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. A SeaPen keeps your boat floating on the water but dry day to day. It is not a lift and it is not a hurricane mooring system, so storms still call for proper preparation.
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.
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Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock Maintenance and Marine Growth Resistance
Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock Advantages
SeaPen vs. Boat Lifts: What’s the Difference?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a SeaPen a hurricane or storm protection system?
No. The SeaPen is not a hurricane mooring or storm protection system. When severe weather is forecast, remove your boat and secure it in a safe location, and follow your Owner’s Manual and official hurricane preparation guidelines.
What should I do with my boat before a hurricane?
Solstice strongly recommends removing your boat from the SeaPen and securing it in a safe location. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for detailed storm preparation steps.
Can I operate a SeaPen during a power outage?
Yes. The SeaPen includes a quick-release valve that lowers the back gate so you can move your boat in or out without electricity, plus a manual hand pump to raise the gate by hand.
Has a SeaPen survived a storm?
Some owners have reported their SeaPens withstanding extreme weather, including a Category 2 hurricane, but this is not a guarantee and every situation is different. Always prioritize safety and proper storm prep.
Where can I find the SeaPen storm guidelines?
Read the Purpose and Limitations, Owner’s Manual, and Warranty documents that come with your SeaPen. They explain what the system is designed for and the right steps for severe weather.
