Tips To Help You Keep Your Boat Safe From Boat Theft & Burglary
Getting your dream boat can be a long process of saving and planning, but all of that work to find the perfect boat can be washed away in an instant by theft. If your boat is docked, moored, or on a trailer, there are tips, strategies, and equipment you can use to help prevent theft and burglary. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the most important precautions you can take to keep your boat and possessions safe!
Preventing Theft When A Boat Is Docked or Moored
Boats that are docked or moored have a lower theft rate than those stored on a trailer. However, these thefts, as well as burglaries, do still occur on boats stored at a dock.
Lock the boat to a fixed object: Use a heavy-duty chain and padlock to secure your boat to a sturdy post or railing at the dock.
Install a marine alarm: Motion sensors and loud alarms can deter thieves and alert you or authorities to unauthorized access.
Remove valuables: Take all electronics, fishing gear, and other personal items off the boat when it’s not in use.
Don’t hide keys: Never leave keys on the boat, even in a “hidden” spot. Most thieves will know where to look for “hidden” key storage spots.
Preventing Theft When A Boat Is On A Trailer
Boats stored on trailers make up the highest percentage of boat thefts by a substantial amount. If you leave your boat attached to a trailer, it’s important to take proper safety measures to ensure that your boat is protected.
Secure the trailer to the boat: Use heavy-duty locks and chains to secure the wheels and the boat to the trailer itself.
Use a hitch and wheel locks: Install a trailer hitch lock and consider using wheel locks or chains to prevent it from being towed.
Remove the trailer tongue: If your trailer has a removable tongue, take it off and store it at home while parked.
Take off a wheel: Removing a single trailer wheel is an effective way to make the trailer impossible to move.
Store out of sight: Boats on trailers can only be stolen if they’re accessible. Park the boat and trailer in a locked garage, behind a fence, or in a locked storage unit.
Theft Prevention Tips For All Storage Areas
No matter where you choose to store your boat, whether it’s for the season or for a few nights on a trip, there are still some generic precautions you should take to ensure that all of your bases are covered.
Document your boat: Take pictures and record the serial numbers of your boat, trailer, and any valuable equipment. Engrave your driver’s license number on valuable items for identification.
Install GPS tracking: A GPS tracker can alert you when your boat starts to move, notifying you immediately of a theft. This tracker can then be used to help police locate your stolen boat.
Don’t leave documents on board: Never leave your registration or title paperwork on the boat. Having this documentation on your person will make it much easier to verify proof of ownership in the event of a theft.
Remove the steering wheel: If the boat is being stored for a long time, consider removing the steering wheel and storing it elsewhere.
Install cameras: Cameras on or around your boat can help alert you to a burglary in progress and can be used later to help police identify the thieves.
You put time, effort, and money into your boat, don’t get left high and dry because of boat theft! At Fays Marina, we take care in finding you the boat of your dreams, and we don’t want to see those dreams disappear in a flash because of theft. Be proactive in protecting your boat, parts, accessories, and your peace of mind!