Bermuda's official hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, but the boats most at risk window is roughly August through early October. Every owner needs a hurricane plan. Insurance requires one. Here's what actually works around here.
Option 1: Full haul out and yard storage
Safest by a long way. The boat goes onto stands inside a Bermuda yard. Pearman Watlington, the RBYC yard, Granaway boatyard and a few others all do it. Engines flushed, batteries disconnected, fuel stabilised, canvas off, scuppers clear. Cost runs US$30 to US$80 per foot for the season. A 24ft boat: roughly US$720 to US$1,920. Most insurers will give you a 10 to 15% premium discount for full off season haul.
Option 2: Hurricane mooring upgrade
Keep the boat in the water year round and you need a hurricane rated mooring. Minimum two pendants, oversized hardware, a serious below water mushroom or screw anchor, and chain sized for the boat. A standard summer mooring will not hold a 30ft boat in Category 2 winds. Plan on US$2,500 to US$6,000 to install a proper hurricane mooring.
Option 3: Approved hurricane hole
Bermuda has a handful of traditional hurricane holes. Mill Reach, Mullet Bay, inner pockets of Hamilton Harbour. These are protected coves where boats raft up with multiple anchors before a named storm hits. They work for owners who can actually be at the boat in the 24 hours before landfall, setting anchors properly. Don't try this if you live abroad and can't get back.
What insurers actually require
Read your policy. Most Bermuda marine policies require: a written hurricane plan filed with the insurer before June 1, the boat secured according to that plan as soon as a Tropical Storm Watch hits Bermuda, and photo evidence of the prep. Skip the filed plan and your cover can be void. If your insurer hasn't asked you for a hurricane plan, ask them for the template. It exists. It's required.
Pre storm checklist (when a Watch is issued)
- ●Strip all canvas, biminis and soft enclosures. They catch wind and pull cleats out.
- ●Tie down or remove any loose deck gear (coolers, cushions, tackle, fenders).
- ●Top off the fuel tank to reduce condensation. Add stabiliser.
- ●Disconnect batteries or charge them fully.
- ●Photograph the entire boat for insurance.
- ●Double up dock lines with chafe protection. Use spring lines.
- ●If hauling: confirm the yard slot 72 hours out, not 24.
- ●Have someone check the boat once after the storm passes and document it.
The single biggest mistake
Owners who leave Bermuda for August and September and assume their summer mooring will hold. It won't if a serious storm hits. Either upgrade the mooring permanently, arrange a haul out, or get someone you trust to execute your hurricane plan while you're away. Boats that get damaged in Bermuda hurricanes almost always trace back to one of those three lapses.
BDA Boats coordinates haul outs, mooring upgrades and pre storm prep for owners. WhatsApp Sean at +1 (441) 518-7077 if you need to lock down a plan before the season starts.
