Boaters Tips and Tricks

Preparation for High Winds

High winds can be a scary time for any boater. Here’s some tips to get your boat ready for the next high wind event!

• Make sure your dock steps are weighted or fastened down. Many an owner has come back to their boat thinking someone stole their dock steps when they're there, just 15ft underwater!

• If you have a sailboat with a rolling furler, cleat the sheet and furling line. Also be sure that you have a nice tight furl on your sail, otherwise it could come loose. Three wraps is good.

• If you have a sailboat with a rigid boom vang, leave your topping lift(or main halyard if it is at the aft end of the boom) with a some slack in it. Works wonders to reduce mast pumping.

• Add spring lines (lines in the middle of your boat to the dock) to secure your boat and distribute the loads.

• Tighten the screws in your Bimini or remove can vas if you can easily, or fold down and tie it down.

• For sailboats, tie your halyards away from your mast to eliminate lines wearing and slapping against your mast. (Makes for happy neighbors too!)

• Keep at least a few back up dock lines should one break at night when stores are closed.

• Check on your neighbor’s boat (especially those who live out of town) We boaters need to look after each other.

Another Boating Tips and Tricks brought to you by Beacon Marine in Ventura California.