How to Prepare Your Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock for Hurricanes and Extreme Weather
While the Solstice SeaPen is an advanced dry-docking system designed to reduce maintenance and protect your boat from marine growth, it is not intended to safeguard your vessel during severe weather events like hurricanes or tropical storms. Knowing how to prepare your Solstice SeaPen during extreme weather is critical to ensuring the safety of your boat and maximizing the lifespan of the system.
Understanding the Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock’s Purpose
The Solstice SeaPen’s primary function is to keep your boat dry in the water—minimizing marine growth and reducing the need for bottom cleaning, antifouling paint, and frequent haul-outs. It is not a hurricane mooring or storm protection system. During powerful storms, additional precautions must be taken to protect your vessel.
What to Do in Extreme Weather
In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, we strongly recommend removing your boat from the Solstice SeaPen and securing it in a safe location. Refer to our Owners Manual for detailed storm preparation instructions.
Some customers have reported their Solstice SeaPens withstanding extreme weather, including one who experienced a Category 2 hurricane. However, this is not a guarantee, and every situation is different. Always prioritize safety and follow best practices for storm prep.
Power Outage? No Problem.
If the power goes out before or during a storm, the Solstice SeaPen includes a quick-release valve on the control box. This allows the back gate to lower so you can move your boat in or out quickly, even without electricity.
A manual hand pump with the same valve connection is also provided, allowing you to raise the gate by hand if necessary. If you have access to a portable generator, you can also power the Solstice SeaPen pumps and remove any accumulated water inside the unit.
Know Your Limitations
It’s essential to read the Purpose & Limitations and Warranty documents that come with your Solstice SeaPen. These outline what the system is designed to do—and just as importantly, what it’s not designed for. Proper use and understanding of these limitations will help you maintain your Solstice SeaPen and ensure it's covered under warranty should damage occur.
Final Thoughts
While the Solstice SeaPen offers industry-leading protection against marine growth and day-to-day dockside wear, hurricane preparedness requires additional steps. Always follow recommended procedures during storms and read your Owner’s Manual thoroughly. With proper planning, you can help protect both your boat and your Solstice SeaPen investment.
