CAPE CORAL, Fla. - A hurricane doesn't have to spell disaster for your boat, but it will if you don't have a plan in place when the storm watch turns to a warning. Hurricanes can toss boats around like toys, damaging them and anything that may be near them.

"Make sure your equipment is good," explains Captain Ed Semon, of Tow Boat U.S. Cape Coral, and who is retired from the Coast Guard. "Make sure you have it all and that you have a plan, that's probably the biggest thing."

Whether your boat is on a lift, on a trailer, or in the water, invest in good, strong lines. Non-nylon lines are best, because they are less likely to chafe and stretch.

"Whatever you have for a mooring line, go the size up from that," explains Capt. Semon. "It might look like overkill, but for the extra $5 you spend on a bigger line, you'll be able to go fishing two days after the storm."

Tie at least two lines to every cleat on your boat, and attach the lines to pilings, trees, or cleats secured in cement, accounting for possible surge. Make sure anything you tie a line to is secure.

For boats on trailers, if nothing strong is available on land, use ground anchors. Ground anchors are metal rods with a hook on one end and a single-turn screw blade on the other. The longer the ground anchor, the better.

"When you put it on a trailer or on a lift, you're making that boat come up higher," explains Capt. Semon. "All of the sudden it's a big wind catch, it's a big sail."

Raise boat lifts as high as possible and check your cables.

"You also have to watch for the actual lift moving side to side," explains Capt. Semon. "The biggest thing when you do this is make sure your cables are good."

Remove all canvas and cushions and anything loose from your boat, and use duct tape to secure hatches.

Tie as many fenders as you can to boats in the water, and if possible, set out anchors.

Never attempt to ride out a storm on your boat.

"That is actually the worst thing to do," explains Capt Semon, who was with the Coast Guard during several past hurricanes. "The Coast Guard is not going to risk their lives to come out and save you."

Make sure bilge pumps are working and batteries are charged. Be prepared for the power to be out for a long time.

Also, double check your insurance and towing policy, and make sure you are covered for hurricanes.

For a complete check list and instructions, click here: http://www.boatus.com/hurricanes/brochure.asp