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Posts: 115
| I'm getting ready to take a few weekend trips with my first boat. I'd like some advice on what to do about boat security and anti-theft precautions when the boat is parked over night at a hotel.
What do you do for overnight security?
Do you guys recommend an alarm system?
How do you secure the boat and trailer when heading into town for dinner?
As you can tell, I'm a real novice at this. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
John |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Well, this is something I go above and beyond as much as possible. Here are a few tips or things that I do personally. Some things you may think I'm a little extreme on, but I've never had anything stolen so far(knock on wood).
1. When staying overnight somewhere else, I always park under lights when possible. Also park as close to the building as possible.
2. I AWALYS take off my electronics wherever I'm at. Electronics are way too easy to take off and are probably some of the most valuable assets on the boat. I put as much tackle or anything of value inside my truck. Otherwise, if you have lockable storage, you can use that too.
3. When your out of town, if you have a cover, always use your cover. It won't totally deter a determined thief, but it'll make them work for whatever they want.
4. Get a boat lock! Haven't heard of anyone actually stealing a whole boat or trailer, but locking the trailer is always a good idea. Get a lock for you spare tire. Those do get stolen. I've only heard of a few personally, but to me it's worth the money for the lock. Some may disagree.
5. I'm sure you have insurance on the boat, you may want to go over different things with your insurance agent if something does happen. That's probably some of the best advice I could give you.
6. It's always better safe than sorry in my opinion. If it's of value, I wouldn't leave it laying out.
Edited by Merckid 3/16/2008 11:55 PM
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Posts: 2024
| I do primarily the same as TJ. Park close to the building if possible, otherwise park under lights. Put the cover on (will keep the dew out of the boat in the AM too). Take ALL electronics off. Put all your baits away that you left laying around (either lock them up in a compartment or put them in your tackle box and bring that inside). Lock all lockable compartments. Put a lock on your trolling motor. Put a lock on the tongue of your trailer. Lock your kicker motor if you have one. Have never thought of locking the spare tire, but that would be a good thing too.
Our boat only has two lockable compartments: the rod locker and the built in "tackle box". We installed lock bars that go over the front two compartments and one that goes over the rod locker and tool/light/misc. box. That means the only things not locked are the two livewells that have nothing in them.
Protect your belongings. IMHO, there's no @#$%ier feeling than knowing someone ripped your stuff off, and it's an easy way to ruin a trip. |
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| If you like to stow your tackle in your compartments, I would highly recommend installing one of these - http://www.locrbar.com/
If you have an expensive stainless prop, I would highly recommend installing one of these - http://www.mcgard.com/marine/propeller.asp
Unlike many other locks, you put this one on and leave it on. |
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Location: Athens, Ohio | I can't believe how easy MotorGuide makes it to remove a trolling motor! Be sure to find a way to lock that puppy up, I use a cable lock that won't stop them but might slow the process a bit. m |
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Posts: 518
Location: Cave Run Lake KY. | Most motels have security cameras ask the management to let you park under one that is monitered by the front desk, also park where you can see your auto and boat. What Merckid and Esok said. Also Pay to launch at a attended lot. Take Care Marv. |
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Posts: 313
Location: On your favorite spot | not a bad idea to thread a small cable through your boat cover and lock it. i think i'm going to replace my drawstring this year with one |
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Weekend Trips - Boat Security Question