The Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatU.S.) reported that losses to recreational boats from Hurricane Isabel will total over $150 million, not including marinas, other infrastructure or commercial vessels. Much of the damage occurred in the upper reaches of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River watersheds, far from the storm’s North Carolina landfall. In the upper Chesapeake and Potomac, a combination of wind-driven storm surge and high tide was exacerbated by runoff of rainfall, catching many unprepared with record-setting high water. Most of the damaged vessels were left in boatlifts or in slips to weather the storm. The north and west sides of Chesapeake Bay were hit particularly hard. For more information, visit www.boatus.com/hurricanes/after.asp.
