Boating Tips
Hurricane Preparedness: How Rickenbacker Marina Keeps Boaters Safe
Practical steps for protecting vessels during hurricane season, including dry rack benefits, 24/7 security, and staff readiness.
Hurricane Preparedness: How Rickenbacker Marina Keeps Boaters Safe
For anyone who has called Miami home long enough, hurricanes are more than a weather headline — they’re a way of life. At Rickenbacker Marina, we’ve been here since 1983, and we’ve seen it all. From Hurricane Andrew in 1992 to Irma, Wilma, and countless tropical storms, we’ve learned that preparation is the only real defense. We know the panic that sets in for boaters when the forecast cone starts pointing toward Biscayne Bay. That’s when decades of experience and a reliable marina partner make all the difference.
Why Hurricane Preparation Matters in Miami
Miami’s boating community lives in one of the most hurricane-prone regions in the country. A storm’s surge, winds, and rain can put millions of dollars in vessels at risk. Boats that are not secured properly often become hazards themselves — drifting into seawalls, colliding with docks, or worse, causing damage to neighboring vessels. Our team at Rickenbacker has seen these situations firsthand, and it’s why hurricane preparedness is built into everything we do, from our dry storage to our 24/7 security measures
The Rickenbacker Difference
Our marina isn’t just a place to keep your boat. It’s a full-service operation designed with Miami’s realities in mind. With over 680 wet and dry slips, we offer year-round access — but when storm season arrives, our focus shifts to hurricane protocols. Dry rack storage provides elevated protection against surge and flooding. Our wet slips are reinforced with strong pilings, cleats, and access to professional dockhands who know how to secure vessels fast. And because our staff has been through every major storm since Andrew, they don’t just follow a checklist — they understand the urgency and the details that matter most when time is short.
How We Help Boat Owners
When a storm approaches, panic can cloud judgment. That’s why we emphasize clear communication and proven systems:
Advance Notice: Members are alerted as soon as storm activity threatens our region.
Dry Rack Advantage: Vessels stored out of the water have a significantly lower risk of storm surge damage.
Dockside Support: Our team assists with extra lines, fenders, and storm-specific tie-downs.
Fuel & Supplies: Our fuel dock and Ship Store help boaters top off essentials before operations are suspended.
24/7 Security: Even when the storm passes, security ensures vessels remain safe until owners return.
Lessons From Hurricane Andrew
Ask any long-time Miamian, and they’ll tell you — Andrew changed everything. In the aftermath, we saw how unprepared marinas suffered catastrophic losses. Since then, Rickenbacker Marina has made hurricane readiness part of our DNA. We’ve invested in stronger infrastructure, trained our staff in emergency response, and built relationships with local authorities so we’re always aligned with the latest safety protocols. That history is why boaters across Miami trust us when the sky turns gray.
Peace of Mind for Boat Owners
At the end of the day, a boat is more than fiberglass and rigging — it’s a lifestyle, a family asset, and for many, a lifelong passion. We treat every vessel at Rickenbacker with that level of care. Our job is to take as much stress off your shoulders as possible when storm season rolls in. Whether you’re storing a fishing boat, a sailboat, or a luxury cruiser, our hurricane preparedness plans are designed to give you confidence, even in the middle of uncertainty.
Hurricane Preparedness: How Rickenbacker Marina Keeps Boaters Safe
For anyone who has called Miami home long enough, hurricanes are more than a weather headline — they’re a way of life. At Rickenbacker Marina, we’ve been here since 1983, and we’ve seen it all. From Hurricane Andrew in 1992 to Irma, Wilma, and countless tropical storms, we’ve learned that preparation is the only real defense. We know the panic that sets in for boaters when the forecast cone starts pointing toward Biscayne Bay. That’s when decades of experience and a reliable marina partner make all the difference.
Why Hurricane Preparation Matters in Miami
Miami’s boating community lives in one of the most hurricane-prone regions in the country. A storm’s surge, winds, and rain can put millions of dollars in vessels at risk. Boats that are not secured properly often become hazards themselves — drifting into seawalls, colliding with docks, or worse, causing damage to neighboring vessels. Our team at Rickenbacker has seen these situations firsthand, and it’s why hurricane preparedness is built into everything we do, from our dry storage to our 24/7 security measures
The Rickenbacker Difference
Our marina isn’t just a place to keep your boat. It’s a full-service operation designed with Miami’s realities in mind. With over 680 wet and dry slips, we offer year-round access — but when storm season arrives, our focus shifts to hurricane protocols. Dry rack storage provides elevated protection against surge and flooding. Our wet slips are reinforced with strong pilings, cleats, and access to professional dockhands who know how to secure vessels fast. And because our staff has been through every major storm since Andrew, they don’t just follow a checklist — they understand the urgency and the details that matter most when time is short.
How We Help Boat Owners
When a storm approaches, panic can cloud judgment. That’s why we emphasize clear communication and proven systems:
Advance Notice: Members are alerted as soon as storm activity threatens our region.
Dry Rack Advantage: Vessels stored out of the water have a significantly lower risk of storm surge damage.
Dockside Support: Our team assists with extra lines, fenders, and storm-specific tie-downs.
Fuel & Supplies: Our fuel dock and Ship Store help boaters top off essentials before operations are suspended.
24/7 Security: Even when the storm passes, security ensures vessels remain safe until owners return.
Lessons From Hurricane Andrew
Ask any long-time Miamian, and they’ll tell you — Andrew changed everything. In the aftermath, we saw how unprepared marinas suffered catastrophic losses. Since then, Rickenbacker Marina has made hurricane readiness part of our DNA. We’ve invested in stronger infrastructure, trained our staff in emergency response, and built relationships with local authorities so we’re always aligned with the latest safety protocols. That history is why boaters across Miami trust us when the sky turns gray.
Peace of Mind for Boat Owners
At the end of the day, a boat is more than fiberglass and rigging — it’s a lifestyle, a family asset, and for many, a lifelong passion. We treat every vessel at Rickenbacker with that level of care. Our job is to take as much stress off your shoulders as possible when storm season rolls in. Whether you’re storing a fishing boat, a sailboat, or a luxury cruiser, our hurricane preparedness plans are designed to give you confidence, even in the middle of uncertainty.
