For boaters in hurricane-prone regions, the onset of storm season brings a mix of anticipation and concern—especially for multi-hull owners who want to protect their investments. While catamarans boast stability and reduced draft, they can still be vulnerable to extreme winds, storm surge, and debris-laden water if not properly prepared. Having a game plan well before the forecast calls for hurricane conditions is key to safeguarding your boat and avoiding last-minute scrambles.

In this blog, we’ll break down proactive measures for securing and storing your catamaran when major storms loom—covering everything from advanced berth selection and mooring strategies to equipment removal and post-storm inspections. By following these guidelines, you’ll greatly improve the odds of your cat riding out the roughest weather unscathed.

1. Monitor Forecasts and Form a Hurricane Plan Early

Success in storm prep is all about readiness. Start well before the first tropical disturbance hits the news:

• Watch Seasonal Outlooks: Pay attention to NOAA or local hurricane center predictions each season. Knowing if an active season is expected can guide how early you set up contingency plans.
• Check Marina Hurricane Policies: Some marinas require boaters to remove vessels at certain wind thresholds or pay for haul-outs. Understand your contract’s fine print.
• Create a “Go/Stay” Decision Tree: Decide under what conditions you’ll haul out or relocate to a hurricane hole vs. remain in a secure slip with extra lines. Communicate this with family or crew.

Having a plan in place eases panic when forecasters name a storm. You’ll know exactly whether to stay put, move to an inland yard, or shift your cat to a safer anchorage.

2. Securing Your Catamaran at a Marina

If you opt to keep your cat at the dock, you’ll want to fortify the slip setup:

• Double or Triple Lines: Add extra mooring lines on both bows and sterns, plus spring lines. Use chafe guards where lines pass through chocks or rub against pilings.
• High Pilings or Floating Docks: In storm surges, normal piling heights may be submerged. If possible, choose a slip with tall pilings or a robust floating dock designed for major tidal swings.
• Spread Attachment Points: For a wide cat, ensure lines from each hull to multiple secure anchors ashore. This spreads load across the vessel, reducing strain on any single cleat or piling.
• Remove Windage: Strip canvas biminis, sails, or enclosures that could catch wind. Lash down booms, outriggers, or antennas that can’t be fully removed.

Think redundancy. Hurricanes can shift wind direction several times. Keep lines from all angles to steady your cat whether winds blow north, south, east, or west.

3. Hauling Out for Safer Storage

Many cat owners prefer hauling out at a secure boatyard or hurricane-rated cradle system if a major storm threatens:

• Book Early: Yard space disappears fast once a storm is named. A reservation or deposit with a haul-out facility saves you from last-minute rejections.
• Use Proper Stands and Straps: A wide-beam cat needs specialized supports to distribute weight. Some yards custom-fit stands or cradles for each hull’s shape.
• Remove Valuables and Electronics: If the yard is vulnerable to flooding, consider taking removable devices, fishing gear, or electronics home.
• Add Tie-Downs: In extreme wind, stands alone might not suffice. Straps anchored into the ground or large screw anchors can prevent your cat from tipping or sliding.

While hauling out poses upfront costs, it often provides the highest safety margin—especially if storm surges or fierce winds threaten extensive damage at marinas.

4. Mooring in a Hurricane Hole or Protected Anchorage

Some boaters relocate to natural “hurricane holes” with surrounding high land or mangrove channels that block extreme wind or waves:

• Scout Locations in Advance: Identify well-protected bays or creeks. Check charts for adequate depth for your cat’s draft and overhead clearance if bridging structures are present.
• Heavy-Duty Anchors and Rodes: Deploy two or more anchors in a bridle arrangement. Cats benefit from symmetrical anchors off each bow, distributing load from shifting wind directions.
• Consider Mangrove Ties: In certain stable mangrove-laden spots, lines from cleats to sturdy trunk bases can secure your hulls. Ensure you’re not damaging protected shorelines or violating local regulations.
• Monitor Tidal Surges: Storm tides can rise well above normal. Place fenders or extra lines to handle potential scraping against banks or foliage.

While mooring in a hidden cove can be a venerable hurricane tactic, it demands careful planning and substantial ground tackle confidence. Keep an eye on debris or parted lines that could shift your catamaran’s position mid-storm.

5. Securing Loose Gear and Reducing Windage

Hurricanes bring howling gusts capable of ripping biminis or launching anything not bolted down into the water:

• Strip Sails and Canvas: Even if roller-furled, high winds can shred partially exposed sails. Better to remove them completely. Same goes for cockpit enclosures or seat cushions that might fly away.
• Detach Electronics & Antennas: If they’re easily removable, stow them inside. Mast-top instruments or radar domes might endure, but consider protective wrapping or dismounting if feasible.
• Stow Dinghies and Water Toys: Lash them securely or store them ashore. A stray dinghy can become a destructive missile in big wind or surge conditions.
• Secure Hatches & Portlights: Lock everything watertight. Tape around older seals if you’re unsure of their integrity to keep heavy rain out.

Reducing windage is crucial—less drag means lower strain on lines or ground tackle. Plus, removing delicate items spares you the heartbreak of discovering them damaged or missing once skies clear.

6. Post-Storm Inspections and Recovery

Once conditions ease and you can safely return to your catamaran:

• Assess for Damage: Walk the hulls, check deck fittings, open hatches. Look for new stress cracks, missing gear, or unusual water intrusion in bilges.
• Evaluate Mooring Tackle: Even if your lines held, they could be chafed or weakened. Replace compromised rope sections or retie everything if still afloat in a tricky anchorage.
• Clean Up Debris: Storm debris might have lodged under your bridgedeck or jammed steering gear. Clear it carefully to avoid scratching surfaces or tangling controls.
• Professional Surveys (If Needed): For insurance claims or structural questions, hire a marine surveyor. Any significant hull impact or suspicious twisting merits an expert opinion.

Taking thorough notes and photos is invaluable. If you do need to file insurance claims or handle repairs, organized documentation accelerates the resolution process.

7. Top 10 Most Searched Questions & Answers

8. Conclusion

While nobody wishes for severe storms, preparing your catamaran for hurricane season ensures you make the best of a challenging situation. From choosing the right slip or yard to meticulously removing windage and setting multiple anchors or bridles, every step reduces risk and stress. Even if your region sees only occasional tropical threats, an organized response plan will pay off whenever the weather takes a sudden turn for the worse.

Builders like Novielli Yachts engineer their multi-hulls with strong structural foundations and suggest robust anchoring or tie-down strategies, but ultimately it’s the owner’s responsibility to implement them. By focusing on thorough storm prep—highlighting the cat’s stability advantage while mitigating wind drag and surge threats—your catamaran can emerge from the wildest season intact and ready for your next grand adventure.

Interested in more seasonal upkeep topics or advanced mooring tips?