Projo Fishing: HotBytes

BoatU.S. says high winds, heavy rain, and rising water levels from Hanna have the potential to cause widespread damage as it crosses the Chesapeake Bay sometime tomorrow, then moves up the Atlantic coast to Long Island Sound and New England on Sunday.

"The remnants of this hurricane will still be a very powerful storm," said BoatU.S. technical director Bob Adriance. "Even though Hanna is likely to be downgraded to a tropical storm after its first landfall in the Carolinas, boaters further north along its path need to prepare their boats, or possibly face expensive repairs or an early end to the fall boating season."

BoatU.S. suggests that boaters make these preparations:

* Scuppers: With any boat, in the water or stored ashore, ensure that cockpit and deck scuppers are free of debris so rain can drain easily.

* Small boats: If possible, small open boats and boats with low freeboard should be taken out of the water and put on trailers.

* Extra lines: Boats in slips should have extra lines and fenders.

* Windage: Remove biminis, sails, and dodgers to reduce windage and line strain.

* Haul-out: Need help hauling out your boat? Ask your insurance company if they have a program to help pay for the cost of a storm related haul-out.

 Tags  boats hurricanes Rhode Island saltwater fishing

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