Hurricane Irma

Cableguy Greg

@JasonA, Good luck to you. You might want to throw some extra lines on the boat, along with some beefier lines. Here is a good read...

http://www.boatingmag.com/how-to-secure-your-boat-for-hurricane#page-4

Cableguy Greg

Here is one from BoatU.S.
http://www.boatus.com/magazine/2011/june/hurricaneprep.asp

Handymans342

I'm afraid we will lose everything. 

zaverin1

Handy it's ok
you will always have your diesel 

Handymans342

That will be gone too

rasbury

We will get trough this, if the tornadoes not get us. When they start up over the water and suck up the sharks and then they fall out of the sky and start eating everybody...

Glassguy54

I just watched some video from Caribbean Buzz Helicopters of the devastation in the BVI's & St Thomas. Necker Island (Richard Branson's posh resort/residence) Saba Rock, Bitter End, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Beef Island, Soper's Hole. Utter destruction. I've visited all these places, well except for Necker Island, and just cannot believe my eyes. We have friends with a second home in Sarasota. I hope everyone in Florida comes through this with minimal loss. Please heed all warnings to evacuate and stay safe. Things are replaceable, lives are not.

LaRea

@Handymans342 - looks like a worst-case scenario for you.  Good luck, buddy.

Willhound

Prepare for the worst outcome.....but hope for the best.  Pulling for ya!

Handymans342

I had Cat5 windows and doors. I had a new roof. We are so depressed after all the remodeling I did and may be for naught and to top off losing a nice boat. I am second guessing moving down here. It was just a matter of time before we got hit. My wife wants to go back to living in a motor home so we can leave at a moments notice. 

Willhound

You still "have" them @Handymans342. Hasn't happened yet. I  realize it's easy for me to say try and stay positive sitting here safe in my house, but a lot can change in the next 12 hours. 

Handymans342

Wait for pictures. This storm is bigger than Andrew and we all know what happened with that one. 

rasbury

That thing could pick of a steering current and right back to miami- there just no way to know - the main reason I watch the news is to know where it is at...

raybo3

Stay positive Steve........

Cableguy Greg

The good news is that it is now a Cat 3. The models are showing it going further west.

Michael T

Prayers to all. Steve, I think this storm will be less destructive over Florida - certainly the Fort Meyers/Cape Coral - area than predicted. Your house and boat will be safe. Put the autotrader down for now and forget the motor home. Anyway those friggin' diesels are so heavy  Irma couldn't lift them!

J3ff

Well..not any more.  Strong cat 4, direct hit  on Handy's place. Hoping you're out of there man.  Things can be replaced.  Sounds like an excuse to buy a motor home and hire a captain (like me) to move your boat wherever you want while you tour the country.. and while they rebuild your place!

dmerit

I've been a forum lurker for a while - learning tons from all of you. Even people you don't know are thinking of you, your families and neighbors; hoping/praying for the best.  

Michael T

.....LOL @dmerit..(is that in demerit points....DUI LOL?) if so I bet there's a story in there! If  however your name is D. Merit I bet a few cops have still had a laugh when looking at your licence for a routine stop!

dmerit

Ha! Yes, D. Merit. Destined for a life of crime. Thanks Mom. 

Handymans342

I appreciate all the well wishes. Hopefully I can get home Tuesday night

Michael T

@dmerit.....get on here more often. Your debut was awesome, truly Rinkeresque! :-)

Dream_Inn

After seeing the water get drawn out in Tampa bay, I'm curious if Jason's boat is still floating.  And that water has gotta come back as well.

Handy, I'm glad you got out of there.  My father is in NC, deciding his place wasn't safe either.

skennelly

News is saying ft Meyers handled it well...that's near you right @Handymans342

skennelly

I guess the surge is still a problem

DanD2

Jesus Handy, it sure doesn't look good. Hope everything works out for ya.....you certainly have a bunch of friends here praying for you and anyone else down there in Fla!!!!

Handymans342

I think We dodged a nuclear bomb. Stay tuned 

craigswardmtb

Good luck Handy. It seems the impact was much less than anticipated. Which hopefully bodes well for you. 

Handymans342

I think they exaggerate to scare people and get ratings

craigswardmtb

Agree. Too bad it wasn't exaggerated for the USVI. I was thinking of heading to St John this year. I think ill wait a year.  I emailed the guy that we rented a house from this past February and haven't heard back yet. The house was at the highest point on the island on the eastern side. You literally had a panoramic view of the bvi's to the north and corral bay to the south. I can only imagine what that place looks like. My favorite bar up in Jost,  Soggy Dollar, is apparently devastated.  Poor people...