View Full Version : Hurricane's Coming... What to do???
shepherd
07-07-2005, 05:17 PM
Hurricane Dennis is on it's way to the FL panhandle. My house is on the water, in the flood zone, Mastercraft is in the driveway.
Do I leave the plug in so the rain water drains out, or should I put the plug in and disconnect the trailer strap so she won't sink when the flood water comes??? :noface:
erkoehler
07-07-2005, 05:19 PM
That would have to be some pretty heavy flooding! Plug in w/ extra battery for bilge pump on standby if it were my boat :D
NatesGr8
07-07-2005, 05:22 PM
i agree with erko, plug in with good battery and make sure the float bilge switch works. Also, perhaps you can cover your boat with some kind of water repelling cover to keep most of the water out? I use a big tarp for heavy storms.
Boy, that's a tough call.
I'd be tempted to fill the bilge with a garden hose right now to weight the boat and trailer down with clean water so it can't move in the wind, then tarp it really tight (so water can't pool in the tarp). Then tie the boat down tight to the trailer (front and rear). For the flooding, could you tie the bow hook to a tree with a long rope that you think will withstand the storm? This will let the boat 'float' the trailer if the water gets deep enough.
AirJunky
07-07-2005, 05:38 PM
I think I'd find a place inside to put it! Move the couch over! Good luck!
sten76
07-07-2005, 07:39 PM
I'd move. Go far far away.
PondPwr
07-07-2005, 07:55 PM
Bring it on up to Michigan, lots of water...no hurricanes.
Then in January, maybe we can return the favor.
bigmac
07-07-2005, 08:00 PM
Hurricane Dennis is on it's way to the FL panhandle. My house is on the water, in the flood zone, Mastercraft is in the driveway.
Do I leave the plug in so the rain water drains out, or should I put the plug in and disconnect the trailer strap so she won't sink when the flood water comes??? :noface:
First thing I'd do is call my insurance agent and makes sure the boat is covered.
BriEOD
07-07-2005, 08:03 PM
My wife lived in the pan handle before we were married, Fort Walton Beach Area. Hurricane Opal put 2 feet of water in her house a jet ski and tropical fish in her pool and a pontoon boat between her house and the neighbors (still tied to the dock!!). She lived 4 blocks from the sound.
Cloaked
07-07-2005, 08:53 PM
Take the boat inland??
I don't think sinking is the problem. The storm may very well treat it like a toothpick... plug or no plug....
BriEOD
07-07-2005, 08:57 PM
Storm surge is the biggest concern. How close are you to water? If you can stand on the top of your house and see water I'd be worried. If you can't leave town put it in the garage and hope for the best.
Maristar210
07-07-2005, 09:32 PM
Bring it on up to Michigan, lots of water...no hurricanes.
Then in January, maybe we can return the favor.
I'm with this dude.
Good luck. Were thinking of ya and wish you the best. :(
Steve
Stritt
07-07-2005, 09:59 PM
Not to be smart or anything.....but you stilll have 2 days..?? I would move it off the coast...call a storage place. If your deductible is like mine any damage by a named storm is the deductible times 3. So the minimum deductible I could get for the boat was $1000 normaly.....$3000 for a tropical storm/ hurricane. For 3k I'd make a 4 hour drive inland.....but that's me. Good Luck and be safe.
SteveO
07-07-2005, 11:49 PM
Boy, that's a tough call.
I'd be tempted to fill the bilge with a garden hose right now to weight the boat and trailer down with clean water so it can't move in the wind, then tarp it really tight (so water can't pool in the tarp). Then tie the boat down tight to the trailer (front and rear). For the flooding, could you tie the bow hook to a tree with a long rope that you think will withstand the storm? This will let the boat 'float' the trailer if the water gets deep enough.
It never ceases to amaze me the creative people that are on this board. Good luck with the storm. I hope the projections are wrong, but it does not look favorable at this point.
Tennesseeski
07-08-2005, 04:59 AM
Bring it on up to Tennesse where it will be safe. We can get a few sets in here while the storm rolls through. I HOPE you and yours make it through alright. Anybody ever needs a place to leave their boat to avoid something like this , let me know!! I know its a long ride up here, but the invite is there. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!
87Craft
07-08-2005, 07:51 AM
Finally had enough of hurricanes so we moved away from the coast (Pensacola). This one looks like it will be a bad one. Last year during Ivan, i towed the boat to my in-laws.
juju151
07-08-2005, 08:57 AM
Hurricane Dennis is on it's way to the FL panhandle. My house is on the water, in the flood zone, Mastercraft is in the driveway.
Do I leave the plug in so the rain water drains out, or should I put the plug in and disconnect the trailer strap so she won't sink when the flood water comes??? :noface:
Shepherd...come on man, you're kidding right? Do you leave the plug in or out???
I'm really not trying to be a smarta$$, but I'm not sure I can see the logic in your question, given your current situation and what you've described...
