Should we haul out in Hurricane Season FL or GA?

[MrsMeltemiWind]

Hi there- I thought I posted this last night, but cannot find it now. We are taking delivery of a 66' sailboat in the Florida Everglades in early June.
We have found insurance to cover us during hurricane season thank goodness. However, we need to pull her out shortly after arriving to have her decks done and her rig done. We are trying to decide if we do that at Cracker boy in Florida, smack in the middle of Hurricane zone or do we take her up just north of the 30th parallel and pull her in Brunswick GA at Brunswick Landing? Has anyone hauled at either of these locations during hurricane season? We're not sure if it's an option or- do we try to sail her all the way up to the Chesapeake to do the work?

[AA3JY]

Neither...try Indiantown or St. Mary’s

[Orion Jim]

Your poll question is flawed.....anything other than Florida during hurricane season.

[S/V Illusion]

Actually, in the 11 years we have used Florida home ports, there has only been one hurricane which skirted the area and never needed to haul or move. Chances aren’t any better in Georgia or anywhere else in the SE.

Conversely, when we lived in RI, we had to haul twice because of hurricanes.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

Your poll question is flawed.....anything other than Florida during hurricane season.

Where else?? Texas or Louisiana?

[jlblan2]

St Marys Boat yard is in a hurricane hole and just over the FL/GA border. Great boat yard and priced right. I keep mine there for work and protection.

[Bargain Bill]

Brunswick GA - - only 22 hurricanes in 150 years - - last major one was 100 years ago. Tons of Barnacles but no hurricanes - - and easy ocean access. Also, they are outside FL so less of a concern by insurance companys.

[PineyWoodsPete]

Originally Posted by Bargain Bill

Brunswick GA - - only 22 hurricanes in 150 years - - last major one was 100 years ago. Tons of Barnacles but no hurricanes - - and easy ocean access. Also, they are outside FL so less of a concern by insurance companys.

Amen to that, Bill! That sharp bend of the coast to the NE with Brunswick at the apex must have something to do with it. Savannah has significantly more risk, being right on the S. Carolina border.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by MrsMeltemiWind

Hi there- I thought I posted this last night, but cannot find it now...

This one?
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post3403007

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by AA3JY

Neither...try Indiantown or St. Mary’s

It's been a good 16yrs since I passed Indian Town. A good hurricane hole. I would call. I'm not sure at that time they had a travel lift capable of 66'.

[MrsMeltemiWind]

Thanks all for the feedback. Super helpful.
A) Sorry about the poll. I meant Brunswick, GA, not FL - but we’re not seeing great things about the boat yard there.
B). It appears we can’t do Indiantown or St Mary’s as we draw just under 9’ and our mast is 90 ft.

We plan to put her up on the hard almost immediately so that we can get rig work done, and a new teak deck put on her (20 years old- it’s time).

THANK YOU ALL - for the perspectives and advice - keep em coming!

[Manateeman]

There is a commercial yard on the St John’s river who can do a boat your size...maybe called St John’s Boatworks...not sure of the name...they do a lot of USCG work and no bridges. First yard on the right after entering the river. Rocky Smith in St. Mary’s is a great yard...call ...maybe at high tide as it’s all soft mud.
Good luck.
Mark and the crew.

[Manateeman]

Hi. I forgot. Could you please tell us a bit more about this yacht. When you say new teak decks and rigging...could you be a bit more specific because some of the yards might not have the capability to do this kind of work.
Lastly, where are you planning to cruise? Different rig recommendations for example.
Happy trails to you.
Captain Mark and his merry manatee crew.

[flyingfin]

your mast height and draft makes it tough,,,suggest Harbor Town in Dania, they have a new Travelift that can pull that size vessel with no problems, and no bridges between the Atlantic and their yard. Either that or head to Maine! They have deep water and marine railways to pull you out.

[Manateeman]

I see the boat is an Oyster 66. Lot of yards can haul you but you also suggest you need new teak decks and rigging. Two different specialties. I don’t think a lot of yards can do this to Oyster standards. I don’t think you would need to haul out for either.
Your boat has a lot taller rig than mine. I’m building my own but if I were in Florida, I would go to Florida Rigging and Hydraulics.
I would call around the mega yacht repair yards and ask where to go. Spar builders too.
Your rig is not something you want just any rigger to touch.
If you are going to stick to teak decks...not my choice...you need another speciality group.
Lots in Miami or another mega yacht center.
You have a boat almost the same length, beam and displacement as mine but the draft and mast are much larger so this changes the selection of yards who can do the work right.
I would be very careful and ask for proof, photos, bills, references.
You might consider sailing to the Netherlands or back to the UK because if at some point in the future, you consider selling the boat, buyers will feel more comfortable knowing who did the repairs and upgrades. You can get the work done here, just make sure whoever you go to, has the proven expertise. Be careful...real careful.
Happy trails to you.
Captain Mark and his fuzzy faced manatee crew.