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How to Prepare Your Boatlifts for Hurricane Season

How to Prepare Your Boatlifts for Hurricane Season
How to Prepare Your Boatlifts for Hurricane Season

How to Prepare Your Boatlifts for Hurricane Season


Storm Prep Tips from Panama City’s Trusted Marine Fabrication Experts


Along the Gulf Coast, preparing for storms isn’t a “maybe”—it’s a must. Here in Panama City, Florida, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful and unpredictable hurricane season can be. From the devastating landfall of Hurricane Michael in 2018, one of the strongest Category 5 storms in U.S. history, to today’s first system of the season, locals know it only takes one storm to change everything.


At MarineSouth Construction, we don’t just build custom boatlifts—we build them with coastal durability in mind. Our lifts are fabricated right here in Panama City and shipped nationwide, and we know exactly what it takes to protect your boat when storms start rolling in.


Here’s what every waterfront property owner needs to know about preparing your boatlift and watercraft for hurricane season:


Lift It High and Secure It Tight

If you have a cradle-style or elevator boatlift, make sure your boat is raised to the highest safe position and tightly secured to the lift. Storm surges and high tides can exceed your lift’s normal operating range, so getting it out of the water isn’t enough—you have to prevent it from swinging or lifting off the cradle entirely.


Tips:

  • Use heavy-duty ratchet straps or storm tie-down kits rated for marine use.

  • Strap both bow and stern, crisscrossed for extra security.

  • Never rely on dock lines alone—they’re not designed for airborne or high-surge scenarios.


Remove What You Can—Secure What You Can’t

Your boatlift canopy, electronics, and accessories can become airborne hazards if left exposed. Take the time to remove or properly secure:

✅ Bimini tops or canopies

✅ Console covers

✅ Lift motor covers (if not sealed)

✅ Batteries or electronics stored onboard

✅ Loose gear, ropes, or dock boxes nearby


Every item you secure ahead of time is one less thing you’ll be replacing—or searching for—in the aftermath of a storm.


Know Your Boatlift's Wind and Load Ratings

Not all boatlifts are created equal. At MarineSouth Construction, our custom boatlifts are built to withstand Florida’s extreme coastal environments—but if you’re using an older lift or an off-the-shelf system, you may not know your unit’s wind tolerance or structural limits.


Our recommendation:

  • Check your lift’s original documentation or contact your builder to verify maximum wind load and lift capacity.

  • If you're unsure, err on the side of caution and consider trailering your boat inland during major storms.


Invest in a Lift That’s Built for Coastal Storm Zones

A big part of storm prep happens before hurricane season even begins—when you’re choosing the right lift for your dock. That’s where MarineSouth Construction makes all the difference. Our custom-fabricated boatlifts are:

✅ Built from marine-grade, corrosion-resistant materials

✅ Designed to handle tide swings, wake zones, and storm surge

✅ Fabricated in Panama City, FL, with real-world storm experience

✅ Engineered for long-term protection—not just daily convenience


If your current lift doesn’t feel storm-ready, now is the time to upgrade—before the next system gains strength.


Stay Informed and Act Early

You don’t need a named hurricane to start preparing. The system we’re watching right now may not even reach tropical depression status—but that doesn’t mean you should wait. Wind, rain, and surge can do damage long before a storm gets a name.

Set storm prep checklists now and revisit them regularly. Here in Panama City, we’ve learned the hard way that complacency is the costliest mistake a boat owner can make.


Get Storm-Ready with MarineSouth Construction

Whether you need a new custom boatlift or want to retrofit your current setup with storm-resistant features, MarineSouth Construction is your trusted marine partner—right here on the Gulf Coast.


Based in Panama City, Florida

Built in the USA

Shipped Nationwide🛠️

100% Custom Fabrication

USCG Regulations Designs


📩 Get a free quote today and make this hurricane season a little less stressful:


Read our reviews on Google: https://g.co/kgs/CyqcACd

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