Sadly, it seems theft of boating gear and equipment continues to occur. Boats seem particularly vulnerable during the winter as owners tend not to visit very often and there are few other people around boatyards to serve as a deterrent. Is theft of boating equipment a concern for you? Have you ever had anything of value stolen or your boat damaged? If so, how did you deal with it? Does your boatyard have any realistic security or is everyone pretty much on their own? What measures do you take to secure your boat and its equipment when you're away for long periods of time? Share your thoughts about boatyard security, and how you secure your boat and equipment, then take take the Quick Quiz on the homepage. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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Only once
I did once get broken into on the hard and lost a set of tools, and more importantly to me, a large collection of stainless bolts and screws. Damage was minor. this happened in Wisconsin a number of years back. I now leave my boat unlocked over the off season so if someone tries to break in they won't have to damage my boat. I always take off all easily removable electronics and keep my fingers crossed, keep the ladder cabled to the cradle with a lock.
I did once get broken into on the hard and lost a set of tools, and more importantly to me, a large collection of stainless bolts and screws. Damage was minor. this happened in Wisconsin a number of years back. I now leave my boat unlocked over the off season so if someone tries to break in they won't have to damage my boat. I always take off all easily removable electronics and keep my fingers crossed, keep the ladder cabled to the cradle with a lock.
How about this
There is a boatyard in Portland where a few years back some vagrants actually moved aboard a boat on the hard during the winter. I am not talking about some poor homeless folks that needed a place to live. These were some real nasties. Their impact was unbelievable. The interior was completely trashed. I would gladly have a few valuable items stolen rather than having some dirtbag living on my boat. BTW, my boat is in MY yard in the winter and at the entrance to the CG station at it's mooring. Tim R.
There is a boatyard in Portland where a few years back some vagrants actually moved aboard a boat on the hard during the winter. I am not talking about some poor homeless folks that needed a place to live. These were some real nasties. Their impact was unbelievable. The interior was completely trashed. I would gladly have a few valuable items stolen rather than having some dirtbag living on my boat. BTW, my boat is in MY yard in the winter and at the entrance to the CG station at it's mooring. Tim R.
Surprisngly safe
My boat has been in Gloucester Point Virginia for ten years, and nary a problem at York River Yacht Haven. It could be because it's a high-class marina that may intimidate trouble-makers, or it may be because it's in a cul-de-sac of water that would prevent easy escape. But I've been impressed with the fact that few if any boats have been vandalized, and it certainly isn't for patrols by local sheriff's deputies. I consider myself and my colleagues lucky, and it's one more selling point for a great marina.
My boat has been in Gloucester Point Virginia for ten years, and nary a problem at York River Yacht Haven. It could be because it's a high-class marina that may intimidate trouble-makers, or it may be because it's in a cul-de-sac of water that would prevent easy escape. But I've been impressed with the fact that few if any boats have been vandalized, and it certainly isn't for patrols by local sheriff's deputies. I consider myself and my colleagues lucky, and it's one more selling point for a great marina.
So far, so good!
During the season my boat is slipped on a dead-end street and a dead-end canal. Not too many people know about it and it's off the beaten track. There are a couple of boatyards there and folks moving about much of the time. I keep the lazarette and the companionway locked with a hasp and staple/padlock, and a lock on the O/B clamps. If anyone really wanted in they could do it, but the O/B is a 20-year old 9.9, not very enticing. I have heard of thieves using a chainsaw on the transom to remove valuable O/Bs. In the winter, the boat is in my driveway.
During the season my boat is slipped on a dead-end street and a dead-end canal. Not too many people know about it and it's off the beaten track. There are a couple of boatyards there and folks moving about much of the time. I keep the lazarette and the companionway locked with a hasp and staple/padlock, and a lock on the O/B clamps. If anyone really wanted in they could do it, but the O/B is a 20-year old 9.9, not very enticing. I have heard of thieves using a chainsaw on the transom to remove valuable O/Bs. In the winter, the boat is in my driveway.
