Torqeedo security

[Captain Larry-DH]

I received by new Torqeedo and wanted to make it less easy for thieves, so here's my project. See images and descriptions. I will add another cable to secure the handle, and a brass padlock to tie it all together. This won't stop a determined thief with tools, but it might thwart the opportunist (or make a thief choose easier targets). I plan to add my initials in permanent marker to each piece, in a visible place.

Images here Torqeedo Security

 

[Jackdaw]

I received by new Torqeedo and wanted to make it less easy for thieves, so here's my project. See images and descriptions. I will add another cable to secure the handle, and a brass padlock to tie it all together. This won't stop a determined thief with tools, but it might thwart the opportunist (or make a thief choose easier targets). I plan to add my initials in permanent marker to each piece, in a visible place.

Images here Torqeedo Security

Nice. That's the route I would take if I had one. That orange pin always killed me. Just like the 'remove before flight' flags on aircraft, that one should say 'remove before theft'.

 

[sail sfbay]

Nice!!

In my case I attached a locking cable from the motor to the stern rail, removed/stored the battery and control head and covered the motor with canvas to mitigate the theft risk.

 

[jviss]

I received by new Torqeedo and wanted to make it less easy for thieves, so here's my project. See images and descriptions. I will add another cable to secure the handle, and a brass padlock to tie it all together. This won't stop a determined thief with tools, but it might thwart the opportunist (or make a thief choose easier targets). I plan to add my initials in permanent marker to each piece, in a visible place.

Images here Torqeedo Security

Nice job! It makes me think of how I might have done it. I am fortunate to have a hobbyist's machine shop in the basement, and some nice stock lying around. Would probably have made a new, longer, stainless steel pin for this:

Does it have to be 3/8" diameter, of can it be bigger?

 

[Jackdaw]

Nice!!

In my case I attached a locking cable from the motor to the stern rail, removed/stored the battery and control head and covered the motor with canvas to mitigate the theft risk.

That’s a good solution for the boat, but it offers no help when you’ve brought your dinghy to shore.

 

[sail sfbay]

That’s a good solution for the boat, but it offers no help when you’ve brought your dinghy to shore.

In that event the same cable can lock the motor to an eye bolt on the dinghy stern and the battery and control head removed/stowed in a small backpack I carry while the dinghy is docked on shore.

 

[jviss]

I think an electric inboard dinghy would be cool.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Does it have to be 3/8" diameter, of can it be bigger?

3/8" is a perfect fit. You'd need to drill out the plastic if you want to go bigger.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

That orange pin always killed me. Just like the 'remove before flight' flags on aircraft, that one should say 'remove before theft'.

I totally agree. That was the first thing that had to change, and it was one of the reasons I held off getting one of these motors. The new 912ah battery is almost a boat buck -- and cries for a lock. (It's like leaving an ipad unattended in your dinghy.)
I would have liked to use heavier cable (braided) but that would have meant more drastic alterations and some welding/machining to do it right. But where do you stop when even heavy cables or locks don't foil well equipped thieves? This should discourage the average dishonest opportunist, anyway.

 

[sail sfbay]

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[Captain Larry-DH]

Update- last week I used my Torqeedo again and realized the motor mount (base) doesn’t have a good secure way to lift it one-handed. Yes, I can lift it one-handed but it depends on grip strength on slippery smooth metal. With wet hands (and sunblock) slipping the grip is a risk.
So I added this simple braided polyester loop as a handle. It’s thin enough that it doesn’t interfere with motor assembly, yet strong enough.

 

[sail sfbay]

..............realized the motor mount (base) doesn’t have a good secure way to lift it one-handed. Yes, I can lift it one-handed but it depends on grip strength on slippery smooth metal. With wet hands (and sunblock) slipping the grip is a risk. So I added this simple braided polyester loop as a handle................

Good thing the torqeedo is completely waterproof, in the event you inadvertently drop it in the water and reportedly can be immersed at a depth of 1 m for up to 30 minutes without suffering any damage. I will take a note of your handle for my torqeedo.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Good thing the torqeedo is completely waterproof, in the event you inadvertently drop it in the water and reportedly can be immersed at a depth of 1 m for up to 30 minutes without suffering any damage. I will take a note of your handle for my torqeedo.

That’s fine in 1 meter of water. I usually anchor in 2+ meters

 

[sail sfbay]

Captain Larry-DH,
That might be ok so long as long as you retrieve it quickly unlike the 60 lb outboard I dropped into the water that had to be taken home to remove the gasoline, clean, dried, oil changed and recovered quickly to avoid a fuel spill risk.