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ones sorrow is anothers joy
Because someone broke into the boat. and left the hatch open all winter long I was able to purchase this boat(price was right). I think between insurance and their selling price they made out OK. But after 3 month of putting her back together she's look great. So I park her in the barn in the winter and trailer her to the marina when I go sailing. I would love to be one of those who takes her up in the spring and out in the winter but I just can't leave her go that long. So we hook her up to the subride throw in the kitchen sink for a week or just for the extended weekend. and have happy times. They need to get over me if they want anything.
Because someone broke into the boat. and left the hatch open all winter long I was able to purchase this boat(price was right). I think between insurance and their selling price they made out OK. But after 3 month of putting her back together she's look great. So I park her in the barn in the winter and trailer her to the marina when I go sailing. I would love to be one of those who takes her up in the spring and out in the winter but I just can't leave her go that long. So we hook her up to the subride throw in the kitchen sink for a week or just for the extended weekend. and have happy times. They need to get over me if they want anything.
Park next to ...
a much nicer boat...and don't make it too hard to get into yours. Also, don't keep much on your boat that you are going to be unhapy about losing. Desparate people are ass#*%@$ who don't care about you or your stuff. Our "upscale" marina in Texas was hit the first time, by water, and they boarded 6-8 boats. Spent most of their time on 1-2 boats. Mine was one of the other 4 where all they did was steal all CDs, a koozie full of quarters (about$60), a pair of speakers that they wouldn't have taken had they been INSTALLED, and that's about it. Left behind liquor, 20" TV, CD player that was installed, portable A/C unit, tools, other accessories. My neighbor 2 slips down was hit and because it was harder to get into his boat, they threw his plexi hatch boards overboard, took his DVD player, DVD's, Flat Screen, flatscreen bracket, CD player, CD's, liquor in crystal decanters, inverter, on and on. Plus they CAME BACK 2-3 times over the next 4 weeks and took everything else that wasn't nailed down and some things that were, and some items he had replaced already!!! You just don't know...this place had 24hr "security"...and my buddy was as close to a liveaboard as you could be on an inland lake in Texas. We think the "lake rats" they would hire for the summers were responsible. I decided not to keep anything on my boat that I didn't want to lose...that's my story and I'm sticking to it...even here in Florida.
a much nicer boat...and don't make it too hard to get into yours. Also, don't keep much on your boat that you are going to be unhapy about losing. Desparate people are ass#*%@$ who don't care about you or your stuff. Our "upscale" marina in Texas was hit the first time, by water, and they boarded 6-8 boats. Spent most of their time on 1-2 boats. Mine was one of the other 4 where all they did was steal all CDs, a koozie full of quarters (about$60), a pair of speakers that they wouldn't have taken had they been INSTALLED, and that's about it. Left behind liquor, 20" TV, CD player that was installed, portable A/C unit, tools, other accessories. My neighbor 2 slips down was hit and because it was harder to get into his boat, they threw his plexi hatch boards overboard, took his DVD player, DVD's, Flat Screen, flatscreen bracket, CD player, CD's, liquor in crystal decanters, inverter, on and on. Plus they CAME BACK 2-3 times over the next 4 weeks and took everything else that wasn't nailed down and some things that were, and some items he had replaced already!!! You just don't know...this place had 24hr "security"...and my buddy was as close to a liveaboard as you could be on an inland lake in Texas. We think the "lake rats" they would hire for the summers were responsible. I decided not to keep anything on my boat that I didn't want to lose...that's my story and I'm sticking to it...even here in Florida.
GPS Tracking Unit
Sorry to take this on a tanget but.. I have a daughter who will be driving in the next year where can I get one of those for the car. I am guessing I can monitor speed and location that way. A camera would be a nice touch so I know who she has in the car too.
Sorry to take this on a tanget but.. I have a daughter who will be driving in the next year where can I get one of those for the car. I am guessing I can monitor speed and location that way. A camera would be a nice touch so I know who she has in the car too.