Thieves
One of my guests once asked me if I locked by boat to the dock. I still remember their surprise when I informed them that I was just tied on. The owners of my marina live on site; you have to drive right past their house to get into the parking lot, and I know they pay attention to what is going on in their back yard. I don't really worry about security; I have a relatively small boat, so unless a thief has a jones on for trailerable sailboats, chances are he will pass up my boat for the larger targets that promise more good stuff aboard. I am most worried about someone swiping my outboard motor. I used to use one of those Master Lock outboard locks. However, I would have to cut off the lock every year due to corrosion! That's right, the brass Master lock would corrode to the point where the key wouldn't work. This happened every year for three years. I got sick of cutting the lock and packing it off to Master for a free replacement. Maybe someone will invent a lock that lasts more than three months in the marine environment.
One of my guests once asked me if I locked by boat to the dock. I still remember their surprise when I informed them that I was just tied on. The owners of my marina live on site; you have to drive right past their house to get into the parking lot, and I know they pay attention to what is going on in their back yard. I don't really worry about security; I have a relatively small boat, so unless a thief has a jones on for trailerable sailboats, chances are he will pass up my boat for the larger targets that promise more good stuff aboard. I am most worried about someone swiping my outboard motor. I used to use one of those Master Lock outboard locks. However, I would have to cut off the lock every year due to corrosion! That's right, the brass Master lock would corrode to the point where the key wouldn't work. This happened every year for three years. I got sick of cutting the lock and packing it off to Master for a free replacement. Maybe someone will invent a lock that lasts more than three months in the marine environment.
I would agree
if someone wants to get in there isn't much that will stop them. During the season I keep our boat slipped, in plain site of the marina office. All accessible storage lockers and the companionway boards are locked. During the off season she sits on the trailer in a somewhat secure yard. I remove everything from the boat. The electronics, cushions, PFD's, bimini and pretty much anything else that is of value are stored at home. I check on it once or twice a month. Not so much out of fear of vandalism but for the sake of minimizing any problems with the storage cover or water ingress. I suppose if my boat was newer and of greater value I might not be as trusting.
if someone wants to get in there isn't much that will stop them. During the season I keep our boat slipped, in plain site of the marina office. All accessible storage lockers and the companionway boards are locked. During the off season she sits on the trailer in a somewhat secure yard. I remove everything from the boat. The electronics, cushions, PFD's, bimini and pretty much anything else that is of value are stored at home. I check on it once or twice a month. Not so much out of fear of vandalism but for the sake of minimizing any problems with the storage cover or water ingress. I suppose if my boat was newer and of greater value I might not be as trusting.
Or, in other words...
To put what Steve said another way: "Locks only keep out the honest people." If someone wants your stuff bad enough, he'll get it. The best you can do is take the kind of measures (locks & other preventions) that make stealing your stuff not worth his time and effort. He may simply move on to a less well defended boat (or house, or car, etc.), but at least your stuff is safe -- for the time being. Of course, you could always do like Captain Slocum and spread a bunch of carpet tacks on the deck. Pete s/v EmmieLou (Oday 322) Little Silver, NJ
To put what Steve said another way: "Locks only keep out the honest people." If someone wants your stuff bad enough, he'll get it. The best you can do is take the kind of measures (locks & other preventions) that make stealing your stuff not worth his time and effort. He may simply move on to a less well defended boat (or house, or car, etc.), but at least your stuff is safe -- for the time being. Of course, you could always do like Captain Slocum and spread a bunch of carpet tacks on the deck. Pete s/v EmmieLou (Oday 322) Little Silver, NJ
Oops
Sorry, TakeFive... I didn't read far enough down the thread to see that you'd already beaten me to the punch. Hats off to you, cap'n. Pete s/v EmmieLou (Oday 322) Little Silver, NJ
Sorry, TakeFive... I didn't read far enough down the thread to see that you'd already beaten me to the punch. Hats off to you, cap'n. Pete s/v EmmieLou (Oday 322) Little Silver, NJ
what's to steal?
