Worries about somone stealing my boat.

[TwoWatt]

Last week I bought a small 14 foot fishing boat. I think the boat was made in '81. Has a 50 horse mercury 500, pedal control trolley motor/anchor mates/etc. Very nice boat for $1000. Well taken care of.<br />I live in an apartment complex and all that is available is a covered car port (which I got), I also have a nice canvas cover over the boat. <br />I am afraid of someone stealing the boat or the things inside. I bought a nice trailer specific hitch lock. I also bought a anti-theft device for the outboard. (the one that goes around the clamps and locks)<br />But I still feel worried about it. It's been very cold here in Indiana so I havent had the cover off since I got it. Its made it a week now with no problems, but like I said, I still worry about it.<br />What else could I do? <br />Should I take off a tire & remove the spare from the trailer? Should I take out the trolley motor? (It didn't look as easy as unplugging it, but I didnt get to see much)<br />Any other tips are greatly appreciated.

 

[bkruger]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

It sounds like you're taking some good precautions. If you're really worried about it, remove the wheels and take off anything is valuable to you. Then again, make sure that it is insured against theft and relax! Most times if some jerk wants to steal something bad enough they are going to get it one way or the other!<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[quint]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

give yourself a break. you can only do so much within reason to protect your property from the unfriendy types. You pay insurance so you no longer have to sweat every night over your property, let the insurance companies worry for you, that's what we pay them for. If you have to take your boat completely apart everytime you are away there is no point in having it. If you still can't relax find a safer storage area for your boat. <br /> Good luck.

 

[Mr.Ladyfish]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

I feel for you. It's cr*p that you can't feel safe locking your stuff up in this country anymore. Do what you can and try to put it out of your mind.<br /><br />Here's a nightmare for you. About 10 years ago my brother-in-law bought a brand new Harley in October. He put about 500 miles on it before winter set in. The place he was renting at the time didn't have a garage so he chained the bike to a big oak in the yard with 2 chains then covered it with a tarp. The next day he cancelled his insurance to save a few bucks over the winter. 2 weeks later he came home from work and the bike was gone. 3 years later he finished the note.<br /><br />I know we are probably asking for it but we've lived here over 12 years and I leave the keys in my truck at night and we never lock the house. I don't even know where a house key is. I do hide the key to the boat. There has to be some hidden meaning in that.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

it's cold .. thieves don't mess much in cold..<br /><br />best thing is to KEEP that cover on it.. outta site... outta mind...<br /><br /> it's new to you .. an also new to the apt.complex.. as more time passes,, the boat become more invisable.. because it's old hat/outta mind.. <br /><br />cold weather is on your side with this.. <br /><br />if your gonna have problems,, it'll be in spring an summer.. by then ,, you'll have it figured out... <br /><br />welcome to the boat world..

 

[Andrew Leigh]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

Hi<br /><br />Friend of mine has made two loooong u-bolt type thingies from +- 22mm diameter steel. These need bending under heat and need two holes drilled in the open ends to take a suitable lock. Fit by slipping them under the trailer and placing over the leaf spring, then pull the u-bolt towards you and through the holes in the rim. Place a high security lock through the open holes.<br /><br />a) It is not possible to tow the trailer without removing.<br />b) It will stop people removing your wheels.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Andrew

 

[roscoe]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

The best thing you could do is rent a storage unit.<br /><br />THe second best thing is to NOT fall in love with your boat, just incase it disappears some nite.<br /><br />Park your car in front of it.

 

[Cannon]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

Unfortunately, locks only keep honest people honest. Theives are not honest. Protect it the best you can and document that. Most imporant, INSURE IT!

 

[lilthundr]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

I know how you feel. And you have done pretty much all you can do short of storing it inside somewhere. Take out any valuables that are not permanently fastened to the boat, life jackets, fish/depth finder (they can be unplugged), anchors, etc.<br />Then cover the boat and stop worrying. If you get ulcers from worrying, you will not enjoy your boat.<br />It will still be there in the spring, and if it is gone, you WILL have insurance to cover theft of boat.<br />Now take a deep breath and relax.