Victim of vandalism
Our frist winter on the hard taught us that all boats in the yard are easy targets for vandalism. Vandals just walked in across the ice, then used our neighbors ladder to get on our boat. They brought with them the tools they needed and had lots of time to do their worst. All the Hatches and storage acesses were locked with solid hardware and locks. To no avail. We suffered more damage because of it. Latches and locks bent and twisted. Fiberglass and Teak backings splintered, torn apart and smashed. Vandals did whatever was necessary to gain entry. Once inside the Vandals stole liquor and flares. Made a mess of everything else not tied down. Then left, leaving the boat open to the weather. (Police informed me that a report of flares being discharged on the same night was not investigated.???) NOW: When our boats in storage we empty everything off. Electronics, flares, galley stuff, cushions, floor boards, lines & halards...everything. We close up the boat and leave it UNLOCKED. Vandals can get in easy, but there is nothing to steal or break. Hopefully they will move on to another target.
Our frist winter on the hard taught us that all boats in the yard are easy targets for vandalism. Vandals just walked in across the ice, then used our neighbors ladder to get on our boat. They brought with them the tools they needed and had lots of time to do their worst. All the Hatches and storage acesses were locked with solid hardware and locks. To no avail. We suffered more damage because of it. Latches and locks bent and twisted. Fiberglass and Teak backings splintered, torn apart and smashed. Vandals did whatever was necessary to gain entry. Once inside the Vandals stole liquor and flares. Made a mess of everything else not tied down. Then left, leaving the boat open to the weather. (Police informed me that a report of flares being discharged on the same night was not investigated.???) NOW: When our boats in storage we empty everything off. Electronics, flares, galley stuff, cushions, floor boards, lines & halards...everything. We close up the boat and leave it UNLOCKED. Vandals can get in easy, but there is nothing to steal or break. Hopefully they will move on to another target.
Pro-active
Some years ago, we had a lot of stuff stolen from moored boats. The thieves used a RIB with a big engine and came across the Bristol Channel from South Wales. For the last 10 years, we have run our own bank patrols when the tide makes us vulnerable to this, and we have not had any more thefts. Members patrol in pairs. Since we started the patrols, there have been no more thefts of that type. For the yard, we have acquired some old security cameras, and I have rigged up a web server running on an old PC to send them out via the club's broadband link. The pictures aren't great, but people are recognisable - some people have been called on their mobile phone whilst they were in the yard and were surprised that people knew they were there and what they were doing. This is having a deterrent effect. Next job is to get wireless down to the pontoons. As people are seeing the benefits of this, the club is becoming more willing to invest. I know that if the system goes down, I get enough calls. We are a small club, entirely self funded, and so all losses and damage are effectively coming out of members pockets.
Some years ago, we had a lot of stuff stolen from moored boats. The thieves used a RIB with a big engine and came across the Bristol Channel from South Wales. For the last 10 years, we have run our own bank patrols when the tide makes us vulnerable to this, and we have not had any more thefts. Members patrol in pairs. Since we started the patrols, there have been no more thefts of that type. For the yard, we have acquired some old security cameras, and I have rigged up a web server running on an old PC to send them out via the club's broadband link. The pictures aren't great, but people are recognisable - some people have been called on their mobile phone whilst they were in the yard and were surprised that people knew they were there and what they were doing. This is having a deterrent effect. Next job is to get wireless down to the pontoons. As people are seeing the benefits of this, the club is becoming more willing to invest. I know that if the system goes down, I get enough calls. We are a small club, entirely self funded, and so all losses and damage are effectively coming out of members pockets.
Theives
I have a co-worker who has a 40' sport fisherman docked at Marko Island in Florida. A few months ago theives motored in on the water side and cleaned out several 40' power boats including his. He lost his Chart Plotter, Laptop PC, a .38 pistol, some scuba gear and an underwater scooter. A couple of months later the "fence" was caught and he got most of his gear back. He now has a burglar alarm system on his boat. It may not help much but it can't hurt.
I have a co-worker who has a 40' sport fisherman docked at Marko Island in Florida. A few months ago theives motored in on the water side and cleaned out several 40' power boats including his. He lost his Chart Plotter, Laptop PC, a .38 pistol, some scuba gear and an underwater scooter. A couple of months later the "fence" was caught and he got most of his gear back. He now has a burglar alarm system on his boat. It may not help much but it can't hurt.
Keel haul them
Don't mess with my boat, my rum, or my dog! If we worth our salt we would help you keel haul them! (but your boat looks clean!) Avast!
Don't mess with my boat, my rum, or my dog! If we worth our salt we would help you keel haul them! (but your boat looks clean!) Avast!
Nailed twice....