The old Jack Sparrow is well worn,,, never had any electronics, just holes where they were,,,, duct taped windows... However I do take the 10hp off each time I park it. I also take the ball wedge off so no one can hook n go. The rudder has to come off before I can trailer, a real pain in the back. The Jack is aft heavy on the trailer and I have to use a block under the rear brace of the trailer. So if some one does climb on board their movement lets loose the block and BOOM down she comes Must scare the hell out of em. Only once I seen the block tripped
The old Jack Sparrow is well worn,,, never had any electronics, just holes where they were,,,, duct taped windows... However I do take the 10hp off each time I park it. I also take the ball wedge off so no one can hook n go. The rudder has to come off before I can trailer, a real pain in the back. The Jack is aft heavy on the trailer and I have to use a block under the rear brace of the trailer. So if some one does climb on board their movement lets loose the block and BOOM down she comes Must scare the hell out of em. Only once I seen the block tripped
Lucky so far
We haven't had anything stolen so far and actually had a couple of fenders returned!!! Somehow they had fallen overboard and someone had picked them out of the water and left them at our slip. One guy at Watson's Bayou said that he was asleep on his boat and was awakened twice by some guys in a boat trying to steal his outboard. It was locked n place and they made nosie trying to cut the locks. Another guy at WB had someone break in and steal some tools. It was strange in that he had other valuble stuff that they didn't take...just a few tools. The average sailboat can easily be broken into with a large screwdriver or a small crowbar. I don't know if stronger locks would discourage theft or just cause more damage when they break into the boat. We have stuff aboard that is of value to us but not of any great value to someone for resale. Only a sailer would want much of the stuff and sailers are exceptionally honest people.
We haven't had anything stolen so far and actually had a couple of fenders returned!!! Somehow they had fallen overboard and someone had picked them out of the water and left them at our slip. One guy at Watson's Bayou said that he was asleep on his boat and was awakened twice by some guys in a boat trying to steal his outboard. It was locked n place and they made nosie trying to cut the locks. Another guy at WB had someone break in and steal some tools. It was strange in that he had other valuble stuff that they didn't take...just a few tools. The average sailboat can easily be broken into with a large screwdriver or a small crowbar. I don't know if stronger locks would discourage theft or just cause more damage when they break into the boat. We have stuff aboard that is of value to us but not of any great value to someone for resale. Only a sailer would want much of the stuff and sailers are exceptionally honest people.
Have a good marina
I agree with many of the previous posts in that boats are relatively easy to break into. If someone wanted to get into my boat badly enough - it's a done deal. So I rely on the marina's security measures to make it hard enough for a person that he thinks twice about it and decides to forget about it. In our case, key-cards are needed to gain access to the docks, and there is usually someone on the dock to take note of any suspicious activity. In addition, we have both dock attendants and uniformed CBP officers who patrol the docks on a regular basis. This is about as secure as we're going to get. Bill on STARGAZER
I agree with many of the previous posts in that boats are relatively easy to break into. If someone wanted to get into my boat badly enough - it's a done deal. So I rely on the marina's security measures to make it hard enough for a person that he thinks twice about it and decides to forget about it. In our case, key-cards are needed to gain access to the docks, and there is usually someone on the dock to take note of any suspicious activity. In addition, we have both dock attendants and uniformed CBP officers who patrol the docks on a regular basis. This is about as secure as we're going to get. Bill on STARGAZER
To keep the honest folks honest.
Our marina management has security to keep the honest folks honest since theft in my experience is non-existent, but I am sure a small amount goes on. The marina I use is on a peninsula that is only accessible by resisents (small portion)or by crossing an international border so by default the peninsula is a gated comunity guarded by border patrol. (Point Roberts) It is a U.S. piece of land that is only accessable by water or by land through Canada so no criminal element gets through, as well the marina is fenced, patrolled and requires a pass key to enter therefore high security. Only other boaters to do the stealing and most are honest folks, still there are enough bigger targets to deter theft from smaller ones like mine and besides I remove all valuable electronics that are removeable every time I leave. No problems after 4 seasons.
Our marina management has security to keep the honest folks honest since theft in my experience is non-existent, but I am sure a small amount goes on. The marina I use is on a peninsula that is only accessible by resisents (small portion)or by crossing an international border so by default the peninsula is a gated comunity guarded by border patrol. (Point Roberts) It is a U.S. piece of land that is only accessable by water or by land through Canada so no criminal element gets through, as well the marina is fenced, patrolled and requires a pass key to enter therefore high security. Only other boaters to do the stealing and most are honest folks, still there are enough bigger targets to deter theft from smaller ones like mine and besides I remove all valuable electronics that are removeable every time I leave. No problems after 4 seasons.
