How to Prep Your Boat for Bad Weather
Spring and summer storms roll across the Ozarks fast. A little preparation protects your boat at the dock and keeps you out of trouble on the water.
Boat · Originally published August 25, 2015 · Updated November 2026
Southwest Missouri and northeast Oklahoma get their share of thunderstorms, high wind and hail, often with little warning on a summer afternoon. A storm can damage a boat in a slip on Table Rock Lake just as easily as one on a trailer in your driveway in Joplin. Here is how to get ready, both before the season and when the forecast turns.
Before storm season
A few tasks done early make the last-minute prep much easier:
- Inspect dock lines and fenders. Replace frayed or stiff lines and make sure you have enough fenders to protect the hull from the dock.
- Test the bilge pump and float switch. Rain can fill a boat surprisingly fast, and a pump that does not run can sink it at the slip.
- Keep batteries charged so the bilge pump has power if the boat sits for a while.
- Check covers, snaps and tie-downs. A loose cover can catch wind and tear, or collect water and pool.
- Photograph your boat and equipment. Pictures and a simple list of electronics and gear make any claim easier.
- Review your policy. Know your deductible and whether wind and hail are handled differently.
When a storm is coming
In a slip or on a lift:
- Double up dock lines and leave enough slack for water level changes
- Remove or secure loose items like seat cushions, Bimini tops, canvas and fishing gear
- If your boat lift is rated for it, raise the boat above expected wave action and secure it per the lift maker's guidance
- Close hatches and make sure scuppers and drains are clear
On a trailer:
- Park away from trees and power lines if you can
- Secure the boat to the trailer and the trailer to the ground or vehicle as appropriate
- Pull the drain plug if the boat is outside and tilted to drain, so rain does not fill it, and put it back before your next launch
- If you have garage or covered storage, use it when hail is in the forecast
If you get caught on the water
Watch the sky and check the radar on your phone throughout the day. If a storm catches you anyway:
- Have everyone put on life jackets right away
- Head for the nearest safe harbor, not necessarily your home marina
- Lower speed and take waves at an angle
- Stay low in the boat and away from metal during lightning
- If you cannot reach shore, anchor from the bow in a protected cove if possible
Large open stretches of Lake of the Ozarks and Grand Lake can kick up rough water quickly in high wind. Do not wait for the first lightning strike to head in.
After the storm
Check your boat as soon as it is safe. Look for water in the bilge, chafed lines, damaged canvas and any impact damage. Take photos before you clean up or make repairs, and prevent further damage by pumping out water and covering broken areas. Then contact your insurance company. Our payments and claims page can help you reach yours.
How boat insurance responds to weather
Physical damage coverage on a boat insurance policy commonly includes wind, hail, lightning and sinking, subject to your deductible and policy terms. Whether you get paid the boat's market value or an agreed amount after a total loss depends on how it is insured, explained in our article on agreed value vs. actual cash value. If you keep your boat near Branson, our Table Rock Lake boat insurance page covers local considerations.
Talk to a local agent
Not sure how your policy handles storm damage? Call 417.865.4800 or request a quote on our boat insurance page.
Common questions
Does boat insurance cover hail damage?
Many boat policies cover hail under physical damage coverage, but deductibles and terms vary, so check your policy before storm season.
Will my homeowners policy cover my boat if a tree falls on it in my driveway?
Homeowners policies usually provide little or no coverage for boats, so a separate boat policy is typically the better way to protect it.
Should I leave my boat in the water during a severe storm?
If you can safely move it to covered storage or a lift, that often reduces risk. If it stays in the slip, secure it well and keep the bilge pump powered.
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Written by Auto Insurance Express. Reviewed by Philip Edwards, founder. Philip has run independent insurance agencies in southwest Missouri since 1997. More about the agency.
General information, not advice about your specific policy. Coverage, exclusions and eligibility are determined by the policy forms and endorsements your insurer issues, and state rules change. Confirm details with us before you rely on them.
