Holland Marine Launches Hurricane Haulout Program
The most effective way to keep your boat
out of harm's way during storm season.
Jacksonville, Fla. (May 5, 2009) - Every year thousands of recreational boats are damaged by hurricanes. In an effort to protect these vessels before a storm threatens, Holland Marine is launching its Hurricane Haulout program.
For a fee, yacht owners gets on "the list." When a storm threatens, their vessels (any size) are guaranteed a spot in the secured fenced area on site and are a priority for haulout by the travel-lift (rubber-wheeled boat lift).
A study by MIT after hurricane Gloria found that boats stored ashore were far less likely to be wrecked than boats stored in the water. The problem at many marinas is that hauling and blocking boats ashore takes time, which is in short supply once a hurricane warning is posted. Another problem is storm surge and the height of the marina storage facility.
"The safest place for your boat is out of the water," said Tom Holland, CEO and President of Holland Marine. "Owners of valuable large yachts (over 40 ft.) can't afford to be caught offshore or in the water when hurricanes hit. Our advantage is that we have the acreage to store these vessels, and our facility was originally built as a protected Navy base due to its location."
Vessels in the water are vulnerable to damage from wind, docks falling apart, vessels breaking or dragging anchor and ramming others, flooding/sinking, bilge pump/battery failure due to poor maintenance, wave action, etc.
"Despite these facts, many boat owners neglect to make proper arrangements to haul their vessels before a storm," Holland said. "With this program we are able to provide our customers with some relief during a very trying storm season."