Boat Security
What I have done is put a GPS Tracking unit on my sailboat. I can track it from my office 24-7 or from a laptop in the field. It's not that expensive and I have the feeling of security knowing where my boat is anytime I want to. Larry
What I have done is put a GPS Tracking unit on my sailboat. I can track it from my office 24-7 or from a laptop in the field. It's not that expensive and I have the feeling of security knowing where my boat is anytime I want to. Larry
lifelines
So one night I arrived at my boat at about 11pm. When I walked up I thought "That's odd, the lifeline gate is open. I never leave them open." Then once on board I looked and noticed that they were gone! All 5 of them! Two on each side and one on the transom gate. It cost $500 to replace them. I put them on with ss bolts and lock nuts intead of clevis pins with rongs. Then I smashed the threads on the bolts. This was at Marina Bay in Richmond. What really bothered me was the idea that it had to be another boater who did it. Who else would steal lifeline gates?
So one night I arrived at my boat at about 11pm. When I walked up I thought "That's odd, the lifeline gate is open. I never leave them open." Then once on board I looked and noticed that they were gone! All 5 of them! Two on each side and one on the transom gate. It cost $500 to replace them. I put them on with ss bolts and lock nuts intead of clevis pins with rongs. Then I smashed the threads on the bolts. This was at Marina Bay in Richmond. What really bothered me was the idea that it had to be another boater who did it. Who else would steal lifeline gates?
Not safe in Boise
I bought my Hunter 26 in February in Boise Idaho. It was in a Large storage lot (Republic Storage). Mostly RVs stored for the winter. I did not want to tow the boat 300 miles home at the time because of snow in the hills. The previous owner was more than happy to foot the bill for another couple months storage. He assured me it was very safe there and that he had stored the boat there for quite a few winters. There was a nice couple managing the place. They appeared to live on site. There were security cameras at the gate. Security code to get in. When I came back 6 weeks later my outboard 9.8 was gone. I had completely forgotten to do anything to secure it. I had put a new pad lock on the companionway. It took the previous owner a week to find a receipt with the serial number. The nice couple that ran the place (Republic Storage) had since moved on to somewhere else leaving the yard completely unattended at night. As I looked around I realized my motor could easily have just been carried down the isle and placed inside any of the RVs that were parked in the lot. Also the fence around the lot was not very high. The new managers of the lot were unwilling to even try and look at their security camera footage. Of course I never heard a word back from Boise police after reporting it. I now keep a cable and a padlock on my outboard. The marina where I moor all summer in Prineville has an on site watchman 24 hours. I keep the boat in my driveway all winter. My lesson was that storage lots are not safe places (Republic Storage). Your valuables don't have to even leave the lot to become stolen. Security cameras may be just giving you false security at Republic Storage. Remove your valuables whenever possible. My lesson was a $2,000.00 wake up call. If it is worth $1.00 a thief will carry it off. We have had nothing but fun ever since. Wouldn't give up our boat for anything.
I bought my Hunter 26 in February in Boise Idaho. It was in a Large storage lot (Republic Storage). Mostly RVs stored for the winter. I did not want to tow the boat 300 miles home at the time because of snow in the hills. The previous owner was more than happy to foot the bill for another couple months storage. He assured me it was very safe there and that he had stored the boat there for quite a few winters. There was a nice couple managing the place. They appeared to live on site. There were security cameras at the gate. Security code to get in. When I came back 6 weeks later my outboard 9.8 was gone. I had completely forgotten to do anything to secure it. I had put a new pad lock on the companionway. It took the previous owner a week to find a receipt with the serial number. The nice couple that ran the place (Republic Storage) had since moved on to somewhere else leaving the yard completely unattended at night. As I looked around I realized my motor could easily have just been carried down the isle and placed inside any of the RVs that were parked in the lot. Also the fence around the lot was not very high. The new managers of the lot were unwilling to even try and look at their security camera footage. Of course I never heard a word back from Boise police after reporting it. I now keep a cable and a padlock on my outboard. The marina where I moor all summer in Prineville has an on site watchman 24 hours. I keep the boat in my driveway all winter. My lesson was that storage lots are not safe places (Republic Storage). Your valuables don't have to even leave the lot to become stolen. Security cameras may be just giving you false security at Republic Storage. Remove your valuables whenever possible. My lesson was a $2,000.00 wake up call. If it is worth $1.00 a thief will carry it off. We have had nothing but fun ever since. Wouldn't give up our boat for anything.