1. Are you going to evacuate and not take your MC with you???
2. Is your house on stilts, so the flood water will only affect what's sitting in the driveway???
3. If the storm surge or flooding will be a problem in your location, and even if your boat didn't sink, don't you think that other floating debris would cause just as much damage to it.
Seriously, I think the only question you should be asking is how far inland should I take my boat. I really hope that everything goes alright for you...stay safe!!!
LakePirate
07-08-2005, 09:18 AM
As one that has evacuated the low lands during a hurricane...pack a cooler and a grill cause you are going to be sitting on the evacuation route for a while.....and take your MC! Think about all the extra stuff that you can put in it.
First, like someone else mentioned - review your insurance policy.
Second, I know many a boat owner who last season had their covers strapped and triple strapped and they still got ripped off and shredded and that wasn't even from a direct hit.
Honestly, if you want to protect your boat and your family considering the way this monster is currently tracking - I would hook the boat up, take your important items (computer, papers, small valuables, etc) and head out.
If that is not an option then I would somehow anchor the boat to the ground or fixed object and/or like someone else metioned - fill it partially with water. The storm should come and go fairly quick so you might only get 6 inches of rain, but the wind and potential floodwater lifting the boat is your worst enemy.
I would be boarding up my house by tomorrow morning and heading out of town if this storm stays on track. Good luck and I hope you come through with minimal damage!
(sorry if this advice is redundent - I just noticed all the responses that were posted while typing this)
parks_jr_55
07-08-2005, 10:31 AM
When we lived in Puerto Rico for 3 years we had a 25 foot cabin cruiser boat and when the Hurricanes would come the lot our boat was in had metal hooks cemented into the ground that we would take semi straps from one hook to the other across the boat and the boat would not even budge.
If I were you I would have a MasterCraft hooked up to my vehicle and would be making a road trip to another TMC member's place for some skiing, not sinking.
parks_jr_55
07-08-2005, 10:36 AM
Or go visit Farva....i mean LakePirate in GA
http://www.maps.com/DriveSoloNow.aspx?Nav=DD&A0=&C0=Panama%20City&S0=FL&Z0=&A1=&C1=Macon&S1=GA&Z1=
shepherd
07-08-2005, 11:22 AM
Shepherd...come on man, you're kidding right? Do you leave the plug in or out???
I'm really not trying to be a smarta$$, but I'm not sure I can see the logic in your question, given your current situation and what you've described...
1. Are you going to evacuate and not take your MC with you???
2. Is your house on stilts, so the flood water will only affect what's sitting in the driveway???
3. If the storm surge or flooding will be a problem in your location, and even if your boat didn't sink, don't you think that other floating debris would cause just as much damage to it.
Seriously, I think the only question you should be asking is how far inland should I take my boat. I really hope that everything goes alright for you...stay safe!!!
Juju, you the man. I actually was kidding about the plug thing (guess I should have put in a :D face!). Just wanted to see what kind of response I got -- and it was great. Thanks for your advice, invitations and good wishes everyone!
Our house isn't on stilts but the main living areas are on the second floor, the ground floor is garage/workshop concrete floor. So all the valuables are going to be moved to the second level. Our house is right on the Bay so any storm surge above 4 or 5 ft will put water into the driveway and house. I may put the boat in the garage, but I'll have to decide which land vehicle to sacrifice. Bought a load of plywood and a generator last night, gas tanks are full, beer supply adequate....
Oh yeah, only liability insurance on the boat. It's old and paid for and only worth about 6 or $7K (those new MC's sure look good ;) )
Thanks again everyone. I'll let you all know how it turns out.
Footin
07-08-2005, 11:27 AM
Best of luck to you and your family (including the boat).
If you head as far north as Ohio, my doors are open to you and the family.
LakePirate
07-08-2005, 11:31 AM
If you need a place to store it, I can take it in for you.
Maybe even change the impeller.
Parks. Lider Cola
juju151
07-08-2005, 11:39 AM
Juju, you the man. I actually was kidding about the plug thing...I may put the boat in the garage.
Wheeeewwww!!! I'm glad to hear that, because you were scaring me there for a moment! 8p
So in that case...put the plug in the boat, put the boat in the garage, close the garage door and disconnect the boat from the trailer...so it will float freely around your garage if the water comes up that high.
With the beer fully stocked, and the boat floating in the garage, you could actually make a vacation out of it, right? Kick back in the boat and drink a few and as soon as the rain stops, just open the garage door and ski out!!!
But seriously, be careful and stay safe...
ski_king
07-08-2005, 11:45 AM
disconnect the boat from the trailer...so it will float freely around your garage if the water comes up that high....
I think I would be tempted to keep the boat attached to the trailer (bow and stern) with the plugs in. The boat should float the trailer without much problem. You dont want to end up with the boat sitting beside the trailer on your garage floor.
But seriously, be careful and stay safe...
By all means, be safe and good luck!
parks_jr_55
07-08-2005, 01:05 PM
If you need a place to store it, I can take it in for you.
