With Hurricane Irene slated to come up the US East Coast later this week and through the weekend, it's crucial to plan ahead and have your boat prepared before winds and waves start building. Many boat owners will not have the opportunity to pull their boats out and secure them adequately on land, so it's critical to know how to protect your boat on the dock or mooring or at anchor. Most important is to realize the very high loads that will be placed on docklines, a mooring pennant, or anchor rode. Just as important as having heavy enough lines and enough scope is protecting them from chafe, which can wear through even a tough, fat line within minutes when the boat is being jerked about. If you've never made such preparations before or may not have thought about all the other little things to do also to prepare your boat, start here to make a checklist of steps to take. And remember to start early!
