Boat and trailer security

[jdaniels]

Can someone offer advice on two subjects: (1) what is the best way to secure a jon boat to it's trailer while towing and (2) what are some security measures I can take to ensure that my boat and trailer will not be stolen as it has to be parked on the street. I know there are hub locks, etc but how do you lock the boat to the trailer? Thanks in advance to any and all comments!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Boat and trailer security

Secure it to the trailer using straps from the stern to the trailer and the bow to the trailer. Locking the boat to the trailer .....I would use chains and padlocks........ lock the bow to the trailer and the stern too if you feel the need.

I have seen people lock trailer's by getting a steel pipe long enough to reach across the entire axle and passing the pipe through each wheel with a padlock. effectively locks the wheels to the trailer and prevents the wheels from making a revolution.

Sad fact..... if they want the boat/trailer bad enough .....there are no locks to stop a thief.

 

[jdaniels]

Re: Boat and trailer security

Thank you so much, the steel bar thru the axle sounds like the best plan for the trailer and the chains with good padlocks is great as well. I agree, thieves will do anything if they really want it. I guess the best security is insurance! Thanks again!

Secure it to the trailer using straps from the stern to the trailer and the bow to the trailer. Locking the boat to the trailer .....I would use chains and padlocks........ lock the bow to the trailer and the stern too if you feel the need.

I have seen people lock trailer's by getting a steel pipe long enough to reach across the entire axle and passing the pipe through each wheel with a padlock. effectively locks the wheels to the trailer and prevents the wheels from making a revolution.

Sad fact..... if they want the boat/trailer bad enough .....there are no locks to stop a thief.

 

[ralphl]

Re: Boat and trailer security

battery driven sawzalls have changed the game.

 

[wifisher]

Re: Boat and trailer security

no matter what you do it CAN be stolen. There is absolutely nothing that will make it completely secure. My opinion is that the more visible a lock is, the more likely it will be successful. If the crooks know that they have to defeat some kind of lock, it means more work. They usually just look for the easiest target.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Boat and trailer security

...I guess the best security is insurance!

That's what I was thinking...

battery driven sawzalls have changed the game.

And battery grinders too....

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Boat and trailer security

Grinders and drills are very noisy. At least if you make it tough to get the boat, they might try their luck elsewhere. Short of sitting in it all night with a shotgun or a couple ill tempered dobermans, secure it as suggested and hope for the best. Most scum are scum of opportunity. Making a lot of noise or stayin still too long isn't in their business plan. They especially don't want to attract any attention if you live near others who will see or hear them.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Boat and trailer security

If you can find a long lock cable that will pass through your plug hole you can run it around and through the wheel as well.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Boat and trailer security

As to securing the boat to the trailer while towing I use a gunwale strap on my 14' Lund. Another thought if it is a smaller outboard would be to add transom clamp locks. Around here one of the bigger thefts is in outboard motors.

Nothing is safe anymore! Amazing though is that in spite of the state of Japan recently there has been no reports of looting.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat and trailer security

"just enough to keep an honest man honest"

Or my strategy--defeat the "grab and go" thief. A padlock on the tongue prevents a tow-away; lock the motor to the boat to prevent a disconnect. If you are leaving it for a while on the street (which may be against zoning BTW) take the motor inside. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity, so as others said, a visible hindrance moves most of them to someone else.

Also, on the street, protect a SS prop

As for trailering: secure the bow to the winch stand by safety chain (preferred) or your bow line; don't rely on the winch. Then as was said, a strap across the gunwales is all you need. Many jons hang off the trailer so stern straps don't work too well.

 

[Guest]

Re: Boat and trailer security

I had to comment on this... Thieves are getting smarter by the day, a stubby ratchet could make quick work of a locked hitch, I realized this when I picked up my newest boat, I was told the guy was in a head on collision while towing it. Well he had to install a new hitch on it, the wreck ripped the 2 inch ball out of his bumper, so he hooked it to his 1-7/8 ball in the adjacent hole. He said he tightened the nut on it to make sure it did not jump off (didn't ask why he didn't buy a new 2" ball), I had to loosen it to go on my 2 inch ball. Well my point is I realized a smart thief could take it off, hook it up and re tighten it within maybe a minute. So yes immobilizing the wheels will help a ton. I thought once I would buy a pair of wheel boots, if manufacturers would sell to an individual and definitely get models that cover the lugs like in the link below. But where I live on the border of a small city and the country no one would have enough time to jimmy with the woven stainless steel cable locked to the trailer and then again to the carport without being seen or detected. But for urban streets a claw boot may work as a good deterrent. Also I remembered these for the hitch: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...netconcepts&cm_pla=Google&cm_ite=hitch%20lock

