OB security while on mooring

[sbcwolff]

So we pulled the trigger and bought a Tohatsu Sail Pro (as the Evinrude from the 1980's was just not being dependable). This OB is worth almost as much as our boat though (LOL, I'm only kind of exaggerating) and I'm wondering about best ways to secure it to prevent theft. Most the other boats that moor near us leave their OB attached on stern, but do some people take it off and lock it in the boat? Or rig up a chain lock etc? Just hoping to avoid theft

 

[Justin_NSA]

On my Mac I used a long shank lock thru the lugs of the clamps so that they couldn't be loosened. It will keep the amateurs away.

 

[tfox2069]

Its worth making a lock or cable difficult to cut. Either the MarineTech or Fulton outboard motor locks should do the job. Well enough that if someone is determined to get your motor they will, and you'll be able to tell the insurance agent that you did what you could to secure it. (You DID update your marine insurance to cover the potential loss, right?) Covering the outboard so someone can't see readily that its brand new, and what brand/hp it is, might also help a little.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Its worth making a lock or cable difficult to cut. Either the MarineTech or Fulton outboard motor locks should do the job. Well enough that if someone is determined to get your motor they will, and you'll be able to tell the insurance agent that you did what you could to secure it. (You DID update your marine insurance to cover the potential loss, right?) Covering the outboard so someone can't see readily that its brand new, and what brand/hp it is, might also help a little.

Good points. You should take pictures of it locked, model number and serial number for your insurance records. Make sure your coverage will handle the loss. An ugly cover might discourage thieves.

 

[dlochner]

A thick SS cable is a better choice than a chain. Bolt cutters are not very effective on cables as the cable splays out. Good cable cutters are expensive, bolt cutters are cheap. Thieves are cheap so they don' t carry cable cutters.

A good cable and a good lock should do it.

 

[Ron20324]

Covering the outboard so someone can't see readily that its brand new, and what brand/hp it is, might also help a little.

Use an old cover.

 

[Rick486]

Also I have seen some guys paint their outboard cover day glow bright orange......

 

[JRT]

I used a cable and lock from the hardware store when I bought a new outboard. It was black rubber coated and kept everyone honest.

 

[dlochner]

I used a cable and lock from the hardware store when I bought a new outboard. It was black rubber coated and kept everyone honest.

The reality is the lock and cable will keep honest people honest. If someone is really intent on stealing your OB, they will find a way. Fortunately most thieves are lazy and only pick the low hanging fruit.

 

[rgranger]

I bought the same O.B. this spring. Love mine. I use the same approach as @tfox2069 and have done so for many years. So far lucky. BTW: if you are like me and don't like to read manuals..... the O.B. has to be off but in forward gear to tip it up. I don't know why they designed it that way but it is what it is.

 

[jviss]

It's a shame that this is a consideration. But, that said, how extreme would you go? You could remove the "handles" from the screws holding it to the transom. I think mine are held in place with roll pins. A roll pin punch will make quick work of removal, and installation, too. You could also use some red loctite when you tighten the screws; only you would know heat is required to unscrew.

 

[jmce1587]

Check out http://outboardmotorlocks.co.uk/ They have a US rep. Purchased my Suzuki dinghy motor lock from them.

 

[Bob J.]

It's a shame that this is a consideration.

I totally agree. It is a shame when this kind of darkness destroys the joy in our life.

 

[rgranger]

Check out http://outboardmotorlocks.co.uk/ They have a US rep. Purchased my Suzuki dinghy motor lock from them.

Wow! Those look legit.

 

[Benny17441]

Just find an old cowling that may fit it. Take a hammer, a wire brush, some spray paint and leave the leg in the water for a week. Make it look like an old clunker and it should be safe. You may add a rusty chain to reinforce the notion that it may not be worth the effort.