The Other Portland
http://portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=117192609288290000 Check this out Tim R. We are developing a floating junkyard here on the river. If prior treatment of our "urban campers" is an indication they will have thier own marina by summer paid for by taxpayers
http://portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=117192609288290000 Check this out Tim R. We are developing a floating junkyard here on the river. If prior treatment of our "urban campers" is an indication they will have thier own marina by summer paid for by taxpayers
Thieves are worthless people
I unfortunately have experienced someone who wanted what I have and took it. I just purchased a Hunter 420 in September 2006 and during winter storage was broken into not once but twice. Fences and gates are good in the summer, but when the water is frozen, anyone can just walk over and take what they want. Plus, when you have a cover over your boat, they then can take their time and not worry about being seen. I did not lock my boat when stored party because you would have to have a ladder to get to it and I did not consider frozen water. They apparently spent a lot of time onboard, they actually took the time to unscrew the things they took and did not tear up anything. Then I locked it! Guess I must have made someone mad, because this time, they ripped the winter cover, tore off the lock, and damaged things inside the boat. The marina has now installed servaliance equuipment and uses a night watchman. Too late for this winter, maybe better for next. If I could somehow provide an electric shock to anyone trying to board in the winter, I would.
I unfortunately have experienced someone who wanted what I have and took it. I just purchased a Hunter 420 in September 2006 and during winter storage was broken into not once but twice. Fences and gates are good in the summer, but when the water is frozen, anyone can just walk over and take what they want. Plus, when you have a cover over your boat, they then can take their time and not worry about being seen. I did not lock my boat when stored party because you would have to have a ladder to get to it and I did not consider frozen water. They apparently spent a lot of time onboard, they actually took the time to unscrew the things they took and did not tear up anything. Then I locked it! Guess I must have made someone mad, because this time, they ripped the winter cover, tore off the lock, and damaged things inside the boat. The marina has now installed servaliance equuipment and uses a night watchman. Too late for this winter, maybe better for next. If I could somehow provide an electric shock to anyone trying to board in the winter, I would.
Many years ago
we had a thief attempt to remove the engine from our C22 on its trailer in a locked marina yard in the mid-1980's. They only ended up damaging the engine throttle. It was locked with one of those Master locks that required removal of the lock itself. I hated those things, but then realized a little maintenance goes a long way -- just remove and lubricate the lock more often! A few years later, water borne thieves attempted some skulduggery resulting in damage to a few boats. Nothing more recent than 10 years ago. For the gentleman from Boise, an unlocked motor, no matter where it is, is an outright lure to thieves. A simple lock, or putting it in the cabin, as you now know would've saved you that lesson, sorry it happened to you.
we had a thief attempt to remove the engine from our C22 on its trailer in a locked marina yard in the mid-1980's. They only ended up damaging the engine throttle. It was locked with one of those Master locks that required removal of the lock itself. I hated those things, but then realized a little maintenance goes a long way -- just remove and lubricate the lock more often! A few years later, water borne thieves attempted some skulduggery resulting in damage to a few boats. Nothing more recent than 10 years ago. For the gentleman from Boise, an unlocked motor, no matter where it is, is an outright lure to thieves. A simple lock, or putting it in the cabin, as you now know would've saved you that lesson, sorry it happened to you.
Last year
had theives break into the boat and stole all tools and parts and tried to take the battery charger. I had installed new rope clutches on Saturday and went back the next day to tighten them replace the halyards only to find their handy work. They did leave the brand new halyards but took most everything I had, even the sunscreen and sailing gloves. We have a fairly secure marina, well lighted piers, but as in all marinas the water access is the problem. The police suggested that someone saw me working on the boat. I no longer keep tools or parts on the boat, everything leaves when I do.
had theives break into the boat and stole all tools and parts and tried to take the battery charger. I had installed new rope clutches on Saturday and went back the next day to tighten them replace the halyards only to find their handy work. They did leave the brand new halyards but took most everything I had, even the sunscreen and sailing gloves. We have a fairly secure marina, well lighted piers, but as in all marinas the water access is the problem. The police suggested that someone saw me working on the boat. I no longer keep tools or parts on the boat, everything leaves when I do.
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