Boat security ideas while in slip

[MAC ATTACK]

Re: Boat security ideas while in slip

I do not keep my boat in a slip, but have let it sit overnight in motel parking lots, relatives driveways etc. One thing I know is that thieves do not like lights. I bought these and use them when needed. Battery operated and one screw installation. Might not be for everyone, but a little deterrent is better that nothing. A motion activated security light "on" the boat and removing all electronics is what I do.

Mr. Beams MB363 Wireless LED Spotlight with Motion Sensor and Photocell, Black, 3-Pack - Amazon.com

 

[southkogs]

Re: Boat security ideas while in slip

I think "Sonny Crocket" had it figured out when he kept a pet alligator on board. Sure would make me think twice.

^^^ I was kinda' thinking a motion sensor and a recording of a BIG dog bark from under the slip cover.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat security ideas while in slip

cover is #1. Swiping stuff from boats is simply a crime of opportunity and temptation.

Light helps in most situations.

Insurance: read the policy carefully, including what you have to do to get a claim paid--original receipts? limits? replacement or ACV? check your homeowner's, too.

not much else you can do.

 

[pevaguy]

Re: Boat security ideas while in slip

As others have said, remove the portable valuable items from you boat or keep them out of eye sight. As for the boat itself and depending on the engine type and how the ignition system is configured, you can pull the spark plug wire that runs from the coil to the dizzy and then lightly rest it back on top to make it look like its connected. Keeps anyone from actually getting the boat running and no thief is going to troubleshooting starting symptoms- he'll likely move on to the next easy target.
If you have "that" boat that someone just wants, there is nothing short of insurance that will help you.

This got me thinking, remove the coil wire you mentioned, take it to a parts store, get a piece of hose the same length/dimensions and rubber boots to match. When leaving the boat and wanting to secure it, replace the coil wire with the dummy "wire" you have made up. This would even stump most mechanics for a while and discourage most thieves.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Boat security ideas while in slip

...replace the coil wire with the dummy "wire" you have made up. This would even stump most mechanics for a while and discourage most thieves.

I would certainly think so....

 

[nextboat1]

Re: Boat security ideas while in slip

Thanks for all the great ideas! I currently have a kill switch installed and hidden, but I really like the idea of a "dummy wire". I do keep good insurance on my boat throughout the year, but I would at least like to try to prevent a problem before it happens rather than deal with it afterwards. One poster asked if my marina was gated, preventing unauthorized people from gaining access. The answer is no. The parking lot is gated, but anyone could walk right under the gate and right down to the boats.

A few boats in my area were vandalized last season. None at my marina, but just the thought of it happening that close to me got me thinking.

I may look into a motion alarm this spring and hope for the best. Like many have said, if a thief wants something bad enough he can care less who is watching.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat security ideas while in slip

when you get down to it, insurance for the minor things on a boat--like a stolen fish finder or even a prop--really doesn't do much for you, by the time you go through everything on that rare occasion to get paid and then to replace and reinstall. I see the insurance as there for something major--a whole boat disaster such as a sinking or fire; a stolen motor, a stolen boat. Plus of course liability.

Better to prevent the thievery (including by avoidance) and know you've taken reasonable steps, than to take comfort in insurance coverage.

 

[chrome dome]

Re: Boat security ideas while in slip

just something else that will make your hair turn grey....something l don't have to worry about anymore...your fuel tank security,

twice in 6 weeks l've had fuel siphoned out of my boat...on a swing mooring though...boat was fuelled last Monday ready for a trip Tuesday morning.... out in the ocean, no petrol stations out there...only for one tank to run out after 30 mins or so and then suck up crap of the bottom of the tank,

this boat does not have fuel gauges so the problem wasn't obvious at first....it does have a new smartgauge setup...new engines, we do carry extra fuel in jerries under the floor, we have 4 tanks with 500 litres

l can't comprehend feral bogans stealing fuel from any boat that is going to be used out in the deep,
what are they thinking??....l know, l know, they don't think

looking at options for locking fuel caps etc etc now

 

[Expidia]

Re: Boat security ideas while in slip

As others have said they can't steal whats not left on the boat! Sad that thieves and druggies troll the marinas for easy pickens.
Insurance also has deductibles so if it's left on the boat it's going to cost you one way or another.

I bought one of these aluminum fold up utility carts years ago. When I'm spending the weekend on someone else's boat I use it to bring my gear from my car to their boat. Great for yard work too.
Amazon.com: Tipke 2100 Marine Fold-It Utility Cart: Patio, Lawn & Garden
I never leave my $1000 GPS, VHF radio control or Sirius radio on the boat. I store them in a good sized waterproof pelican case and keep that and gear in my trunk. If I'm trailering and staying overnight at a motel all electronics are overnight in my room with me or in trunk or right next to me in a restaurant in the pelican case.
I have a yellow Pelican for my electronic and an orange one for my tools, flare gun, flares etc.
Pelican Case 1400 No Foam - YELLOW from Pelican-Case.com

Be glad you don't boat in south Fl. Come out of a restaurant and your lower unit might be gone. They steal the whole boat or the lower unit in your backyard right off the boat while it's out of water on a boat cradle.

Sad to have to ruin the great sport of boating by having to protect your stuff from the low lifes out there, but its just a fact of life