The next big named storm to make landfall is a question of when, not if. Coastal boaters should prepare because hurricane season is here. In this special section, our editors have created a comprehensive guide to help you, step-by-step, protect your boat.

This Hurricane Preparation Worksheet lays out the steps for putting a plan in place and giving your boat the best chance of beating the storm.

Preparing a boat for a hurricane means defending against wind, rain, waves, and high water—all in proportions rarely experienced by boaters. Claim files from past storms show that damage is usually due to a combination of these factors.