SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas, June 29, 2010 -- With Tropical Storm Alex aiming its sights on the South Texas coast, boaters and anglers should take steps to prepare their boats. To help them with this task, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has some free online “tools” available at the BoatUS Hurricane Resource Center at www.BoatUS.com/Hurricanes .

The website offers easily downloadable storm planning materials including a hurricane preparation worksheet, an in-depth Guide to Preparing Boats and Marinas for Hurricanes, and checklists for what to do before and after a hurricane strikes. Sample hurricane plans for boat and yacht clubs as well as up-to-the-minute storm tracking tools with live satellite images are also offered. Marina and yacht club managers also have the free 24-page What Works, A Guide to Preparing Marinas, Yacht Clubs, and Boats for Hurricanes available, which shares success stories as well as failures of dozens of facilities that have experienced a hurricane over last two decades.

While the safest location for a boat during a storm is on land, boaters may also want to ask their insurer if their policy offers help in paying for the cost of a storm-related haul-out. Boat owners seeking the services of a professional delivery captain to move a vessel to a safe location can go to the online BoatUS Captains Locator at www.BoatUS.com/procaptains .

After the storm, BoatUS also recommends that boaters contact their insurance company if any damage occurs, and post-storm recovery efforts should focus on protecting the boat from further damage. If your boat needs to be salvaged, you should not sign any contract until you have the OK from the Insurance Company. Submerged boat engines should be “pickled” as soon as possible, and if the boat is unsecured, remove any valuables or equipment.

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BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money saving services.  For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.