Hurricane Season - Secure on a lift?

[mrz333]

My 1st season as a boat owner in SW Florida. I've got a newly acquired 28' express cruiser that I keep on a boat lift out back. In the event of a storm should I keep the boat on the lift and, if so, how should I secure it? How high should I raise the lift? I've got a mooring cover that goes over the windshield to the transom w/ several support struts- do I use it? Getting the boat on land may not be an option. Suggestions appreciated!

 

[karatejoe]

Re: Hurricane Season - Secure on a lift?

I dont actually have an answer for you. I am on a boat lift in Sw Fl. also. I can say that one time we had a storm. Not a tropical storm or hurricane. Not even close. The Gulf pushed the tide in over the dock completly covering it. The chops were going 2 -3 feet over the sea wall into my yard. They actually slid my 17 ft bow rider about 2 ft on the lift.
Im thinking if a Tropical storm came through it would move my current boat right off the lift. A real hurricane and you can just forget it.
Im going to ask some of my neighbors what they do with thier boats. I do see some of the seasonal boats lifted really high out of the water. If I get any good answers I will let you know.