• Hurricane season usually lasts from June through October. Beside high winds, you can expect higher than normal tidal conditions, rough seas in protected areas, and a tidal surge of 10′ or greater.
  • Vessels moored in high energy areas such as Lewis Bay and Hyannisport will lose the protection

of the breakwater which will be submerged at high tide.

  • Plan ahead and be prepared. Make storm plans with your boatyard, yacht club or mooring

contractor enabling them to do one or more of the following in the event of a storm: haul your

vessel, add lines, increase mooring scope, place storm anchors, move your vessel to a more

protected area, etc.

  • Get your boat out of the water if at all possible and place well above high water taking into

account extreme tidal conditions and storm surge. Remember haul out areas and ramps will be

extremely busy.

  • If you can’t haul your vessel:

A. You should remove from your boat:

1. All sails, roller furling, etc.

2. All dodgers, biminis, and enclosures

3. Antennas and electronics

4. All non-permanent equipment (deck chairs, rafts, boxes)

5. Ship’s papers and valuables

6. Portable fuel tanks (gas, propane)

B. Pump excess water from bilge and drain water tank.

C. Make sure batteries are charged, pump switches and intakes aren’t jammed and working freely.

D. Secure windows, hatches, seacocks, and fuel lines to engines and cooking appliances. Make your boat      as watertight as possible.

E. Check chafing gear.

Once your boat is secured, leave. Never stay with your boat during the storm.

Pumpout Information

The Harbormasters Office requests your assistance in enhancing the water quality and the protection of natural resources. All boaters with marine sanitation devices on board are encouraged to use pumpout facilities to purge their holding tanks. The Town of Barnstable will maintain a pumpout station at the Town marina in Barnstable Harbor, Bismore Park and two pumpout boats providing service to the south side harbors and embayments. Several private marinas also provide for this service. Boaters may obtain information on boat pumpout and marine waste by contacting the Harbormasters Office at (508) 790-6273.