First time I had an 87 Mac25 at a neighbor's dock, it was broke into twice. The first time they twisted off the hatch lock, and stole (of all things) my WalMart flashlight. The boats around us were also broken into, and had radios taken, gastanks, whatnot. So, I figure they started out on mine to get a light, then used the flashlight to go to town on everyone else's boat. LOL The second time, I had not had the chance to fix the hatch lock, so they went in and stole a 400 watt inverter. It was about that time I pulled my boat, and put it at another lake. My current boat 'lost' several things when I purchaced it. After it was shipped to me, I noticed turnbuckles missing, compass gone, and a few other things. Ah well, nothing major (although, those turnbuckles were EXPENSIVE!)
The marina I'm at now just installed several IP cameras, we can keep an eye on our boats from the 'net, kinda nice!
First time I had an 87 Mac25 at a neighbor's dock, it was broke into twice. The first time they twisted off the hatch lock, and stole (of all things) my WalMart flashlight. The boats around us were also broken into, and had radios taken, gastanks, whatnot. So, I figure they started out on mine to get a light, then used the flashlight to go to town on everyone else's boat. LOL The second time, I had not had the chance to fix the hatch lock, so they went in and stole a 400 watt inverter. It was about that time I pulled my boat, and put it at another lake. My current boat 'lost' several things when I purchaced it. After it was shipped to me, I noticed turnbuckles missing, compass gone, and a few other things. Ah well, nothing major (although, those turnbuckles were EXPENSIVE!)
The marina I'm at now just installed several IP cameras, we can keep an eye on our boats from the 'net, kinda nice!Ripped OFF!
I had all my gear stolen preparatory for upgrading my 36 foot Cherubini Design Hunter Sloop a few years ago. The boat was located in the Oyster Point Marina and I had kept it there for quite a few years without incident. My Ray Marine almost everything.... Large Radar Scanner, Data Lotter, GPS, Auto Helm 2, Interface so the 3X could show fish finder info on my Ray Marine Data Logger .... Recovered none of it...
I had all my gear stolen preparatory for upgrading my 36 foot Cherubini Design Hunter Sloop a few years ago. The boat was located in the Oyster Point Marina and I had kept it there for quite a few years without incident. My Ray Marine almost everything.... Large Radar Scanner, Data Lotter, GPS, Auto Helm 2, Interface so the 3X could show fish finder info on my Ray Marine Data Logger .... Recovered none of it...
Thieves and vandals
are not, by definition, smart or hard working people. They are always going to be looking for the easy way to steal something. The trick is to look around and make sure your boat is harder to break into or vandalize than other boats. If they see hefty and visable locks and chains on your boat and its equipment, mostly likely they'll look for and hit easier targets.
are not, by definition, smart or hard working people. They are always going to be looking for the easy way to steal something. The trick is to look around and make sure your boat is harder to break into or vandalize than other boats. If they see hefty and visable locks and chains on your boat and its equipment, mostly likely they'll look for and hit easier targets.
I think, that when it comes to locks
size doesn't matter. I have a small lock on my door. If a thief wants in ,they'll get in. Locks only keep honest people, honest. The frame being somewhat small with a big lock is only as good as the frame the lock is on. Weakest link theory. Now if you replace the door with a iron plate. You might deter a seasoned thief. He wants it clean and simple and fast. An amature will do some damage to the surrounding area. Sorry to say but the only deterrent is lights, people and access. Provide those three things and thief will decline and move on. Kinda like at home, changing schedules, and lighting on and off at differant hours and neighbors who are aware and care. Bushes away from foundations and fences removed from the structure. You can alarm the boat and show stickers. Only a deterrent. If nobody is around to hear the siren, nobody will come. The thief knows this. You'll never stop the junkie that is high, and wants in to support their habit. For some truly know not what they do. They just don't care. I've seen junkies break windows to enter, in front of a police cruiser. They could care less, for they truly know not what they do. Like I told my daughter who has a convertible car. Leave the door unlocked, because if they want in, they'll rip the top to open the door. With the door unlocked, they wont rip the top.Don't leave anything in sight . Same goes for a boat. Do a small lock , chances are, they wont damage anything but the lock itself, maybe the hasp. You must take home all your goods and leave nothing of ANY value to be taken (pawned/sold). The thieves will come aboard and look around and leave. Naturally they wont close the door. If they do close the door ,they either live nearby and will do a repeat visit. They don't want you to know they have been there. To catch a thief you MUST think like one. Ask a police officer for their thoughts on the security of your vessel, where it sits, both in the winter and summer. Their comments are worth their weight in gold. You paid for it. Use it. Keep it up, Ctskip
