Editor's note
We get questions about marina hurricane preparation every week from boat owners researching their first slip or planning their next harbor. This page collects what we actually tell them — the parts of the faq topic conversation that change a decision, not the parts that sound good in marketing copy.
Atlantic and Gulf marinas require a written hurricane plan from every slip holder. Insurance carriers require the same. The difference between a survived storm and a lost boat is usually whether the plan was real and was executed early.
A real hurricane plan names the haul-out facility, hurricane hole, or storm-prep dock arrangement, lists the responsible person (you or a captain), and specifies when execution begins (typically 72 hours before forecast landfall).
Many marinas evict for storms — they close at a defined storm category and you must move the boat. Confirm in writing whether your marina is 'evacuation required' or 'shelter in place'.
Top hurricane holes: Vero Beach mangroves, Manatee Pocket, Indiantown Marina (FL inland), Brunswick Landing GA, and Charleston City Marina inland slips. Reserve early — they fill the moment the cone shows.
Hurricane plan must include
- • Named haul-out facility
- • Responsible person
- • 72-hour trigger
- • Insurance carrier compliance
- • Captain contact
Top hurricane holes
- • Indiantown Marina FL
- • Vero Beach Mangroves
- • Manatee Pocket FL
- • Brunswick Landing GA
- • Charleston inland slips