GPS Tracking for Dinghys ?

[Jeff Bacon]

Hi All:Over the past few days I have read about a number of stolen dinghys. As I plan my trip to the Bahamas next summer, I started thinking about tracking a stolen Dinghy and/or outboard motor via GPS, as they do cars and trucks, and, was wondering if something like that is feasable, both from a technology standpoint and a cost standpoint.I have no clue where to even start looking for something like this. Anyone have any thoughts ?Thanks..... Jeff

 

[KennyH]

I would think anything that works for a car

I haven't traveled in the Bahamas for awhile. It was not much of a problem 10 years ago. I used a chain and padlock for both the motor and the boat when tied up somewhere. I would think something like lojack could fit inside an outboard motor. Never had one so don't know the size. A big chain and lock will slow most people down. I have had two dingys stolen over 35 years of crusing. One was in Virginia Beach Va. Forgot the chain. One was in Soloman Island MD. Again forgot the chain.

 

[MarkDB]

GPS is a receiver not a transmitter

Most GPS devices on the market are just receivers for the Global Positioning Signal. They do not transmit their locations. Only special devices (i.e. expensive) like Lo-Jacks do that. Markdb

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Tracking stolen stuff

There are gps tracker transmitters used by trucking companies, delivery services, etc. and for a nominal fee, you could also subscribe after purchasing the unit, however, I believe they will work only within the U.S.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Tracking network

Don is correct. There must be a network for the lowjack like transmitter to tie into. The real issue is how are you going to secure the unit to a dinghy and how are you going to power it so that the thief can't just unplug it. There are not many places to "hide" things on a dinghy.

 

[Jeff Bacon]

I forgot about lojack....

... but, I thought only law enforcement was permitted to have the tracking device. Probably wrong on that issue.Also, where to put it is definitely an issue. I thought if small enough (I have no clue as to size) it could be placed inside one of the dinghy tubes, or, inside the outboard tucked away somewhere, or, glued in a permanantly sealed "pouch" on the outside of the tubes and made of he same material as the tubes. Certainly there are some logistical problems. I also assume that most dinghys are stolen for the outboard rather than the dinghy, although not true in all cases.I'll keep lookingJeff