Final answer:
To prepare your boat for extreme weather, clean the boat and its equipment, drain and rinse compartments and gear, store the boat in a dry place or use a zinc sacrificial anode to prevent corrosion, and stay informed about the weather to act swiftly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preparation for Extreme Weather
To prepare your boat for extreme weather, there are several proactive measures you should take to ensure safety and to protect the marine environment. Firstly, remove all visible plants, animals, mud, and debris from the boat and its related equipment, such as the hull, propeller, anchor, and trailer. Doing this before launching into Maryland waters or any other bodies of water can minimize environmental impact and prevent the spread of invasive species.
Additionally, it's important to drain and rinse all live wells, bilge areas, and coolers to eliminate any contaminants or invasive species. This step similarly helps in maintaining the integrity of water ecosystems. Rinsing fishing equipment, boats, trailers, and SCUBA gear with a hard spray from a garden hose will further remove potential pollutants.
To protect your boat from damage due to extreme weather, detaching the boat from water and storing it in a dry place is recommended to prevent corrosion. If you cannot store it dry, attaching a zinc sacrificial anode to the propeller shaft can help mitigate corrosion.Replacing this anode once or twice a year can be a cost-effective method to protect your boat's integrity. Lastly, always monitor weather reports and act swiftly when extreme conditions are forecasted to minimize risks and damage.