Locking Down an Outboard

[David Hall22685]

I recently had a motor stolen from my Hunter 170 in a slip in what I thought was a fairly secure marina. Of course I reported the theft and posted comments to the local board. It was suggested that I should have "locked down" my motor. How in the world do you "lock down" an outboard motor on a Hunter 170? Any suggestions before I buy the next one?

 

[seadaddler]

Locks

They make special locks for out board motors in I think WM or any marine store.
The type I am talking about the kind that is very or impossible to cut the lock with bolt cutters.
I had one on my outboard outboard and it has a black metal bar that slides over the clamps and than the special made lock fits in very tight,mine had a build up salt in it and could not get it off so had to work very hard with a hack saw to remove it,so lube it weekly.
I am not saying it is completely impossible but I have never had my outboard stolen with it.
Nick

 

[Lee Coller]

This was covered in a thread back in March:

 

[Benny]

No lock is thief proof, it just discourages some, delays the most persistent and redirects the efforts of others to unlocked prizes. I use a cable wrapped around the motor handle and stern pulpit with the lock secured at mount levers.

 

[peptobysmol]

No lock is thief proof, it just discourages some, delays the most persistent and redirects the efforts of others to unlocked prizes.

I agree. I have a very thick chain bolted to my motor mount with a round head bolt. The thief would either have to climb into the lazarette or use a good sized bolt cutter. The added benefit is that if for some reason the end of the motor mount broke off the chain would keep the motor from the cold icy depths of lake hefner.

 

[txjim]

I don't believe I'd use the motor lock as it depends on the motor mount for retention. Not the strongest part of the 170. The chain is a better way to go.

 

[GKuffner]

I tried one of those motor locks on my H216 but it wouldn't work with the way my 4hp mounted on the motor mount. I agree with others that you only need to make your property less Attractive than your neighbours I did use a quality lock with a hasp large enough to lock the 2 mounting screws on the engine together after they were screwed tightly to the motor mount. It worked well for me but nothing will deter a determined their with sufficient time

Gary