And for the wheel boots for boat trailers my search turned up this: http://www.pickupspecialties.com/wheel_boot_lock/trailer_wheel_boot_lock.htm

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Boat and trailer security

few stores that sell trailer locks should have a 20-30 $ lock that has a mock up ball and a stainless steel rod that goes over the hitch on your trailer. also id look at getting a chain/padlock for your bow eye security chain serves 2 things then 1) safty and 2) security. can your boat and/or trailer still be stolen yes... plasma cutters, tourches, grinders, and sawsalls. but your trying to keep honest poeple honest not trying for maximum security. otherwise i'd get a few rattle snakes and put them into the boat not many people would touch it then eh?

 

[Guest]

Re: Boat and trailer security

Actually Ive see that style lock quite a bit in stores around where I'm at or go to any RV or boat place and they have them. And whats wrong with maximum security eh? Preventing a problem in the first place, sounds better than having to deal with police and getting a another boat (those of us who don't have nice new insured boats) "Bow eye security?" If, If the boat is light enough to take off the trailer by hand, most just bolt the chain tether to the winch stanchion anyway, not that secure from theft for determined thieves. Brewman61- "Grinders and drills are very noisy. At least if you make it tough to get the boat, they might try their luck elsewhere." Sure people may easily get and carry these battery powered versions, but torches are less common and more expensive on vehicles even more so plasma torches. Boats are definitely an investment especially when we restore them.

 

[jondavies]

Re: Boat and trailer security

It's a rather a big PITA but if you really want to make it difficult for would-be theives, put the trailer on jack stands and remove one or more wheels. Nothing to stop them buying a new wheel or two though if they REALLY want your boat

 

[Sixmark]

Re: Boat and trailer security

Actually Ive see that style lock quite a bit in stores around where I'm at or go to any RV or boat place and they have them. And whats wrong with maximum security eh? Preventing a problem in the first place, sounds better than having to deal with police and getting a another boat (those of us who don't have nice new insured boats) "Bow eye security?" If, If the boat is light enough to take off the trailer by hand, most just bolt the chain tether to the winch stanchion anyway, not that secure from theft for determined thieves. Brewman61- "Grinders and drills are very noisy. At least if you make it tough to get the boat, they might try their luck elsewhere." Sure people may easily get and carry these battery powered versions, but torches are less common and more expensive on vehicles even more so plasma torches. Boats are definitely an investment especially when we restore them.
sw33ttooth- "but your trying to keep honest poeple honest not trying for maximum security" ????? Did you read my post!? I think your backwards on that. It sounds like you are talking out of your rump, you are just splitting hairs dude.

Actually this subject has been talked about quite a bit on the forum, and the comment he made about keeping honest people honest is in fact true, a person stays honest when they are not presented with an easy target of temptation. Keeping that in mind there are also dishonest professionals that can literally have your boat hooked up and rolling down the road in 30-60 seconds........because some of them actually do travel around with torches, etc. on their truck just looking for a quick pluck.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Boat and trailer security

A lock only keeps a HONEST person out !!!!

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Boat and trailer security

Get a security camera sticker and put it where they can see it. Then let your neighbors know that you have a security camera watching your boat. The word will get around. A little lie never hurts anyone. I have a camera in the woods that is pointed at the rear of my boat That is pointed at my fuel tank. It's digital and cost $80.00. Hunters use them to spot deer.I caught one neighbor stealing gas last year .Picture's don't lie people do.

 

[jondavies]

Re: Boat and trailer security

I caught one neighbor stealing gas last year .

Ouch ... how did that conversation go?

 

[Guest]

Re: Boat and trailer security

Well in my first post on this thread was indeed about maximum security, in fact making it as tough as possible to steal, for the idiots out there who are willing to try despite the riskiness. With that said that also will deter the smart ones, like it has to much to mess with to make it a quick and easy take. I like the jack stand idea jondavies lol! You could even weld a round plate with lug holes to the jack stands and use lug locks to lockem to the trailer, yea try driving off with that with a 2000 gross or more trailer lol. And as for Silver Eagle great idea, cameras and advertising you have them can work to keep a lot of folks away.

 

[royal0014]

Re: Boat and trailer security

Camera's not a bad idea, 'till it gets stolen, too. Or smacked with a bat. Goodbye evidence...


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