Jersey Shore Boaters Are Battening Hatches, Or Hauling Out
By Steve Tawa
LONGPORT, N.J. (CBS) -- Boaters along the South Jersey shore are either moving their boats ashore or tying them up securely.
Experienced boaters say one of the keys is getting organized early, while the weather is favorable, rather than after the storm warnings are posted.
At the Seaview Harbor Marina in Longport, many owners have moved their boats to higher ground, by drydocking above the anticipated storm surge.
Others are holding fast to the hope that the floating dock system will keep their boats secure. That system will handle a 12-foot surge, according to one boat owner, Al Malatesta.
"If you recall, in 1991 we had the 'perfect storm.' The highest water level here was 9.1 feet. If plus-12 is not enough, you don't have to worry about your boat -- you have to worry about your house.
Al moved his 31-foot Sea Ray to drydock.
Mark Josephs, aboard what may arguably be the fastest boat in the marina -- a brand new, 31-foot Formula Express Cruiser, pushing 800 horsepower that can move along the water at 60 mph -- (and it sleeps three) wants to make sure nothing happens to his baby. He was securing everything he could.
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At a nearby slip, John Serafino was hauling his 28-foot Wellcraft fishing boat out of the water.
"We're not going to escape this one and be as lucky as last year (Hurricane Irene)," he says. "It's better to pull it out. That way, if anything happens, the insurance company will know that you've done your best, not leaving it in the water."
On the perimeter of the marina, the seawall is capable of handling a 12-foot storm surge.
