Security systems?

[JsnMR2]

Hello everyone.... 

My new boat is going on the water March 1. First boat, first time mooring, and all of that. I'm hearing reports of theft and vandalism around the lake, and am a bit worried.....

So, has anyone come up with something nice for security? I've found a couple of things online and questioned a local shop today who is looking into some solutions for me..

Looking for features like these:

Door sensors
Deck sensors or floor mounted motion sensor (as to not pick up people walking by)
Siren
Flashing strobe

Anyone have any experience?

I've looked at Aqualarm and Marineguard.net so far. 

I know nothing is guaranteed to help, but we all know loud sounds and flashing lights tend to deter thieves and vandals. Also, it could get the attention of security and manager who lives on site. 

Thanks so much.

Pic for attention, in her winter storage.

 

[JsnMR2]

Bennington, if you offered a factory solution I would have paid for it!!

 

[Havasu]

Not sure how far you are from the boat but I've heard of people using baby monitors to keep an eye on their stuff.

 

[JsnMR2]

Its 15 miles. I don't think there is wifi offered there.

One more feature that seems to be available is a cell network add on. It'll call you and email you with alerts.

 

[lakeliving]

If we had real punishments in this country thieves would find an honest profession.


Aside from that you can always go with a trail cam. You won't get an instant alert but if you hide it well enough you'll at least know who was there.

 

[kaydano]

Get an Elvis.


Not the dead singer.  Crockett's pet gator from Miami Vice.

 

[mattb]

Tattletale is a cellular alarm system, don't know if they have anything that would work.

 

[Michiman]

Perhaps a flashing light with siren might scare off a thief, but mostly it seems these things tend to be ignored. 


Last year was the first time for us in a marina and I was concerned with the possibility of theft. It is wide open, with no attendant on duty and for the most part, dark. My boat is in the middle, so my first thought is that it would take a while to get to mine. 


Thankfully, no problems so far but I'm sure eventually there will be. Given my $1000 deductible, I've just taken more of a risk management approach. I always keep my cover on and remove highly valuable items. The rest of the stuff (life preservers, anchor, grill, etc.) are pretty much self-insured.


Here's hoping to another theft-free season! 

 

[lakeliving]

When I was in Texas a few months ago I noticed the marina's had fences out on the dock to stop people from just walking up unless they had an access code. Obviously from boat you could get in there but it kept those walking out. Is that not a common practice for those with marina slips?

 

[Rockie69]

Ours used to have a 4ft spring loaded gate. Wound up it was so annoying that people kept tying it open so they just removed it. Oddly enough I thouht theft would be an issue on our docks with it being so close to a bar and campsites. I was shocked how few people there were that went on the dock and not once did I hear of any theft. Guess I was just lucky.

 

[SEMPERFI8387]

When I was in Texas a few months ago I noticed the marina's had fences out on the dock to stop people from just walking up unless they had an access code. Obviously from boat you could get in there but it kept those walking out. Is that not a common practice for those with marina slips?

Not ours. Just a BIG sign that says "boat owners only" and "no fishing from dock".  Guess 99% of people can't read. Always people fishing off it, and sitting at ends with feet in water. Drives me nuts, but typically I keep my mouth shut. If they saw which boat I came off of, they can easily vandalize it. 

 

[ILLINOIS AVE]

JsnMR2  Kinda off the subject. What is the color combination on your boat ? Do you have a side picture of it ? Colors look nice! What model?  Thanks  Jeff

 

[BigKahuna]

JsnMR2.....  


I've learned over the years whether it's your automobile, motorcycle, home, boat or what other toys you may have............If somebody wants to break in, vandalize, or steal something..........THEY'RE GOING TO DO IT!!! Sure you may slow them down or make it harder for them to do but if they really want something THEY ARE GOING TO TAKE IT! (Cop for 28 years.)


The only thing I really worry about is my stainless prop and yet I have never put the prop lock on. Why? A friend of mine had a nice bass boat he used to keep on the Potomac w/an expensive stainless prop w/a prop lock installed. Well thieves messed up his lower unit bending the shaft getting that prop off. So he was out a prop AND he had to get his lower unit fixed.........

 

[kaydano]

A big motor would be hard to steel, but smaller ones have been stolen.  Are there locking nuts for motor mounts?  You'd only need one nut to lock a motor to your boat.  I haven't heard of them, but they are likely available.  Might not be a bad idea if you have a 20...


Can't imagine bending a shaft would happen very often by someone stealing the prop.  I would think they'd steal the next one down the line most of the time.  Unless that was the only one that fit!

 

[Spoiledrotten]

A big motor would be hard to steel, but smaller ones have been stolen.  Are there locking nuts for motor mounts?  You'd only need one nut to lock a motor to your boat.  I haven't heard of them, but they are likely available.  Might not be a bad idea if you have a 20...


Can't imagine bending a shaft would happen very often by someone stealing the prop.  I would think they'd steal the next one down the line most of the time.  Unless that was the only one that fit!

I've got one of the motor mount locks on mine. Just a little bit of insurance.

But as already stated, if someone my property, and are willing to risk their life fir it, then they will surely try. 

 

[lakeliving]

I have a prop lock on mine. If they want to try and pull 400+ lbs of motor off the back have it!

 

[SEMPERFI8387]

With the plethora of cordless tools out there, 2 minutes and they'll just take the battery operated sawzall to the aluminum transom mount and still take your motor .........  :blink:  As stated, if a thief wants it bad enough, he'll take it. I'm a little concerned about our new boat as it will stand out like a sore thumb, but I guess that's why I have insurance.

 

[Spoiledrotten]

I have a prop lock on mine. If they want to try and pull 400+ lbs of motor off the back have it!

They don't seem to make a prop lock for the Yamaha smaller than the 90 hp.

 

[lakeliving]

With the plethora of cordless tools out there, 2 minutes and they'll just take the battery operated sawzall to the aluminum transom mount and still take your motor .........  :blink:  As stated, if a thief wants it bad enough, he'll take it. I'm a little concerned about our new boat as it will stand out like a sore thumb, but I guess that's why I have insurance.

Fly your USMC flag from the anchor light and you'll be good. People will know not to touch it!

 

[SEMPERFI8387]

Fly your USMC flag from the anchor light and you'll be good. People will know not to touch it!

Or a decal that says "I had you in my sights 200 yards back, turn around and go in piece, or stay and leave in pieces" .....  :lol: