Earl may spare Port Washington, but the boating community is not taking any chances. 

With the potential for winds as high as 58-plus miles per hour, many are battening down the hatches to ensure that their boats and sails are protected. The effort is expected to help not only deter any safety hazards but also ward off the cost of repairs prompted by any damage left in Earl's wake.

"Early in the week, we told members to double-check boats to make sure they are properly secured and to make sure the sails are properly stored," said Susan Miller, commodore of Manhasset Bay Yacht Club. 

What's more, dock staff has been checking moorings, and pulling spare boats out of the water. Members have been asked to take home and properly secure dinghies, too.

The Town of North Hempstead also advises boaters to ere on the side of caution.

"Harbor Patrol recommends that residents should check their dock lines and put out extra dock lines," said Sid Nathan, the town's public information officer. "If boaters are on a mooring, we advise them to check their mooring and install chaffing gear."

But that's not all. "Boaters should check that their bilge is operating efficiently and to make sure there are no obstructions for their scupper [deck drain]," Nathan pointed out. "Finally if they have the ability to do so, hauling in their boat may not be a bad idea through the duration of the storm."

As of Thursday, Miller said guest moorings were still available for boaters seeking refuge from the storm, adding that Manhasset Bay is a protective harbor. "They can contact the dock master here," she said.

Meanwhile, over at West Marine, boaters are stocking up on extra fenders and dock lines. "We're getting low on fenders," said Mike Komperda, the store manager. 

Those still in need of supplies may want to stock up now. As Komperda points out, as Earl moves forward, supplies start dwindling.