dock lines going one size larger for the second set of lines, and double fore and aft spring lines. The boat owner is responsible for periodic inspection of the cleats and fastenings to be assured of their integrity during a storm situation. The Rear Commodore must be notified of any needed repairs prior to the initiation of any hurricane action plan.  The Club Executive recommends using dock lines that have some level of stretch and as such does NOT recommend the use of old halyards or sheets.

Chafing Gear:

Special attention should be given to avoiding chafing which is the single most critical failure point in mooring the lines. A successful chafing gear system might include double neoprene hose i.e.; 3/4 three strand nylon, inside 1” ID, thick wall neoprene, both inside a second 2” ID neoprene hose. This, or a similar system, should be used at all chafe points.

Storm Surge Tide and Flooding.  Dock and spring lines should be secured to accommodate the predicted tide surge. Dock line should not be secured directly to the pilings in a way that fails to contemplate the movement of the docks up and down the pilings.

Stripping the Boat:

It is suggested that all necessary steps be taken to reduce windage and avoid flying objects for which the boat owner would be liable. Strip all sails including self-furling jibs and running rigging, booms and moveable deck equipment, ventilators, anchors, life rings, and other loose gear. Secure all radio antennas and hatches, taping them if necessary. Remove all loose gear from cabinets and storage bins, e.g. binoculars, and secure cabinet doors. Experience has shown that roller furling jibs are especially vulnerable and should be removed.

Cleats, Winches and Chocks:

In designing your storm mooring system (dock lines, chafing gear, cleats and winches) assess the structural attachment of the primary cleats, winches and chocks on the boat. These high load stress points should have substantial backing plates, and adequate bolt size. The primary jib winches can be used to reduce the loading on the primary mooring cleats.

Securing the Boat:

In addition to stripping the boat of all sails, furling gear, boom, halyards, ventilators, spinnaker poles, antennas, life ring, etc.; be sure the fuel filters are clean as the violent movement of the boat will shake sediment loose in the tank to clog the filter when you start the engine after the storm. Uprooted spade rudders should be secured with shock cord to avoid damage to the rudder shaft or key way at the tiller fitting. Install battery backup to assure bilge pump operation.