Re: Leaving my boat on the river
advice from one who always moors boats:
#1 is that you are only a mile away and therefore can address any unusual situations, and can run the boat often. It would be a different strategy if it were 2 hours away in a remote location.
You have the right approach for the battery, bilge pump and cut-off. Do not add a charger and power; you don;t need it and you are going backwards. KISS. The less that can go wrong, the better.
The only way to know how to moor your boat is to ask an experienced person on YOUR dock. I personally believe that a boat should be tied so it doesn't need fenders, but I know that isn't possible in all situations. But try.
Covers serve different purposes, so figure out your needs:
A cover keeps out rain--not necessary since you have a pump but a good idea.
A cover protects your soft interior: cushions, carpet, instruments. If that's important to you, or your boat requires it, go that route. My boat is set up so all I need to cover is the console, not the rest.
A cover protects your hard surfaces from sunlight and dirt--few people care about this, and a fully covered boat is a pain at a mooring. Remember, you aren't under any trees. You might, however, be downwind from a coal pier.
A cover keeps your stuff out of sight, and it is less likely to get stolen: the typical boat theft is the crime of opportunity: someone grabs a boat hook, a hose or life preserver b/c he lost his; they may grab a toy like a tube or wakeboard.
First, talk to your boaters about what kind of theft goes on, and set up accordingly. Me, I'd risk a $60 tube under a cover b/c it's a pain to haul home and store, but not a $200 wake board. Same goes for electronics. I'd remove the stuff that is on brackets (not the compass) and not worry about the mounted in-dash, except to cover it. Consider a small padlock on a hatch cover as well, to protect things like PFD's, if they aren't under a cover. Again, you are just trying to prevent the grabbers--enough to keep an honest man honest.
As for stealing the whole boat, take your key home, and that's about all you can do. There is no effective way to prevent a tow-off (but again, talk to the boaters nearby). My guess is the most likely thief is someone who wants to take your boat out for a joy ride, so don't hide a key, and keep an eye on your nephews and daughter's ex-boyfriend.
A dock box is a great idea (some piers don't allow them) but don't leave valuables in there (wakeboard, electronics). The guy who will jack the lock won't take your PFD's and hose and mop.
. 