size doesn't matter. I have a small lock on my door. If a thief wants in ,they'll get in. Locks only keep honest people, honest. The frame being somewhat small with a big lock is only as good as the frame the lock is on. Weakest link theory. Now if you replace the door with a iron plate. You might deter a seasoned thief. He wants it clean and simple and fast. An amature will do some damage to the surrounding area. Sorry to say but the only deterrent is lights, people and access. Provide those three things and thief will decline and move on. Kinda like at home, changing schedules, and lighting on and off at differant hours and neighbors who are aware and care. Bushes away from foundations and fences removed from the structure. You can alarm the boat and show stickers. Only a deterrent. If nobody is around to hear the siren, nobody will come. The thief knows this. You'll never stop the junkie that is high, and wants in to support their habit. For some truly know not what they do. They just don't care. I've seen junkies break windows to enter, in front of a police cruiser. They could care less, for they truly know not what they do. Like I told my daughter who has a convertible car. Leave the door unlocked, because if they want in, they'll rip the top to open the door. With the door unlocked, they wont rip the top.Don't leave anything in sight . Same goes for a boat. Do a small lock , chances are, they wont damage anything but the lock itself, maybe the hasp. You must take home all your goods and leave nothing of ANY value to be taken (pawned/sold). The thieves will come aboard and look around and leave. Naturally they wont close the door. If they do close the door ,they either live nearby and will do a repeat visit. They don't want you to know they have been there. To catch a thief you MUST think like one. Ask a police officer for their thoughts on the security of your vessel, where it sits, both in the winter and summer. Their comments are worth their weight in gold. You paid for it. Use it. Keep it up, Ctskip
They stole my whole boat!
My V222 was stolen about a year ago, lock stock and barrel. The thieves just cut the trailer lock, manhandled the boat to turn it around and hooked it up. They drove out of a "secure" lot. It has never been found. If anyone sees a V222 in Southern California with a red hull, post a note. The name on the sides was "Maria" in huge letters. My advice. If someone wants the boat enough, they will get it. On an older boat, take the sails out and store them somewhere else. Of course, along with the tools and booze and anything else of value. But without sails, they will have to invest more than the value of the boat to use it or sell it. It's a pain, but may save the boat, or at least harass the thieves.
My V222 was stolen about a year ago, lock stock and barrel. The thieves just cut the trailer lock, manhandled the boat to turn it around and hooked it up. They drove out of a "secure" lot. It has never been found. If anyone sees a V222 in Southern California with a red hull, post a note. The name on the sides was "Maria" in huge letters. My advice. If someone wants the boat enough, they will get it. On an older boat, take the sails out and store them somewhere else. Of course, along with the tools and booze and anything else of value. But without sails, they will have to invest more than the value of the boat to use it or sell it. It's a pain, but may save the boat, or at least harass the thieves.
To Catch A Thief...
Be careful what you wish for when it comes to catching a Thief aboard your boat..unfortunatly..if you come to blows with him..or worse..make sure your Liability Insurance is up to date..same as at home as Legal Action..right or wrong..is sure to follow.Luckily,I am in Texas..unfortunatly..hanging ain't legal no more. : - )
Be careful what you wish for when it comes to catching a Thief aboard your boat..unfortunatly..if you come to blows with him..or worse..make sure your Liability Insurance is up to date..same as at home as Legal Action..right or wrong..is sure to follow.Luckily,I am in Texas..unfortunatly..hanging ain't legal no more. : - )
If theft on the hard is the problem
then break-away rungs 2/3 of the way up the ladder will probably work. Just tell all of the other owners in the yard. Our marina is in full view of a hundred condominiums. I think that the idea that somebody is always watching the river is probably what keeps the theft rate at nearly zero. Cars are the more likely target.
then break-away rungs 2/3 of the way up the ladder will probably work. Just tell all of the other owners in the yard. Our marina is in full view of a hundred condominiums. I think that the idea that somebody is always watching the river is probably what keeps the theft rate at nearly zero. Cars are the more likely target.