 

[one more cast]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

My boats sit quit aways from the house on a back road. I own a Ruger 44 mag with a 7 1/2 barrel,3 22's, 2) 30-06's a 30/30, a 270 and a couple of shotguns and I am a good shot. Try and get my boats.

 

[dwci97]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

The best thing you can do is insure it and spend a little money on indoor storage. I like the Ruger idea as well but I would hate to miss the robber and blow a hole in the side of my boat.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

Friends and relatives often have more resources than they can ever use. Make friends with someone that has a 2-car garage but only owns one car. New homeowners probably haven’t acquired enough ‘stuff’ yet to fill up the other half.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

I'm with 18rabbit, if you can find a good buddy or relative that can store it at their place, that would be a good thing. Yet another reason why I will never live in an apartment...

 

[bossee]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

1) Take the wheels off the trailer.<br />2) Remove the outboard cover/cowl (cover it with some material instead that "breathe" - that do not let rain go in and let damp go out).<br />If a thief find Your outboard without the cowl it is less likely it will be worth to remove it/steal it and try to sell it (without a cowl).<br />Would You buy a (stolen) outboard without a cowl? Do not think so.<br /><br />/Bo

 

[roscoe]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

I guess you can take this as far as you want.<br /><br />Place a For Sale sign on it that says <br />"motor blown" ,"lower unit cracked", and "floor rotted".<br />Remove the prop.<br />Put trailer on jack stands and remove the wheels.<br />Now put a chain and lock over the hub so thief can not put on his own wheels.<br />Chain axle to post.<br />Remove motor cowl.<br />Hang a "rats nest" of wiring on the side of the powerhead.<br />Remove all contents including the battery and gas tank.<br />If coupler is bolted on, remove it.<br />Or install a swing-away tongue, and chain/lock it.<br />Make sure you don't leave the registration card in the boat--just in case.<br /><br />Most "trailer specific locks" are easily defeated with the right tool.<br /><br />My dad had a "anti-theft device for the outboard. (the one that goes around the clamps and locks)"<br /> and a 3/8 chain, both were easily cut off.<br /><br />Now you'll have to spend two days to get the boat ready everytime you want to use it, and you will have to rent a storage unit to put all the stuff you removed from the rig.<br /><br />I know it is hard to justify spending $100 a month on a secure storage unit, so a friend or relative with extra room is your best bet.

 

[neumanns]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

OMC, what days are you gone? Sure could use a a few new guns to store on your boat. Just wanna be sure your not there so things don't have to get messy. <br /><br />Actually I do like the idea of removing the engine cowl, seems like a simple & cheap deturrant. as well as keeping the removable electronics (fishfinder) secure. After that I guess you could just take your chances provided you have a reasonable expectancy of it remaining secure at the complex. If you think it is vulnerable there well look for other alternatives.

 

[11 footer]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

Threads like this make me feel luckey to live where I do.<br /><br />I keep both of my boats out of site behind a storge shead in the back yard. It would be very eazy for someone to steel them, but I know no one around here ever would.<br /><br />My uncle likes in a city (Medford, MA) He has a little room next to his house where he could park his boat if he wanted to, but I would last about two days and be striped or gone. <br /><br />He does what has been suggested to you, keeps it at friends houses. In the summer it will sit in our driveway for a week at a time every once and a while. For long term storge he brings it to his buddys house. Him and I took it up there in the fall. This guy has a TON of land and there is not any other homes with in a 60yards of him. No one even can tell the boat is there.<br /><br />You need to find someone that will let you use there land. It will be well worth it and give you peace of mind, because its clearley worrying you a lot.<br /><br />Good luck with your new boat!

 

[lilthundr]

Re: Worries about somone stealing my boat.

If you are THAT worried, maybe you should just SELL the boat and buy another one in the spring <br />And you will sleep well at night on your cash under your mattress