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Florida Winter Weather Advisory

  • Writer: Marlan Hoffman
    Marlan Hoffman
  • Feb 17, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 17, 2023


February 2023


We have compiled a list of several preventative maintenance items you may consider to prepare your vessel for the season ahead. With the measures suggested you can save thousands of dollars in repair bills should we experience any severe weather.



February 2023 Temperature Graph for Fort Lauderdale



El Nino, La Nina...who can remember? Here is a simple way to understand these weather conditions. El Nino is wet and warm and La Nina is dry and cool. These weather patterns are different all over the world. Our El Nino/La Nina events start with trade wind changes in the Eastern Pacific, which drives (Low Pressure) and war water or (High Pressure) and cooler waters to San Diego. The precipitation or lack thereof is the result of these highs and lows coupled with warmer or cooler water. This year the water temperature is definitely cooler. It remains to be seen if conditions will dry out for the remainder of this winter.




  1. VERIFY ALL BILGE PUMPS AND AUTOMATIC SWITCHES ARE IN WORKING ORDER: Sometimes the most obvious safety measures are overlooked. Simply put, your bilge pump(s) will prevent your boat from sinking at the dock from heavy rains. Every year there are dozens of reported sinkings in marinas caused by bilge pump failures.


  1. CLEAN OUT DECK DRAINS: More than a mess than a menace. Compartments normally meant to stay dry will become full of water, including cabin areas. Ensure all drains are clear and hoses and hose clamps are secure.


  1. CHANGE ALL WORN DOCK LINES: You will definitely kick yourself for not changing out a $20.00 dock line when the Harbor Police call to inform you of your boats impending doom up along the rocks along the shoreline. Strong storm surge is impressive and even with good dock lines, marina docks can beat your boat up. A good set of fenders should solve the problem.


  1. GOOD SEALS ON TOP HATCHES: Small leaks are very annoying and it is impossible to get a company to repair them in the rain.


  1. ENGINE(S) IN GOOD RUNNING ORDER: Should you get stuck out at sea, confronted with high storm surge, you will greatly appreciate a reliable engine. Do your regular engine maintenance before bad weather. As with all services, no one likes to work in the rain. If other items are discovered during regular maintenance, repairs are less likely to drag on for weeks if the weather is not bad. A simple oil and filter change should be sufficient to get your mechanic to take a look at your engine. Stay Safe.


  1. ENSURE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS ARE UP: A good VHF and back up hand held are necessary to prevent you from talking to yourself while trying to fix the engine that wasn’t reliable. Get a VHF handbook for proper use. It will speed things up if you know the “lingo”. Of special interest is how to reach the marine operator if your cell phone does not work.


  1. THRU-HULL FITTINGS AND VALVE INSPECTED AND REPLACED: It does not aid you to close a thru-hull valve if it breaks off in your hand from corrosion. Ensure all valves operate freely and lube as needed. Pay special attention to their cleanliness, as corrosion is highly preventable on thru-hull firings. Ensure bonding wires and terminals are in good physical condition and are making contact with their attaching hardware. This area of maintenance should definitely not be out of sight out of mind.


  1. LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Tell somebody of your cruising itinerary before leaving port. Where you are going, your estimated time of arrival, etc.



Need a Yacht Management Company to handle any maintenance, contact Executive Yacht Group today!








 
 
 

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