Maybe even change the impeller.
Parks. Lider Cola
I just saw your post before and saw you were in the general vacinity. But thats what i would suggest doing. TMC posters are quite friendly and always willing to help you out.
and by the way, do we make lider cola?
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/vw_wr/farva.bmp
juju151
07-08-2005, 01:51 PM
I think I would be tempted to keep the boat attached to the trailer with the plugs in. You dont want to end up with the boat sitting beside the trailer on your garage floor.
Yeah...for sure. That wouldn't be too good, so don't disconnect the boat from the trailer unless you are going to be sitting in it, drinking beer, during the storm surge!!! :o
I was just kidding, but it would be pretty cool to be able to drive the boat out of the garage after the storm is over...there's a guy that lives on my lake that has a "water garage" built in the lower level of his house. It's got a garage door and everything. He just drives his boat right into his house at the end of the day. That's too cool!!!
shepherd
07-08-2005, 02:30 PM
With the beer fully stocked, and the boat floating in the garage, you could actually make a vacation out of it, right? Kick back in the boat and drink a few and as soon as the rain stops, just open the garage door and ski out!!!
...
That would be awesome! :headbang: That would be the ultimate hurricane party, floating in my boat in the garage with the stereo blasting, watching my car drown.
If I do, I'll take some pictures and post them for sure.
My main concern actually is what to do with the cars/motorcycle (brand new 2005 Fatboy). I'm trying to think if I can winch the motorcycle up the front steps and into the living rooom. :rolleyes:
LakePirate
07-08-2005, 02:46 PM
Just ride it up. :steering:
shepherd
07-09-2005, 11:26 PM
Well the boat's in the garage with the plug in it. The motorcycle is in a friend's garage on higher ground. The cars are in the Winn Dixie parking lot on higher ground. So, we're just waiting for the storm surge. They say it's due some time early tomorrow afternoon.
If I can float my boat out of the garage tomorrow during a calm spell, I'm going skiing (if I can convince my wife/driver to take me) -- just so I can say I did it! :headbang:
I'd love to share some photos with you all, but can anyone recommend a program for reducing the size of my digital camera photos so they can be placed on this forum? Apparently, my new computer didn't come with anything that can do this (Dell with Microsoft Windows XP). What about Paint Shop Pro???
jimmer2880
07-10-2005, 01:56 PM
.....
I'd love to share some photos with you all, but can anyone recommend a program for reducing the size of my digital camera photos so they can be placed on this forum? Apparently, my new computer didn't come with anything that can do this (Dell with Microsoft Windows XP). What about Paint Shop Pro???
Plain old Microsoft Photopaint will work for resizing. IT comes with MS Office.
bigmac
07-10-2005, 02:14 PM
I'd love to share some photos with you all, but can anyone recommend a program for reducing the size of my digital camera photos so they can be placed on this forum? Apparently, my new computer didn't come with anything that can do this (Dell with Microsoft Windows XP). What about Paint Shop Pro???
Good luck with the storm surge. I hope your equipment rides out the storm OK.
For resizing and basic image editing, consider Irfanview. (http://www.irfanview.com/) It's a free download and is actually a pretty powerful image editor.
.
shepherd
07-10-2005, 04:12 PM
Thanks jimmer. let's see if this works. these were all taken about 45 minutes ago, except the "day before" shot...
shepherd
07-10-2005, 04:13 PM
It worked :)
Here's another one of our back yard...
redmike
07-10-2005, 09:53 PM
well, i hope that the pictures mean that there was nothing major that happened, and that you and yours are safe!
parks_jr_55
07-10-2005, 11:33 PM
That sailboat is lookin a little lonley.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/vw_wr/Dennis230_4.jpg
shepherd
07-11-2005, 08:18 AM
well, i hope that the pictures mean that there was nothing major that happened, and that you and yours are safe!
Yeah, we didn't even lose power. Only damage was flooding into the house, but the water only got halfway up the boat trailer tires (so I couldn't launch :( ...just kidding). Winds were strong and gusty, but definitely not hurricane force. We got lucky again (Ivan missed us too last year) I feel sorry for the folks in Pensacola area -- 2nd time in less than a year.
Well, time to clean up. Thanks for all your concerns, advice and invitations everyone!
One last picture. The Mastercraft is behind the garage doors; the water has gone down about six inches in this shot.
stevo137
07-11-2005, 08:27 AM
Glad to hear everyone is ok. Hope the water damage isn't too bad.
jimmer2880
07-11-2005, 08:44 AM
Glad it wasn't too bad for you. Hopefully you don't have much on the 1st floor.
BriEOD
07-11-2005, 08:47 AM
I really hope you have flood insurance.
juju151
07-11-2005, 08:59 AM
Glad to hear the damage was minimal and everyone's ok...I was watching the weather on TV and saw that you were going to get missed by the roughest part of the storm, so I figured you were doing alright. I hope you guys get a break from these storms...they seem to be a little more frequent over the past couple of years then what I remember in the past.