Boats On Lifts

When asked, "Where wouldn't you want your boat to be in a hurricane?" just about all of the CCS team members consistently say they wouldn't want their boat to be on a hoist or lift. Damage to boats on lifts has been high and has included boats being blown off cradles, bunk boards breaking (and spilling the boats), boats grinding against lift motors and pilings, boats being overcome by the storm surge, and boats filling with rainwater and collapsing lifts. The boats that do survive were typically subjected to only a slight surge, and the lift had been secured so that the boat and its cradle couldn't be tossed around by the wind, and the boat was covered to reduce the weight of rainwater. Whenever possible, boats on lifts or davits should be stored ashore.

If the boat must be left on its lift for a hurricane, we will take EVERY PRECAUTION NECESSARY to ensure its survival. We remove the drain plug so the weight of accumulated rainwater won’t collapse the lift. If the tidal surge reaches the boat, it will be flooded, but leaving the plug in place is likely to result in more serious structural damage. We tie the boat securely to its lifting machinery to prevent the boat from swinging or drifting away. Most boats survived on their lifts when properly secured with heavy straps to attach them to well-secured cleats on the dock. We also plug the engine’s exhaust outlet and strip the boat and make sure cockpit drains are free of debris.

During our initial visit when you become a member, we will inspect the integrity of the dock, cleats, lift or davit and more. We measure for the size, number, and type of straps needed to secure your boat as best as possible during a storm. By being a CCS member, we guarentee your boat will be secured 7 days before the hurricane is supposed to reach land.