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending March 18, 2007: I think that boat security: 60% Is pretty good where my boat is kept 19% Is my responsibility alone 12% Is not a problem for me 08% Is pretty bad where my boat is kept
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending March 18, 2007: I think that boat security: 60% Is pretty good where my boat is kept 19% Is my responsibility alone 12% Is not a problem for me 08% Is pretty bad where my boat is kept
LIveaboards
Your best defense and salvation will be with the live aboards. The marina is our home, take time to get to know us. Many of us may seem odd or like society rejects, but most of us are alot like you we are just a little more dedicated to the love of sailing. A live aboard sees the harbor as his home and protects it like his own. If you are rude when you show up on the week ends he may not care when he sees a loose line, dropping water line, or intruder. But when you are friendly and maybe bring a few cold beers he will protect your boat like its his own. Harbor masters and security are great but they aren't always there (especially in the wee hours) and they usially follow set schedules if they patroll at all. You never know when a live aboard may be returning home or heading out. Not to mention the fact that far too many harbor masters have never been beyond the break water. Several times I have alerted the harbor master that a boat was taking on water long before they noticed. Live aboards are tried, true and alert sailors, we see things that others will miss. If you can find one you really trust that will be great. I have keys to several boats in my harbor and the owners have truly become my friends. If they have a concern about weather or wake in the middle of the night with a concern about their bilge pump they call me and I go check, or usially I have already checked and ease their fear. Some times they leave town after a repair or experiencing a problem and ask me to keep an eye on it. In extreme circumstances I am the contact for hurricane evacuations, they know I have as much to lose as they so they base their response on mine. And once we get to the hurricane hole I stay aboard because its my home. I may not be able to help in the hight of the storm, but I am right there afterwards to pulll them back in before the surge fully recedes, or retie and reanchor, and defend from looters. As far as repairs or advice the live aboard has probably experienced any problem you may face because he uses his boat more, or talks to more people. His experience and knowledge can be invaluable. I never charge for these "services" I am just taking time to help people who are my friends, make them your friends not second class citizens. In short, for a cold beer and comradery a live aboard can be your best friend.
Your best defense and salvation will be with the live aboards. The marina is our home, take time to get to know us. Many of us may seem odd or like society rejects, but most of us are alot like you we are just a little more dedicated to the love of sailing. A live aboard sees the harbor as his home and protects it like his own. If you are rude when you show up on the week ends he may not care when he sees a loose line, dropping water line, or intruder. But when you are friendly and maybe bring a few cold beers he will protect your boat like its his own. Harbor masters and security are great but they aren't always there (especially in the wee hours) and they usially follow set schedules if they patroll at all. You never know when a live aboard may be returning home or heading out. Not to mention the fact that far too many harbor masters have never been beyond the break water. Several times I have alerted the harbor master that a boat was taking on water long before they noticed. Live aboards are tried, true and alert sailors, we see things that others will miss. If you can find one you really trust that will be great. I have keys to several boats in my harbor and the owners have truly become my friends. If they have a concern about weather or wake in the middle of the night with a concern about their bilge pump they call me and I go check, or usially I have already checked and ease their fear. Some times they leave town after a repair or experiencing a problem and ask me to keep an eye on it. In extreme circumstances I am the contact for hurricane evacuations, they know I have as much to lose as they so they base their response on mine. And once we get to the hurricane hole I stay aboard because its my home. I may not be able to help in the hight of the storm, but I am right there afterwards to pulll them back in before the surge fully recedes, or retie and reanchor, and defend from looters. As far as repairs or advice the live aboard has probably experienced any problem you may face because he uses his boat more, or talks to more people. His experience and knowledge can be invaluable. I never charge for these "services" I am just taking time to help people who are my friends, make them your friends not second class citizens. In short, for a cold beer and comradery a live aboard can be your best friend.
just been hit
this past weekend when visiting our mac26 in dry dock found our 8.5 tahatsu missing. theives had made off with it from a secure fenced lot. the lock was cut off and gas line cut. plus they boarded our vessel. there's some rule about that! if anyone has a motor for sale - give us an email.
this past weekend when visiting our mac26 in dry dock found our 8.5 tahatsu missing. theives had made off with it from a secure fenced lot. the lock was cut off and gas line cut. plus they boarded our vessel. there's some rule about that! if anyone has a motor for sale - give us an email.
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