Boats are a man’s best friend, if you happen to be residing in Florida at least. A note to all the boat owners out there, you guys couldn’t make it easier for thieves to steal from your boat, which really ticks the poor thieves off because stuff like lock picking takes years of practice. Being able to waltz into a marina and just take my pick is just too easy. So, keeping that in mind, the following are some of the ways in which you can keep your boat safe from professionals such as myself.
Locks
But not just any locks, and certainly not those flimsy kitchen pantry padlocks. Try a case-hardened tongue locks. Yes they are expensive, but they can sure slow a boat thief down. Apart from that, don’t forget to install inside hinges and deadbolt locks on all doors, along with securing all windows and ports with inside auxiliary locks.
Identification
Remember that it’s a lot harder to make out with someone else’s gear when their name’s slapped across it. Engrave all your valuables such as, engines, sails, radios, electronics and all other equipment with your name or home port number. Maintain an inventory list which will include all the gear you have on the boat and check it periodically.
Alarm Systems
Nothing says ‘buzz off’ better than a good ol alarm system. But that being said, the alarm system you use should be designed specifically for marine use, and not the one you use for your house. Don’t forget that the damp environment at the marina means that your alarm system will have to be protected also. Whatever you do just don’t get it wet, and don’t forget to activate it whenever you leave your boat.
If you really want to keep your boat safe then moor it to something secure with a chain. Remember that cutting jaws like the ones thieves use come with a hardness rating of around 65 on a Rockwell C scale, so, if you decide to use a chain with a hardness rating of 70 or 75, the thief will have to stop and think about it. Also, when using a chain you don’t want to make it easy for the thief to either lift it over or tear it loose from the mooring or piling. To make sure that never happens run the chain under a thwart or around a stanchion.
Use a Secure Dock box
The bottom line is, just because your boat is in a marina does not mean that it is safe. That’s mainly due to the fact that most marinas have gates with locks that don’t work, and if you thought that those security cameras remain on 24/7, you have another thing coming. All this makes it all too easy for guys like us to take their pick and leave with the goods faster than you can say “starboard”. Dock boxes are the simple and streamlined solution to storing all boating and fishing equipment out of the way, and keeping them safe while you’re not around. So, be smart and protect your valuables by using only the best dock boxes from Mobox Marine.
So, there you have it the best ways in which you can keep your boat safe. But go ahead, don’t use them wise guy. Keep on using those flimsy padlocks on cheap dock boxes which protect your unidentifiable equipment. Don’t worry….I won’t be long