The destructive 2024 hurricane season has Pinellas County officials emphasizing the importance of storm preparedness for boat owners ahead of the 2025 season.

Local leaders and marine experts stress that securing boats properly can reduce damage and prevent them from becoming hazards during severe weather.

According to marine authorities, Pinellas County, which has nearly 54,000 registered boats, boasts the second-largest boating population in Florida.

To help residents prepare, the county has released a checklist for boat owners to follow if a storm is on the horizon:

• Ensure boat insurance is current
• Store important documents in a secure location
• Develop a storm preparation plan
• Inspect your trailer and tires
• Arrange for safe boat storage

Captain Dylan Hubbard of Hubbard’s Marina shared additional advice during an interview with Fox 13 News, noting that each storm brings unique risks.

“Every storm is a little different,” said Hubbard. “If there’s a significant water threat, floodwaters can lift boats from their docks and carry them away. But in storms without extreme winds, doubling up dock lines and securing boats to lifts can often be effective.”

Officials strongly advise against staying on a boat during a storm, emphasizing it is unsafe under any circumstances.

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(Image credit: WTVT)

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